SHOP         COLLECTIONS        STOCKISTS         NEWS        MEET JENNE        EVENTS

Techniques | Jenne Rayburn

Techniques

JEWELRY MAKING TECHNIQUES

I love to experiment in order to discover new ways of incorporating texture, color and images into my designs. I primarily use three techniques; enamel, wax model making and casting, and saw piercing. I also handcraft chains to accompany my designs. Even with these few techniques, I am continually finding new ways to fall in love with my craft!

Enamel is the main focus of most of my studio time. Enameling is glass fused to metal at high heat. It is characterized by brilliant, non-fading colors, that create a variety of color effects depending on the process used to apply the enamel, the type of enamel glass, the length of firing time, and the angle of light when you view the piece. The enamel I use is finely ground glass, like fine sand, or fine powder mixed with an oil or adhesive. When fired in a kiln it may become opaque or transparent; the colors result from the addition of various minerals and metal oxides. I also paint on enameled copperusing over-glaze china paints.

Sculpting three-dimensional forms in wax to achieve a custom design or exciting new ideas is one of the main techniques I use for the Ossis Collection. Wax is versatile and lets me create very sculptural designs. I carve and build up specialty jewelry waxes to create a wax model prototype. The metal designs are cast directly from the wax model.

Many of my designs are two-dimensional graphic interpretations of the world around me, cut from metal sheet and then hammered and etched. This involves using a saw frame with a very fine blade to cut out intricate shapes, such as the animals and symbols featured in the Ark Collection of necklaces, earrings and bracelets. I also use special dies to cut the metal in a hydraulic press, as well as laser cutting and etching.

Custom chains are the final touch. Each chain starts off as a length of wire, which I then use to create jump ring links, or wind round a pliers to connect gemstones. I like to include small charms saw pierced or die cut out of silver and brass, antique and vintage beads, and gemstones.

To read more about these typical jewelry making techniques and the tools that I use in my studio, please click on the links below.

For sneak peeks, news and conversation, check out Jenne Rayburn’s Instagram Feed… @jennerayburn

[ess_grid alias="instagramstream-014850"]

Sign up to Receive

Jenne Rayburn

Promotions & Newsletter

LET’S CONNECT

PO BOX 532
Malden, MA 02148, USA
sales@jennerayburn.com
617-293-5033 
 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Melrose Open Studio Tour
10/21  10:30am-4:30pm presented by MOST
American Craft Council – Online Pop-Up
8/8 – 8/20 presented by ACC
Earrings Galore
6/10 – 7/9 presented by Ombré Gallery

For sneak peeks, news and conversation check out Jenne Rayburn’s Instagram Feed…  @jennerayburn

Sign up to Receive

Jenne Rayburn Promotions & Newsletter

LET’S CONNECT

PO BOX 532
Malden, MA 02148, USA
sales@jennerayburn.com
617-293-5033 
 

UPCOMING EVENTS

American Craft Council Online Pop-Up
11/06 – 11/19  presented by ACC
Marblehead Arts Holiday Show
12/2 – 12/3 presented by MAA
Earrings Galore
7/27 – 9/10 presented by Pistachios Gallery
Scroll to Top
MENU JENNE RAYBURN