- NEW DVD Series – Stone Setting with Bezels
- Tube Set Charm by Kim St. Jean
- Prong Basket Pendant by Kim St. Jean
- NEW DVD Series – Stone Setting with Cold Connections
- New DVD Series – Stone Setting with Wire
- NEW DVD Series: Introduction to Stone Setting by Kim St. Jean
- Featured Tool: Bracelet Bending Plier
- NEW Dvd by Eva Sherman
- Fun, Fast Fold Forming DVD Series
- Double Band Ear Cuff from Alex Simkin
Daily Wire Tip Jan. 7: What is a 7-Prong Bell Cap Used For?
Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
January 07, 2010
Question:
What is a 7 prong, or any prong for that matter, bell cap used for?
Answer:
As a child, my mom taught my brother and me to tumble rocks, and then to make ‘rockhound’ jewelry. These pieces were made by gluing bell caps to the tumble polished stones and then attaching these stone charms to base metal, chain bracelets or key chains and were proudly given as holiday gifts to family members.
Bell caps are generally made of a base metal (sometimes plated) and are in the shape of a baseball cap or a cone head. They have several prongs (which can be shaped as scallops, petals or spikes) that can be bent as needed to fit over the top of an item (such as a tumbled stone) and are then glued to whatever, forming a charm. See a photo here: https://wire-sculpture.com/silver-plated-bell-caps/10mm_Silver_Plated_Bell_Cap_Pack_of_5-2727-161.html
Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong
Have a question? Submit your question here!
Laurie
January 7, 2010 at 3:51 pm
Thanks Dale, for the picture. I have often wished that a picture were attached with some of the answers that you provide. It is a great help for us “visual” learners. Please send more!!!!
Laurie.