How to Make Claddagh Rings

A Claddagh ring is the traditional Irish wedding ring depicting two hands holding a heart with a crown on top. Today, it is used as a friendship ring or just an attractive piece of jewelry. You can make your own Claddagh ring without a kiln by using low-fire silver clay and a torch. With silver clay, silver particles are embedded in clay and are easily shaped and molded. When the dried clay is fired in a kiln or by torch, the clay burns away and leaves solid sterling silver. Note you will need to borrow a Claddagh ring or already have one in order to make a new one.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Small torch such as the type used in kitchens
• Fire brick
• Low-fire silver cay
• Cooking spray
• Oven-baked clay
• 6-inch piece of 1/2 inch PVC pipe or a rolling pin
• X-acto knife
• Claddagh ring

Making the Mold

1. Roll out a piece of oven-baked clay in a rectangle about 4 inches long, 1 inch wide and 1/2 inch deep.

2. Spray the ring with cooking spray and gently roll it along the clay, making a long impression of the entire ring. If you need a larger ring, roll the back of the ring in the clay to make a longer shank. Remove the ring. You should have an flat impression of the entire ring.

3. Bake the clay in the oven according to the directions.

4. Let the clay cool after it is removed from the oven.

Making the Ring

5. Roll the silver clay into a rope about 1/4 inch across and 3 inches long. This may vary depending on the size of the ring mold.

6. Lightly spray the inside of the ring mold with cooking spray.

7. Place the silver clay in the mold and press it in firmly. Use the PVC pipe or rolling pin to flatten it.

8. Let the silver clay dry a few minutes or until you can remove it from the mold without cracking or tearing.

9. Form the silver clay into a circle. Cut the ends of the ring evenly with the X-acto knife and press them together.

10. Carefully seal the seam of the rings with more silver clay sightly diluted with water. Smooth until the seam can't be seen.

Firing the Ring

11. After the ring has dried completely, about 24 hours, place it on the fire brick.

12. Heat the ring slowly until it glows red. Move the torch back and forth so that the red color is even. Heating time varies with brands so follow the manufacturer's directions.

13. Let ring cool completely. Finish the ring by buffing it to the finish that you prefer.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have cracks in your ring after firing, you can fill it with more silver clay and refire. Silver clay shrinks during firing. Check the shrinkage percentage of the brand you're using and calculate the accurate size of the finished ring.
• Use only low-fire silver clay for this project. Other clays will require a kiln for firing. Make sure your firing area is free of flammable objects and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.