This video shows part of the process of soldering the reliquary. The lead-free solder that I used melts at 400 degrees, so caution was needed when handling the soldering iron. I needed to use a heatproof surface to prevent fires, and PPE to avoid any burns from stray solder. I also wore a mask and worked with an extractor vent because the flux chemicals and soldering process produce fumes.
I had difficulty finding a way to hold the pieces together when assembling the dome section. At first, I tried taping them together but they would not hold due to the weight of the glass. I had practiced by using a form made of clay to hold the pieces but found it was unsuitable because the clay would not come cleanly off of the glass. In the end, I used playdough, which I found could be removed cleanly and easily from inside the assembled dome after I had taped the outside. I could then tack together the inside joins with solder before removing the tape, and the dome held together while I completed the soldering.
This method took me a long time to figure out, about 2.5 hours, however I feel that I gained some valuable insights during the process. I also improved my soldering skill, and was able to complete the base of the reliquary in just 5-10 minutes. I was relieved to find that the dome fitted perfectly into the base and I think this was down to meticulous planning at the beginning. For the next steps, I will clean and polish the reliquary and apply a patina to the solder to take it from silver to black. I’m hoping this will give the reliquary a modern feel to it whilst still referencing a medieval practice. I am excited to see how the piece will interact with the light once it is finished and the acorn is placed inside.