How to Create Silver Jewelry

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Create jewelry with sterling silver for some people it's just a hobby, but for others it's a real job.Silver paste is another great starting material if you can get hold of it, but you can also cut, set, or shape solid silver with a goldsmith's hacksaw, soldering kit, or anvil and hammer.
Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Sculpting the Silver Paste

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  1. Step 1 Scegli una fonte di calore.
    After sculpting the paste, you will need to burn it at a high temperature to eliminate the binding material and leave only the silver.Some products can simply be burned over a gas stove, but others require a propane torch or even a furnace.Check what temperature your tools can reach before choosing to work with silver paste.
    • If you use the stove, you will need a steel mesh.
    • Get a brick made of refractory material, if you have decided to use the propane torch.
    • The furnace is recommended for large, thick items.
    • To gauge the temperature your gas stove can reach, heat a small, thin aluminum pan to maximum heat and then point it with an infrared thermometer when its surface is completely hot.
  2. Step 2 Acquista della pasta d’argento sterling.
    You may need to order it online, as many fine art stores don't stock it.That of pure silver is decidedly more widespread, but the resulting jewels are less robust.
    • The paste is available in blocks to model, or in semi-solid form inside a syringe for detailed decorations and even in "sheets" for origami-type work.
  3. Step 3 Modella la pasta come preferisci.
    You can sculpt it with your hands or with tools as if it were clay, you can add details with a knife, wire or cut it out with stencils.
    • The silver paste shrinks during burning, so shape the jewelry a little larger than expected.Check the instructions on the packaging of your specific product, as the reduction in volume can vary between 8 and 30%.
    • You can create surface decorations by pushing molds or other metal objects into the dough.
  4. Step 4 Lascia asciugare il materiale e smeriglialo.
    Wait for the paste to air dry overnight, or speed up the process with a hairdryer.Finally, smooth the surface with fine-grit sandpaper.
  5. Step 5 Brucia la pasta con un cannello a propano.
    If you have chosen this tool, place the object on a brick of refractory material, which is in turn placed on a heat-resistant surface.Hold the flame about 2 cm from the object and heat it until it catches fire, burns, becomes incandescent and maintains a constant color.Continue applying heat for at least 5 minutes or according to the pasta brand's specific instructions.
    • From time to time, look up to relieve your eyes.
  6. Step 6 Brucia la pasta sul fornello.
    In this case, follow these instructions:
    • Place a piece of stainless steel mesh over a burner.Turn the latter on to maximum.
    • Observe the network to understand where it is hottest.This area should be glowing.Turn off the stove and wait for the mesh to return to its normal color.
    • Place the silver paste on the hottest point of the retina and relight the burner, this time with the flame at minimum.Use flat-nose pliers, not serrated ones, to move the object.
    • Once the paste has completely burned, raise the heat until the silver glows red.Lower it again if you notice the metal turning orange.
    • Continue heating the object for ten minutes, then turn off the heat.
  7. Step 7 Brucia la pasta in una fornace.
    If you have a kiln, then you can follow the precise directions for the type of pasta you bought.The metal strengthens the most when subjected to relatively high temperatures for an extended period, but faster techniques may be described on the packaging.A jeweler's kiln will burn the paste faster, but a pottery tool will also work.
    • The optimal temperature for "cooking" silver paste is 900 °C, maintained for two hours, although you can obtain jewelery that is sufficiently resistant even at 650 °C.
  8. Step 8 Tempra l’argento (facoltativo).
    Usually it would be recommended to let this metal cool spontaneously.However, if you're in a hurry, you can quench it in cold water to quickly bring down the temperature, although it won't be safe to touch for several minutes.This process could create problems for the structure of the jewel, in case you have to heat it again to make subsequent changes.If, however, you dry the silver carefully, you may avoid these difficulties.
    • Never temper jewelry where you have set glass, gemstones or other decorations.
  9. Step 9 Lucida la superficie (facoltativo).
    After burning, the silver appears white and slightly opaque.If you want it to return to the shiny color we are all used to, rub the surface with a steel or brass brush;alternatively use a polisher with red jeweller's abrasive paste.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Use a jeweller's saw and a polisher

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  1. Step 1 Procurati dell’argento.
    For small jewelry such as earrings, you will need a metal strip that is at least 6cm wide and no more than 9cm long.You can change these dimensions based on the project you want to make, but it will be a little more difficult to shape the silver.The most used are 0.8 mm and 0.6 mm thick sheets.
    • Sterling silver may be hallmarked with the symbols "ster" or "925".
  2. Step 2 Riunisci tutto il necessario.
    Silver is soft enough to cut with a jeweler's saw, but you will need to sand and polish it to eliminate jagged edges.You can purchase these specific tools at a hardware store or online.Here's what you'll need:
    • A goldsmith's hacksaw with a “2/0” blade.
    • A small polisher with flannel pads (or a bench grinder with interchangeable discs).
    • Blue or red goldsmith's polishing paste (scratches on silver can be removed with Tripoli or white-red abrasive paste).
    • If you are modeling earrings:sterling silver hooks, a drill and a number 64 bit.
    • To decorate the surface:hammer or metal mold.
  3. Step 3 Monta il seghetto da orefice e la lucidatrice.
    Insert the blade into the upper end of the hacksaw and lock it with the nut.Then insert it into the lowermost point of the arch and also block this side with the butterfly nut, pulling the structure to tension it.The polisher should already be assembled, or you will need to consult the instruction manual to understand how to mount the polishing discs.Place the polisher on the workbench.
    • To test your hacksaw, tap the blade with your fingernail and listen for a “ping” sound.If you don't feel it, then tighten it more.
  4. Step 4 Scegli il modello che vuoi usare.
    You can draw a sketch of the jewel yourself, or find inspiration online and in magazines.To create a pair of earrings, you will need to make two identical pieces.
  5. Step 5 Ritaglia l’argento secondo la forma che hai scelto.
    Secure the design over the metal plate with tape and then go over the edges with the hacksaw.
    • Keep the blade tilted slightly forward.
    • Move the jigsaw up and down as you go.
  6. Step 6 Stampa della pasta d’argento (facoltativo).
    The easiest way to add details is to purchase metal stencils.To impress the design on the silver foil, place the mold on it and hit it firmly with the hammer.Check that the mold is flat and firm as you strike it several times.
  7. Step 7 Lucida i gioielli con la lucidatrice.
    Follow the instructions for your specific machine.A goldsmith typically turns on the machine and applies red abrasive paste all over the rotating pad.Then gently bring the metal into contact with the pad to smooth the rough edges and polish the surface.
  8. Step 8 Lava la tua creazione con acqua e sapone.
    This way you eliminate residues of abrasive paste.Dry it with a soft, clean cloth, preferably suede or wool.
  9. Step 9 Aggiungi all’orecchino il suo anello.
    Drill a small hole in the top of each jewel and insert the end of the ring;finally twist the ring on itself or turn it around the edge of the earring to lock it.Of course, you can skip this step if your jewelry doesn't need to be hung.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Soldering Silver

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  1. Step 1 Procurati tutto il necessario.
    If you need to join several pieces of silver in your home, soldering is usually the best technique.However, you will need a minimum amount of preparation and the following materials:
    • A "medium" or "hard" filler material made from a silver alloy (not the standard one for soldering).Avoid products that contain cadmium unless you have a respirator.
    • A small oxy-acetylene or butane torch, preferably with a flat "chisel" tip.
    • Any soldering or brazing flux suitable for silver.
    • Copper pliers and tweezers (of any metal) for handling silver.
    • A "pickling" solution for soldering, heated in advance according to the instructions on the package.
  2. Step 2 Predisponi una zona di lavoro sicura.
    You need to choose a well-ventilated room with a heat-resistant work surface and some refractory bricks.The mask is essential for detail work and to protect you from splashes when you get very close to the metal.Gloves, a tight denim or leather apron and natural fiber clothing complete your personal safety measures.
    • You will also need to keep a container of water nearby to rinse the jewellery, although the presence of a fire extinguisher is never too much when working in a room with flammable material.
  3. Step 3 Pulisci l’argento e applica il flussante.
    If the metal is greasy or has been touched by many bare hands, rub it with a degreasing solution.Dip it in the pickling solution if the silver is black from oxidation.Once it's clean, you can spread some flux in the places you need to solder.
    • Powdered flux must be mixed into a paste or liquid.Check the instructions on the package.
  4. Step 4 Salda l’argento.
    If you have never soldered before, follow the instructions this detailed guide.Alternatively, you can follow the next steps.
    • Carefully place the objects on the refractory brick;then place a small piece of filler material (or a small lump of solder paste) with tweezers.
    • Heat the area with the flame 10 cm away, focusing on the thickest point of the silver.Do not heat the filler material directly.Grab the pieces of silver with tongs to prevent them from melting.
  5. Step 5 Sciacqua il metallo, intingilo nella soluzione di decapaggio e lavalo di nuovo.
    Once the filler material has melted along the crack that separates the two elements to be welded, turn off the flame and wait a minute or two for it to solidify.With copper tongs, dip the silver first in the water and then in the pickling solution to remove the oxidation generated by the soldering process.Perform a final rinse in water and pat dry.
    • Make sure the pickling solution does not come into contact with your skin and clothing:it is corrosive.
    • Pliers not made of copper can react with the pickling solution and become corroded.
    • If you prefer "aged" looking silver, you can skip the pickling.
  6. Step 6 Aggiungi delle gemme o del vetro (facoltativo).
    These embellishments can be joined to the silver with two-component epoxy glue.Solder a bezel onto your creation, sand the sides with coarse sandpaper (if necessary) and then glue the stone.Finally, wait for the glue to dry as indicated on the package.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Forging Silver Jewelry

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  1. Step 1 Opta per delle pinze piatte.
    Serrated ones can leave marks on silver, so jewelry made from precious metals should only be handled with flat-nosed pliers.They come in different sizes and shapes if you want to create a lot of pieces, and you can choose between rounded nose pliers and wire cutters.
  2. Step 2 Trasforma il filo di argento in gioielli usando il martello.
    Silver is quite malleable and the thick wire of this metal is used to shape necklaces or bracelets.Simply place the wire on a small anvil or other flat, sturdy metal surface, then tap it repeatedly and gently with a mallet or hammer until you get the shape you want.
    • If you want to attach a pendant, wrap wire around the item or solder it using a sterling silver anchor.
  3. Step 3 Per ottenere effetti diversi, utilizza martelli differenti.
    You can use different hammers to have greater control over the process;craftsmen usually use a flat-head tool and a ball-point tool, or a couple of each model, but in various sizes.Once the shape has been shaped, you can use a bush hammer to give the jewel a surface finish, or a body shop hammer to smooth out any dents, creases or curved areas.
    • To be pretty sure that the strike gives the metal the shape you want, drop the tool directly on top of the silver, at a 90° angle to the surface.
  4. Step 4 Prova la forgiatura a caldo.
    It is not a very common technique for working silver, given that it is a metal that can also be handled cold.However, if you have some experience and want to experiment with intricate or tight curves, then you should try hot forging.You need a gas forge (alternatively an electric furnace with excellent temperature control) that can heat the metal until it is red hot (red like a cherry) and keep the temperature constant, while you shape it with the tongs and the hammer.
    • The correct temperature for this process is approximately 600°C, but can vary depending on the specific sterling silver alloy you are using.
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Advice

  • Use pure silver only if you are trying to make fine, complex shapes, such as waves.Sterling silver is usually preferred due to its greater resistance.
  • Polish the precious metal with a clean cloth whenever oxidation appears.When the silver is very tarnished, a polishing machine may be needed to bring its shine back to the surface.
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Warnings

  • High temperatures can cause the release of toxic vapors from the filler material, paint or other elements of the jewel.Always solder or forge silver in a well-ventilated area, with the airflow pushing the smoke away from your face.
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