How to Make Rings Out of Silver

Recently, several products have been introduced that mold like clay, but turn into silver when fired. Consisting of tiny silver particles and a carbon-based filler, they're easy and fun to use. Choose one with minimal shrinkage, like Art Clay 650, for the best results when making rings. This is a fun idea for a gift, or personalize your wedding with rings you've made by hand!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Art-Clay 650
• Ring mandrel (cheapo plastic ones are just fine for this)
• Gems, if desired
• Tools for sculpting
• Vegetable oil
• Torch

1. Determine your ring size. Slide a ring that fits over the ring mandrel. Note where it "fits." This is where you will build the ring.

2. Knead a small amount of the Art Clay until it is smooth, soft, and easy to work.

3. Form the basic ring shape. You can try rolling the clay into a flat sheet, then cutting a strip the desired band width. Press it onto the ring mandrel at the appropriate size mark. To join ends together, make a series of cross hatches along the seam, moisten with water, and rub with a finger until the seam disappears. For a different look, you can also roll the clay into long "snake" shapes to form the band.

4. Use clay working tools to embellish, emboss, etch, and shape your creation. Add curliques, indented lines, etc. to manipulate your ring until it looks the way you want it to.

5. Add gems, if desired. Embed them in the Art Clay. There will be some shrinkage when the clay is fired, so make sure it's a tight fit. It's also a good idea to create a little "lip" to hold it in place.

6. Allow to dry until "leather hard." This stage is somewhat difficult to explain- it's dry enough that it's not squishy, but can still be carved rather easily. CAREFULLY remove it from the ring mandrel. Smooth off any rough edges. Allow to finish drying- overnight is best. You can hasten the drying process with a hair dryer, or put it in a 200 degree oven for a couple hours.

7. Place the ring on a fireproof surface. Concrete is good. Light the torch, and hold it almost vertically about 3/4" to 1" above the ring. The ring will be on fire briefly as the organic binder burns away, but the flame will extinguish itself.

8. When the ring begins to glow red, begin timing. You should continue heating the ring for at least five minutes, but ten is better.

9. Extinguish flame and allow ring to cool. Don't quench it in water, touch it, or mess with it at all. Just let it cool down.

10. At this point, you can burnish to a shiny finish using sandpaper, a dremel, or a tumbler. If you like it as is, though, it's perfectly fine to leave it alone.

11. Wear your new, one of a kind ring proudly, or present it to a loved one with pride!

Tips & Warnings

• If you prefer gold jewelry, you can purchase gold Art Clay. It is about 10 times the cost, however.
• There are also solutions in different metals that can be painted on and fired to bond it permanently to the ring.
• You don't have to purchase special clay-working tools. You can use knives, paper clips, pencils, or other household objects to shape the Art Clay.
• If you don't want to embed the gemstones directly into the band, you can purchase silver bezels, insert them into the band at the appropriate point, and fire as usual. Then insert the gemstones after firing.
• Don't try to embed organic materials in the ring- they will only burn when firing. Some items to avoid: pearls, wood, bone, and anything below 7 on the Mohs scale (check online to be sure.)

[ruthiepearl]

on 2/7/2009 what a great article! i have been wanting to try making my own silver jewelry, and this description is very helpful. thanks!

[tracyleigh]

on 1/13/2008 What an exciting idea. My son received a rock tumbler for Christmas and it seems like this would be a great way to use some of his "gems"