Debra’s Process

Using a wet diamond saw to cut glass.

This glass has been cut. Next step, I refine the shapes with a wet belt sander.

Working on an engraving machine.

I use a metal bust to lay out the pieces to ensure they lay properly on the body.

I use an oxy-acetylene torch to solder the sterling silver parts together.

The process of soldering the sterling silver pieces together.

The finished piece.

I wear a stylish rubber apron while I work with the glass as well as rubber boots because my process involves a lot of water to keep the glass cool.

The process from start to finish.

A finished necklace with the inspirational image accompanying it.

A wave necklace in process.

The completed tsunami necklace.

Just another glamorous day in my studio.

I make a mess.

Jewelry making is a surprisingly dirty job.

Setting the pieces requires a steady hand.

My process begins with a specific inspiration, or idea... I surround myself with images of my inspiration, then do some preliminary sketches. I keep many sketchbooks around, and may work a few trains of thought at any given time.

I start with the glass: I laminate several sheets of colored glass to a thicker block of optical glass. Once I have the color formulated as I like, I cut the glass with a wet diamond saw. I then shape the pieces using flat lap wheels which grind the glass with a combination of carbide grit and water. Next, I engrave or carve the surface of the glass using an engraving machine...a slow spinning lathe, that is cooled by water, and uses stone diamond, or copper wheels to create my designs. Once the design is engraved, I create the setting out of sterling silver. When the setting has been completely fabricated, I carve back into the glass to create the places where the stones and/or metal will rest, and then solder all the sterling components together. I sand and file the sterling parts and bring them to a finish. Finally, I decide what parts of the glass piece should be polished, and do so. My last step is to carefully set the glass, then sign and copyright the finished piece.

Check out my inspiration