Making Decorative Granulation Beads

by Judy Larson
Using decorative granulation/balls/beads can add a lot of dimension to your jewelry pieces. The surface of Argentium does not pit
like sterling silver does, making it ideal for making decorative granulation/balls/beads.
Instructions
Keep a small box (this one is from an outdoor store and is used to keep small fish hooks separated) loaded with beads of various sizes. Spend an afternoon cutting and balling wire beads of various sizes so when inspirations strikes, they are ready to go. This box shows beads made with 18 gauge round dead soft Argentium wire. The section with one inch pieces of balled wire also houses larger domed pieces. Hint: The longer the wire used, the "flatter" the ball will be.
Judy Larson's Making Decorative Granulation Beads - , Wire Jewelry Design, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, granulation beads
Space the cut pieces of wire out on a soldering brick. Use a butane torch to melt each wire piece into balls. Hint: The surface of copper pits just like sterling silver and is harder to ball up than Argentium. It sometimes helps if the wire is cut into smaller sections which are then placed side by side to ball them.
Judy Larson's Making Decorative Granulation Beads - , Wire Jewelry Design, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, granulation
Let the balls cool. Holding a ball with the tips of a chain nose pliers, run the flatter side of the ball over 320 or 400 grit sandpaper to remove any fire scale and any bits of fire block that may be sticking to them.
Judy Larson's Making Decorative Granulation Beads - , Wire Jewelry Design, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, granulation

Materials

18 Gauge Half Round Dead Soft Argentium .940 Silver Wire
H19-18HRD
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $2.76
  • Gold Club Price: $2.07
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Tools

Chain Nose Pliers with Wire Cutter
G2-3
  • G2-3
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $4.97
  • Gold Club Price: $3.73
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Blazer GB4001 Stingray Torch, Black
TRCH-4001
  • TRCH-4001
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $49.95
  • Gold Club Price: $37.46
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  • Category: Design
  • Technique(s): Butane Torch Techniques