Giant Edison Pearl Ring

[Sea Urchin]

I got this wonderful, giant 18 mm Edison pearl in a pendant (originally from PP), from our Pkinnew's collection over on Pricescope (once logged in, hit the "Forums" tab at the top, then "Pricescope Caf?," then "Pre-loved PS Jewels," then scroll down).

I seem to feel the urge to dissect everything I get lately. No, I make husband dissect everything I get. I found a lucky ebay bargain, the flower ring shown below. It is 14k yellow gold, mother-of-pearl, a button pearl, and diamond chips around the rim (in some of the pics, it's shown with my two thin diamond bands).

I pulled the button pearl off the setting but chickened out on getting the MOP off, too. No, I made husband do that, too.

I am sure I will look a bit crazy with my bowling ball ring on, but I'm quite pleased.

About the Edison pearl, I believe it's dyed. One side has fuschia overtones and the other side has green overtones.

 

[kelluvpearls]

Was it hard getting the button pearl off and gluing the new pearl on?
It sure is a statement piece!

 

[Sea Urchin]

Thanks, Kelluv!

Husband says he got the button pearl off by microwaving a coffee cup full of water in a coffee cup, then dropping the ring in. (We didn't care if that pearl got damaged because I didn't want it anyway). After it was heated, he pried it off easily with a screwdriver.

He put just the tip of the Edison pearl in hot water, then twisted and pulled that pin out, too.

It's not glued into the ring yet. The band is too big so we want to get it sized first. But he's glued pearls before with that 2-part epoxy so he knows how.

I have big paws and really like big pearls, especially where I can see them. I'll just have to be careful not to knock it around too much.

 

[pattye]

Sea Urchin,

Great ring, looks so chic on the middle finger!

 

[JerseyPearl]

Love this! You are wonderful at repurposing...and your ring will be gorgeous. Can't wait to see the finished project.

 

[cyndayco]

We are kindred spirits when it comes to pre-loved jewelry and statement rings. Looking forward to seeing all your projects!

 

[GemGeek]

I love that you are so daring - audacious, really. It turned out to be fabulous. And I love it when our jewels stay in the family!

 

[Katbran]

Clever you ! I love the idea ! And very brave to do the microwave thing..I know we talked about it before on this forum but I've not had the guts to do it lol I think I'd just try the hot water ! The ring looks great !

 

[Tucs]

Beautiful, seaurchin! Looks huge, too.

 

[Lady_Disdain]

Considering the huge difference in size between the original pearl and that beautiful Edison, the post in the ring may not be long enough. When you get the ring sized, have the bench person check and, if necessary, extend it (just like retipping a prong).

 

[JerseyPearl]

Very good point LadyD! I am getting ready to set some pearls onto posts (earrings and enhancers)...what is the best product to use and are there any tutorials here for the best technique? I am afraid I will glob glue all over the place!

 

[pearlescence]

We switched to gel superglue about nine months ago from two part epoxy and so far it is going very well with no inclination to switch back. The gel glue is easy to control, sets and holds well and a release liquid is available and works well to release when you want to remove from a setting or if the gluing has gone wrong. Gel is better than liquid as it doesn't run everywhere. Plus no faffing around trying to mix it properly.
Top tip is to make sure surfaces to glue touch and then to use about a quarter as much glue as you think you will need. Glue works by making a suction/vacuum so slathering on big gobs actually makes for a poor adhesion. Less is definitely more with glues
Put a tiny blob, pin head size onto the top of the post then place the pearl and give it a bit of a spin around to distribute the glue. take the pearl off and look to see if the glue has distributed along the post and to the edge of the cup if there is one. If not add a tiny bit more. Have a bit of tissue handy to wipe off any excess and leave to dry in open air

 

[Katbran]

I sandpaper or file the post a tiny bit .. don't know that it's necessary but seems like it should provide a bit more for the glue to attach to..

 

[kelluvpearls]

Great tips Lady D and Katbran. Sea Urchin looking forward to the finished ring.

 

[JerseyPearl]

We switched to gel superglue about nine months ago from two part epoxy and so far it is going very well with no inclination to switch back. The gel glue is easy to control, sets and holds well and a release liquid is available and works well to release when you want to remove from a setting or if the gluing has gone wrong. Gel is better than liquid as it doesn't run everywhere. Plus no faffing around trying to mix it properly.
Top tip is to make sure surfaces to glue touch and then to use about a quarter as much glue as you think you will need. Glue works by making a suction/vacuum so slathering on big gobs actually makes for a poor adhesion. Less is definitely more with glues
Put a tiny blob, pin head size onto the top of the post then place the pearl and give it a bit of a spin around to distribute the glue. take the pearl off and look to see if the glue has distributed along the post and to the edge of the cup if there is one. If not add a tiny bit more. Have a bit of tissue handy to wipe off any excess and leave to dry in open air

Thank you pearlescence! I will give super glue gel a try! I must admit that the concept of two part epoxy really intimidated me...super glue, not so much! THANK YOU!!!