How to Make Cuff Jewelry
A cuff is a close-fitting bracelet that snugly hugs the wrist and does not move around as much as bangle or link bracelets do. This type of jewelry makes a bold yet simple statement; it highlights the wrist, hand and arm, and can compliment a variety of clothing styles. Cuff jewelry is suitable for both men and women. While you can make a cuff bracelet with all sorts of materials, including leather, fabric, and beads, metal is the most traditional material for cuff jewelry. Use these guidelines to make a cuff with metal.
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Things You'll Need
- 20-gauge sheet metal
- Measuring tape
- Paper
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Sandpaper
- Ball-peen hammer
- Bracelet mandrel
Instructions
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1
Wrap measuring tape around your wrist to determine how long you want your cuff to be. Remember that a metal cuff is usually an open circle; it has an opening, typically worn facing the inside of the wrist, that allows it to be slipped on and removed with ease.
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2
Decide how wide you want your cuff to be. Note that a cuff can range from less than an inch to several inches in width. Remember that the wider you make your cuff, the bolder it will be.
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3
Draw a one-dimensional outline of your cuff in pencil on a sheet of paper, using the measurements you determined in steps 1 and 2. Cut out the cuff with scissors. Use it as a template.
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4
Lay the template on a piece of sheet metal. Trace around it in pencil. Cut the cuff out of the sheet metal using scissors.
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5
Smooth the edges of the metal cuff with sandpaper. Soften away any sharpness, which will make the cuff uncomfortable to wear and likely to snag on clothing.
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6
Hold the cuff against a bracelet mandrel--a tapered wood or steel cylinder used for shaping bracelets--with one hand. Hammer the cuff into a circular form around the mandrel by striking it with a ball-peen hammer held in the other hand.
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7
Hammer the cuff around the bracelet mandrel until it is the right shape for your wrist.
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Tips & Warnings
Embellish your metal cuff by hammering or stamping it before you hammer it into its round shape. Use a chasing hammer to add decorative indentations to the cuff. Use letter, numeral or symbol stamp sets to embellish the cuff with words, numbers or other designs.
