How to Make Silverware Jewelry

Silverware jewelry making is a respected craft that allows you to recycle old flatware into wearable art. Most household flatware is stainless steel, but these directions will work for sterling silver and silver plated stainless steel as well. Because silver and stainless steel have a higher melting point, these directions should not be used with pewter flatware, as it will melt to liquid form.

This article gives directions for making a fork bracelet. These directions can be adapted to make rings, chokers and small pet collars as well. This article assumes that the reader is at least a semi experienced metal worker with access to a fully-equipped metal smithing workshop. If you are a novice metal worker or have never worked with metal at all, attend a course in metal working at your local community college before proceeding.

Things You'll Need

• Ornate stainless steel or silver serving fork at least 6 inches long Thick cloth or thin, soft leather Bench vise Needle-nose pliers Propane torch Two pair of sheep nose pliers Jeweler's or needle file set 120, 240, 400 and 600 grit emery paper Wire wheel Buffing wheel Bench grinder Safety glasses NIOSH approved respirator Heavy leather work gloves

Instructions

1. If there is any doubt whether or not the flatware you are using for this project is 100 percent steel or an alloy, heating it could produce dangerous volatile gases that can cause brain and lung damage when inhaled. Wear a NIOSH approved respirator and heavy leather work gloves when heating any metal. Find an ornate serving fork that is at least 6 inches long. Wrap fork handle in thick cloth or thin, soft leather and place in bench vise. Tighten vise securely.

2. Heat tines of fork one at a time, using a propane torch. Use needle-nose pliers to bend each tine into eye-pleasing curves or circles. Allow tines to air cool completely before removing fork from vise, 15 to 30 minutes.

3. Remove fork from vise and remove handle wrap. Using a large pair of sheep-nose pliers to hold the handle end of the fork in the torch flame, take a second pair of pliers and bend the handle into a circle or spiral 3 1/4 inches in diameter. Allow to cool for 30 to 60 minutes before proceeding.

4. Put on wrap-around eye protection. File and sand away any tool marks left by the vise and the pliers using 120 grit, 240, 400 and 600 grit emery cloth. Remove any heat discoloration with a fine wire wheel on a bench grinder.

5. Polish bracelet to a high shine using a buffing wheel on your bench grinder. Adjust bracelet to fit wearer's wrist.

Resources

• Machining and Metal Working Resources
• I Forge Iron: Metal Smithing and Blacksmithing