paying attention
I think that it is often the detail that makes a thing special - whether that’s running a large business or making a piece of jewellery. When it comes to jewellery, and my process in particular, I try to put effort into each part of the process and not only the engraving. Sketching the idea that leads to an engraving, making the earring post or engraving my logo at the back, all require concentration to achieve a satisfactory standard.
inspiration
Patterns, the natural world, and originality are some of the things I admire and try to incorporate in my work.
Patterns have always intrigued me and stirred something within me. Its hard to say why, but I like the repetition, and even more so if it has an organic quality to it - when it’s structured but there’s room to play within it. Philosopher Alan Watts talks of ‘Li’, which he translates as organic order. It is the ‘asymmetrical, non repetitive, and unregimented order which we find in the patterns of moving water, the forms of trees and clouds, of frost crystals on the window, or the scattering of pebbles on beach sand.’ This ‘Li’ is something that I greatly admire and naturally try to incorporate in my work - it comes about almost unconsciously.
some examples of 'Li'
background
If one sees the surroundings I have grown up in, it will be of no surprise that I got into the practice of making things.
I had never really thought much about what I would do after graduating college. I always assumed it would be business since I grew up in a business family and it seemed natural that that is what I would get involved with, even though there was no pressure for me to do so. So I came back from university and got into the family business, but quickly realised that it was not something that interested me.
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one of Bhagat's magnificent creations
studying ruby jewellery at Tholia's Kuber
my classroom at New Approach School
tools
iles and abrasives
scribe and pencil
microscope
the work
saw
ball vise
gravers
Pencil and scribe
iles and abrasives
scribe and pencil
microscope
the work
saw
ball vise
gravers
my work bench set up
graver- This is the tool that I use to engrave. Its got a mushroom shaped handle that sticks into your palm and a (usually) steel shaft that's used to cut. They come in different shapes and sizes.
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ball vice- This is a vice that holds the piece while it is being worked on. It's heavy weight keeps it steady to allow me to cut straight lines, and the top half of the ball rotates which allows me to cut curved lines. In one sense I am always cutting from right to left, it is the movement of the ball that allows curved cuts to be made. You can also change the to angle of the ball to find an appropriate angle to work.
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microscope- This isn’t a necessity but it is a huge help. Given that my engraving is often incredibly detailed, it allows me to work at ease. If not for the scope, I would have to use some other form of magnification (such as glasses) which aren’t as practical because I would have keep my head bent over close to the piece for long periods at a stretch.
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saw- This is used to cut out desired shapes.
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files and abrasives- These are used to smooth out uneven and rough edges.
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pencil/ scribe- Used to draw the image on to the metal before cutting them with a graver.
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The video on the home page shows how I make use of these tools to engrave.