Making a high quality Bushido Cross

Frame outline traced onto the gold & “Bushido” machine engraved.

Outside edges cut back by hand.

Edges filed by hand to shape.

Centre hole for the cross cut out.

The cross created by hand.

The cross soldered into the frame.

Bail fitted (to size if requested)

“Bushido” engraving is traced over by hand to a fine finish.

These pendants are created individually using the process shown in the photos above. I make 4 versions which are all identical in shape from the front and only vary in thickness/weight .

The original dimensions were a little under 3mm thick. They are cut from a 3mm plate and after polishing are generally about 2.9mm in thickness but I list them as 2.8mm.

The downside of the original thickness is that the weight causes the jump rings to wear out quicker than a thinner/lighter version. It also increases the wear on the bail and the chain it was worn on.

I would often see original pendants needing repairs to this area and reducing the weight/thickness is an attempt to reduce this issue. The thinner versions are identical from the front.

That said the thick version feels amazing and it is the original!