How to Make a Metal Cuff Charm Bracelet

Attach charms to a metal cuff bracelet using jump rings.

The cuff bracelet is fast becoming a fashion trend, especially with the younger generation. Many Hollywood celebrities are sporting unique cuff bracelets, which helps push the jewelry fashion. The size, shape and design of cuff bracelets is endless. The material used includes precious metal, semi-precious metal, leather, plastic and wood. Sterling silver, nu-gold, copper and brass sheets or wire are readily available to enthusiasts who enjoy making their own jewelry. Shape the cuff bracelet using a 2-inch pipe or a bracelet mandrel.

Things You'll Need

• 8- by 10-inch sheet of 16 to 18 gauge metal
• Oil pencil
• Ruler
• Scroll saw
• Metal saw blade
• Optional: Jeweler's saw and blades
• Drill press
• Jump rings
• Needle files
• Emery paper
• 400 grit sandpaper
• 2-inch pipe 6 inches long or a bracelet mandrel
• Bench vise
• Work gloves
• Rawhide mallet
• Needle nose pliers
• Charms

Instructions

1. Measure, mark and cut a 1/2- by 6 1/2-inch long rectangle from the chosen piece of metal. Use either a scroll saw or a jeweler's saw to cut the shape from the sheet of metal. Possible metals include sterling silver, nu-gold, copper or brass.

2. File the edges of the 6 1/2-inch strip into the desired shape. Round the points on the half-inch ends to create a cuff bracelet that will not cut when placed on the wrist.

3. Place two marks 1/16 inch apart at the desired location for each charm. The two marks, which will become holes, allow for the insertion of the jump rings. Example: Space six jump ring locations 1 inch apart down the center of the bracelet. Begin and end the grouping of holes a quarter inch from both ends of the bracelet.

4. Drill a 1/16-inch hole on each mark. Center the designated marks under the drill bit point on the drill press. Turn on the drill press, and slowly drill the hole. Repeat with all holes. File or sand any burrs from the drilled holes.

5. Secure the 2-inch pipe on a horizontal plain in a bench vise. Place the cuff bracelet blank perpendicular to the pipe. Center the middle of the bracelet blank on the top center of the pipe.

6. Hold the metal in place, and tap the metal around the pipe. Move the bracelet blank as needed. Remove the bracelet from the pipe when complete.

7. Sand the surface of the metal cuff bracelet to remove any scratch marks or dings. Continue sanding until the metal has an even sheen.

8. Open the jump ring. Slide the end of the jump ring through the two 1/6-inch holes. Squeeze the jump ring together. Add the charm to the jump ring.

References

• Jewelry Making Guide: Choosing a Bracelet Mandrel
• Birthday Bracelets