How to Make an Enamel Bracelet
Let us begin with a bracelet. It must be a little longer than the
circumference of the wrist. You will find it much easier to gauge the
size of each link (the links may be the same or unequal in width) if you
first sketch the whole bracelet on a strip of graph paper of the proper
length.
Subtract 1/4" (0.6cm) from the overall length to allow for the spring lock.
Cut the links from a sheet of copper, and round off the corners a little
with a file. After you have enameled the pieces, attach the hinges with
metal adhesive to join them in an even line. The use of metal adhesive
obviates the need for the rather complicated process of soldering. Take
care that none of the adhesive gets into the hinge mechanism, and that
the center of each hinge is set exactly between two links. Clothes-pegs
will hold the hinges in place until the adhesive is dry. The drawing
below shows exactly how the spring lock is to be attached.
The links of this bracelet are about 1" (2.5cm) square. Since the hinges
are exposed in this design, you must include them in your calculations
for the overall length (count about 1/8" (0.3cm) per hinge).
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