Tuesday, March 09, 2010

My first spring loaded, clapper style resin bracelet

This bracelet has been on my design list for a while now. I wanted a resin bracelet that was easy on and off, comfortable to wear, and oval shaped. The biggest hurdle was finding the spring loaded jewelry hinges. The next problem was finding a heat-proof bracelet mandrel for post curing the urethane resin (see previous post) Once these design challenges were solved, I created the master and molds. The final problem was finding the right glue that would bind the metal hinge to the urethane resin. The glue needed to be heat resistant and give a strong bond, capable of withstanding the torquing stress of opening the bracelet, without failure. After multiple tests, E-6000 turned out to be the winner.

Here is the first of my new hinged resin bracelets. It's a fan coral design. I love the way the fan coral fingers interlace in the front, to give an almost invisible closure. When you pull the bracelet open, and let go, it gives a nice snapping sound. Or should that be a clapping sound?

Fan Coral Hinged Clapper Resin Bracelet
Back of Fan Coral Hinged Clapper Resin Bracelet
View showing spring loaded hinge

This is the perfect style bracelet for me. I have small wrists and large hands. I wear a size 7 bracelet, but to get a bangle over my hands, can be painful. This resin bracelet is comfortable, easy to put on, stays in place without rotating, and light weight at just 38.6 grams. Did I mention it's my favorite colors for summer?

3 comments:

Katherine said...

What a neat idea! I am so impressed to your detail. You're right, great summer bracelet.

Liana Turnbull Bennett said...

Thank you, Katherine.

Leslie said...

Hello there-
I know this is an old blog but I'm hoping you are still here. I am desperately trying to find the jewelry hinge that you show in your resin bracelet. Can you please help?
Thank hyou