How to Shape a Necklace With No Mandrel

A form-fitted, solid band of metal shaped to wear as a necklace requires the use of a special mandrel or form to shape the metal. Necklace mandrels range between $50 to $200; they are a speciality item -- that are special ordered -- and not normally carried in jewelry or metal working stores. Improvise and shape a necklace on the end of an anvil or a 6-inch metal pipe. The process is more difficult than using a mandrel but the shaping is possible.

Things You'll Need

• Metal for necklace
• Metal, flame-resistant workbench
• Safety glasses
• Torch
• Cast iron or copper tongs
• 6-inch metal pipe
• Rawhide mallet
• Striker
• 5-gallon bucket filled with water

Instructions

1. Place the cut metal for the necklace on the surface of a flame-resistant, metal workbench.

2. Put on the safety glasses. Light the torch. Heat the metal until it is red hot.

3. Pick up the metal with a cast iron or copper tongs. Place the metal on the surface of a 6-inch pipe.

4. Hit the red hot metal with a rawhide mallet to shape. Shape the round section of the necklace by wrapping it around the 6-inch pipe.

5. Dip the necklace in a bucket of water to cool. Try the necklace on to check the shape. Reheat and repeat the steps to shape the necklace into the desired shape.

Tips & Warnings

• Shape the flat portion of the necklace on a flat metal surface such as the top of a bench vise, anvil or a welding table.