Anyone know where I can find 14kt rose gold headpins?

[pinkjewel]

I've checked Rio Grande and Bella Findings-both sell rose gold findings- except no headpins??!! Any other ideas?

 

[ksinger]

I'm finding rose gold plated ones, but no rose gold, not even at Otto Frei.

It it were me, I'd make my own. All it takes is a microtorch and some jeweler's pickle, but I realize most people aren't into that and just want to find some pre-made pins.

I'll keep hunting though...

 

[pinkjewel]

I'm finding rose gold plated ones, but no rose gold, not even at Otto Frei.

It it were me, I'd make my own. All it takes is a microtorch and some jeweler's pickle, but I realize most people aren't into that and just want to find some pre-made pins.

I'll keep hunting though...

thanks, ksinger. I've only been able to find the plated ones,too. I used to have access to a torch (and have made balled sterling headpins), but the place that I used to go to went out of a business a few years ago. It was a really great bead store where the owner did a lot of lampworking and she had torches set up in the back which you could "rent" by the hour.

Oh well... Please let me know if you run across some already made. I can make some from wire with little curled ends- but would prefer plain or with a little ball.

 

[Lady_Disdain]

How thick is the wire you are using? Those small creme brulee torches can do this easily, specially with gold, since the heat won't disperse as fast as in silver. These torches are quite cheap, safe and you can get propane refills from a cookware store.

 

[pinkjewel]

How thick is the wire you are using? Those small creme brulee torches can do this easily, specially with gold, since the heat won't disperse as fast as in silver. These torches are quite cheap, safe and you can get propane refills from a cookware store.

ok-thanks! I didn't think such a tiny torch would work. I'm working with 24 and 26 gauge wire. I'll buy a little torch and try it out.

 

[Lady_Disdain]

You can do a surprising amount with those torches. My first torch was similar to this: http://www.riogrande.com/Product/Proxxon-Microflame-Butane-Torch/500226?pos=1 With it, I soldered rings, pendants and fused silver. A large torch is great (I love mine) but the small ones are great to start out with. As a matter of fact, I still use my small propane torch in some situations.

 

[StacylikesSparkles]

Can you show us a picture of a headpin? I would love to see!

 

[Lady_Disdain]

Here you go: http://www.riogrande.com/Product/Sterling-Silver-15mm-Ball-Head-Pins-1-2-Hard/695177?pos=8

Pinkjewel - check out this online class: http://www.craftsy.com/class/micro-torch-basics/130 It is focused on teaching the basics of using a microtorch for jewelry. It looks interesting and it is free right now! Can't go wrong with that price.