How to Inlay Turquoise Into Metal

Inlaid turquoise chips add color to your projects.

Inlayed turquoise adds color to plain metal jewelry and objects. Crushed turquoise allows the greatest flexibility for beginners. The stone pieces are mixed with epoxy and pressed into a groove in the metal. In addition to adding color, the many facets of the broken stone reflect light, giving the project more depth and beauty. Crushed turquoise comes in many different sizes from chips to powder. Smooth, small areas of inlay require the powder, while large expanses work well with crushed stone.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Pencil
• Tape
• Silver cuff bracelet
• Rotary etching tool
• Powdered turquoise
• Small plastic bowl
• Epoxy
• Coffee stirrer
• Rubber gloves
• Tweezers
• Rag

Instructions

1. Draw the desired design on a piece of paper, to plan your inlay.

2. Tape the paper to the silver cuff bracelet.

3. Follow the lines on the paper with the rotary etching tool. This tool has a rotary head that carves the design into the silver.

4. Pour about 1 tbsp. of powdered turquoise into the bowl. You do not need to measure it exactly; an estimate is fine. Add the epoxy a little at a time, and mix with the coffee stirrer. Continue to add epoxy until the powdered stone and epoxy form dough.

5. Put on the rubber gloves, and press the turquoise and epoxy mixture into the etched channel. For small areas of inlay, pick up tiny bits of the mixture with the tweezers, and press the bits into the crevice.

6. Wipe away any turquoise that lies outside the inlay channel, using a rag.

7. Set aside the bracelet, and let the inlay dry for 24 hours before wearing.

Tips & Warnings

• This method of inlay isn't limited to jewelry. Try etching a channel in a metal vase, tray or decorator bowl.

• Mix and work with the epoxy in a well-ventilated area.

• Do not inlay crushed turquoise on surfaces intended for food.

References

• Wood Turners: Intermediate Stone Inlay