Crafting your own jewellery can be a deeply satisfying and creative experience. If you’ve ever admired the distinctive texture and the way hammered jewellery reflects the light, you might be wondering how to create one yourself.
At Aquila Jewellery, we specialise in handmade jewellery that captures the beauty of hammered designs. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of making a hammered ring in ten easy steps, focusing on hammered silver rings and hammered gold rings.
1. Gather Your Materials
Before starting, ensure you have all necessary materials:
- Metal sheet (silver or gold, ideally recycled metal!)
- Ring mandrel
- Rawhide mallet
- Jeweler’s saw
- Files
- Sandpaper (various grits)
- Soldering kit (optional)
- Hammer for texturing
- Polishing cloth
Agonda, 6mm hammered gold ring £65 View here
2. Design Your Ring
Sketch your design and determine the width and size of your hammered ring. Consider the type of hammered effect you want—whether it’s a subtle texture or a more pronounced pattern.
3. Cut the Metal
Using a jeweler’s saw, carefully cut a strip of metal from your sheet. The strip should be slightly larger than the desired final size of your ring to account for adjustments and texturing.
4) Shape the Metal
Place the metal strip around the ring mandrel and gently tap it with a rawhide mallet to form a rough ring shape. Ensure it’s slightly oversized since you’ll refine it in later steps.
5) Solder the Ring (Optional)
If your ring requires soldering to join the ends of the metal strip, heat the metal with a soldering kit. Apply flux and solder to secure the ends. Once cooled, file and sand the seam to make it smooth.
6. Hammer the Ring
To achieve the distinctive hammered texture, use a hammer to gently tap the surface of the ring. For a hammered silver ring or hammered gold ring, apply even pressure to create a consistent texture. Experiment with different hammers and techniques to achieve your desired look.
Agonda, wide hammered silver ring £75 View here
7. Refine the Shape
Place the ring back on the mandrel and tap gently with the rawhide mallet to perfect the shape. Ensure the ring is symmetrical and comfortable.
8) Smooth and Sand
Using files and sandpaper, smooth any rough edges or uneven surfaces on your hammered ring. Start with a coarse grit and progressively move to finer grits to achieve a polished finish.
9) Polish the Ring
Buff the ring with a polishing cloth to enhance its shine. This step will highlight the hammered texture and give the ring a professional finish.
10) Final Touches
Inspect your ring for any final adjustments. Ensure it fits comfortably and that the hammered texture is evenly applied. If necessary, make any last refinements to perfect your creation.
Why Choose Hammered Metal Jewellery?
Hammered metal jewellery stands out for its unique texture and timeless appeal. The hammered effect, whether on silver or gold, adds character and individuality to each piece. At Aquila Jewellery we offer a stunning range of hammered metal jewellery that embodies craftsmanship and style.
Hammered Silver Ring vs. Hammered Gold Ring
Hammered Silver Ring: Known for its brilliant shine and affordability, hammered silver rings are perfect for everyday wear. Their versatile design complements both casual and formal outfits. Silver is also hypoallergenic, which means its a good metal for sensiitve skin.
Hammered Gold Ring: Offering a luxurious feel, hammered gold rings are a popular choice for those seeking a touch of elegance. The gold’s natural warmth enhances the hammered texture, making it a standout piece in any jewellery collection.
Explore Our Collection
For inspiration visit our hammered ring collection. From hammered silver rings to hammered gold rings, Aquila Jewellery offers a range of high-quality, handmade pieces that reflect our commitment to craftsmanship and design. We also use recycled metals which helps us to reduce our footprint.
By following these steps, you can create your own hammered ring and gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry involved in making hammered jewellery. Whether you choose to craft your own or explore our curated collection, the charm of hammered metal jewellery is sure to captivate and inspire.
