How to Make Metal Jewelry
Designing your own original metal jewelry can be very satisfying. Not only can you express yourself, but you can also save money. Creating a pair of earrings would be the perfect project to begin with; here's how to do it. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Steel punch or Phillips screwdriver bit tip
- Nail
- Hammer
- Manicure file
- 2 ear wires
- 18-gauge sterling, copper or brass sheet
- Steel wool
- Stain (optional)
- Jewelry glue (optional)
Instructions
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1
Select the design tip of your choice, place a sheet of 18-gauge sterling, copper or brass on a hard surface such as an anvil or large piece of metal, then punch your selected design over the metal. Carefully punch identical designs on each section.
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2
Cut in identical squares the size you want your finished earrings to be. After you have completed cutting, punch the hole for the ear wire using a sharp-tipped nail to punch a dot. Locate the hole in a comfortable area near the corner where the earring will hang. Repeat this on the next earring.
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3
Smooth the edges carefully where the designs were punched with a manicure file, such as one used for acrylic nails. Smooth all edges around the entire earring for a finished look.
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4
Polish the entire surface of both earrings. If an antique effect is desired, you can gently put on a thin layer of dark stain. The design of the earring and the holes that were punched will determine the style of your jewelry.
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5
Attach the ear wires in the corner holes when the smoothing and polishing process is completed. To give your earrings a dramatic look, you can attach rhinestones using jewelry glue or adhesive.
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Tips & Warnings
Design matching charms for a pendant or bracelet using the leftover metal.
