Use a divider tool to mark the shape of all four discs into the sheet metal before cutting out the discs. If you don’t have a disc cutter, you can use a jeweler’s saw. You don’t need to trim or file the discs down right now since you’ll be working on them later.
Sapping blocks are small wooden boxes with a hole in the middle used to make metal into dome shapes. Make sure that both domes match each other in height before continuing.
Make sure that both domes have a flat edge, and that both edges line up evenly with one another.
You won’t need the centers that you cut out anymore, so you can set them aside for another project or throw them away.
Make sure that both holes are identical, smooth, and evenly round when finished.
Always wear gloves, a mask, and safety goggles when you solder. Check the solder once the metal cools. The bearing plate and dome should be thoroughly fixed together. The two soldered pieces will form the two sides of the locket shell.
Check the edges of all 3 hinges before continuing to make sure they lie flush against one another when lined up end-to-end, or else the hinge will not work correctly.
Make sure that the hinge groove is just barely wide enough and long enough for your three hinge knuckles, then remove the masking tape.
Correction fluid will protect the silver from the flame of the soldering iron, and it will also prevent the area underneath it from melting. You can find correction fluid at most tech supply stores.
You can find binding wire at most hardware stores.
You can find solder flux at most tech supply stores.
You will probably need someone else’s help during this step. Ask your helper to hold the locket shell steady using soldering tongs. The wire will also block some of the heat, preventing the inside of the hinge from melding together during the soldering process.
The locket may hiss a little bit, but it’s fine.
You’ll work on the front piece in just a moment, so don’t put it too far out of reach. Jump rings are small metal circles that you can find in most jewelry supply stores.
The hole should be in the middle of the bearing plate.
The bottom of the wire must touch the inside of the dome, or else the locket will be uneven.
Choose wire made from brass, nickel, or 14k white gold. These metals are more durable than silver.
Both ends of the pin should be matching once you’re done.
You need to test where the pin closes in the locket before you drill to make sure that it will line up.
You can find buffing and polishing compounds at most hardware stores.
