You can make rings using metal clay
One of the easiest and most fun modern methods of making jewelry is working with materials that have been made into metal clay. This new technology, which transforms traditional gold and silver precious metals into a soft, clay-like form, has sparked a whole new area of jewelry making. You can make your own gold, silver, or mixed metal jewelry items right at home without having to acquire and learn the more complicated techniques involved in becoming a bench jeweler or smith. Two of the most common brands of clay metals on the market today have become popular for making jewelry. The first one is called PMC, or precious metals clay; and the other is called art clay. Recently, bronze has also been made in to clay. By purchasing the clay and using a few simple techniques, you can start making your own jewelry with precious metals. For this article, we will learn make a ring.
Instructions
Making a Ring
1. Roll out the precious metal of choice onto a non-stick flat surface with the clay roller. If you purchased a precious metal kit, it may have come with some special cards to help you determine the thickness that you need to roll the clay out. Otherwise, bear in mind that you will be attempting to make a long roll for a ring. Therefore, do not make the clay too thick or short when rolling, and try to maintain an even layer of thickness. Coat the surface of the roller and non-stick flat surface lightly with some olive oil if need be to prevent the clay from sticking to it. Keep the clay moist by dipping your fingers in a small dish of water and dropping some water droplets on to it as needed.
2. Cut the length and width of the clay for the ring size that you need, using the ring sizer as a measuring guide. Try to use about ¼ to ½ of an extra length on the ring sizer gauge so that you can affix the ends together when the time comes. Keep in mind that when you heat the clay with the torch, because it is clay combined with precious metals, the moisture will cause shrinkage. Also, it will be somewhat brittle when finished, and you will not be able to re-size it.
3. Put the excess clay into a zip-locked bag or an airtight container. Add a little olive oil to the inside of the container to keep the clay moistened while it sits.
4. Carefully lift up the piece of precious metal clay that you rolled and cut out from the flat surface, trying not to smudge the flat ring shape or smear the ends. Stamp, impress, or make a design in the ring. Use toothpicks, a ballpoint pen, or whatever you want or find around the home to draw or make designs right into the basic clay flat ring form that you have. Make the design on the outside of the ring band, unless you also choose to make some impressions or hallmarks on the inside of it as well. Keep the clay moist with water.
5. Form the finished and designed flat clay ring band around one of the ceramic ring sizers that you purchased. Gently press the ends of the ring together on the ring sizer. Add precious metal slip on the seam or joint of the ring until both ends are affixed together solidly. Let the ring dry completely on the sizer for at least 24 hours. After 24 hours, if need be, file down any edges or joints of the ring while it is on the sizer. All finishing of the ring and other clay jewelry is done prior to annealing and curing with heat, or soldering.
6. Solder the ring using a butane torch evenly all of the way around the outside of it, making sure not to apply too much direct heat. Do not touch the hot metal with your bare hands. When finished, let the ring cool. Then remove the inner ceramic ring sizer piece. Clean the ring with a dry towel.
