How to Make a Sterling Silver Napkin Ring
Making sterling silver napkin rings is similar to making sterling silver fashion rings, just on a larger scale. You need a torch and some soldering equipment and you're ready to begin.
Things You'll Need
- Silver stock
- Scissors
- Large unmarked ring mandrel
- Third hand clamp with extending arm
- Firebrick
- Tongs
- Cotton swab
- Flux
- Silver solder
- Eye protection glasses
- Torch
- File
Instructions
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1
Measure and cut silver wire to a slightly smaller size than you want the napkin ring. Hold the ends together and use the ring mandrel to shape the wire into a ring shape.
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2
Clamp the ring in place with the third hand clamp with extending arm. This will allow you to work with your hands.
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3
Place the third hand clamp over the firebrick. A firebrick is a large flat brick used, in this case, for torching over the top so you do not damage the table surface you're working on.
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4
Hold the ends of the ring together with tongs and place flux with a cotton swab where the ends join. Wrap the join with silver solder.
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5
Put on eye protection glasses and light up the torch. Fuse the solder to the join. Allow to cool.
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6
Smooth out any bubbles and imperfections with a jewelry file.
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1
Tips & Warnings
You can use a buffing machine to smooth out the ring and silver polish with a cloth for a shiny look, or leave as is for a more natural look.
You may want to wear a respirator face mask to protect yourself from the chemical flux fumes.
