How to Make a Silver Ring
A silver ring is a simple and elegant fashion accessory that accents any outfit from a casual one to an outfit for a night on the town. Everyone should have a silver ring in his or her jewelry box, but sometimes it is hard to find just the right one. That is why making a silver ring is a perfect way to express your creativity and add a personalized piece of jewelry to your collection.
With a few jewelry-making tools and some silver wire, you can make your own silver ring with the look and fit that are perfect for you. A handmade silver ring also makes a wonderful gift. The recipient of your handmade design will be so touched that you took the time to make such a beautiful gift; it will be a present he or she will treasure forever.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Safety goggles
- Work gloves
- Ring that fits
- Ring mandrel
- Sterling silver wire: 4 by 1 mm, 3 by 1 mm or 2 by 1 mm
- Medium silver solder
- Small propane/oxygen torch for jewelry making
- Flux
- Files
- Firebrick
- "Third hand" clamp
- Polishing cloth
Instructions
-
Making the Ring
-
1
Don your safety goggles and work gloves.
Choose a ring that you already have that fits comfortably, and slide it onto the ring mandrel. This will ensure that your new ring is the perfect size. Once you have determined the correct finished size, work with a size smaller on the mandrel because the ring will increase in size as you work with it. -
2
Cut a length of 4-by-1 silver wire (or the size you prefer). Wind the cut wire around the mandrel at your determined size. Shape the wire so that the ends almost meet.
-
-
3
Remove the ring from the mandrel and clamp in the third hand clamp above the firebrick. The third hand clamp is a stationary set of clamps that that hold the piece firmly while you retain the use of both hands. Clamp the ring securely into one of the third hand clamps.
Dab flux on the ends of the ring; it is important that you get the flux in between the ends of the ring. -
4
Put solder on the individual end pieces.
Adjust your torch to the right temperature (1390 degrees F for medium solder), and then use the torch to the melt the solder into the space between the end pieces. Remember to have your safety goggles and work gloves on at this point. -
5
Allow the ring to cool. Remove from clamp and file the area you soldered until it is smooth.
-
6
Remount your ring on the mandrel and reshape it if it has become a little misshapen during filing.
Polish your ring with a polishing cloth for a nice, subtle glow.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Wear safety goggles and work gloves when making this ring.
