Hammered Sterling Wedding Ring: Diy Guide

Creating a hammered sterling wedding ring is a complex process that requires skill and precision. While it can be challenging to hammer an already made ring without distorting its shape, it is possible to create a unique and personalised wedding band with the right tools and techniques. The process involves heating the metal, hammering it to the desired texture, and soldering it into a ring shape, followed by polishing to add shine. For those interested in crafting their own wedding rings, workshops and online tutorials offer guidance, allowing couples to forge their own bands and create lasting memories.

Choosing the right metal

When it comes to choosing the right metal for your hammered sterling wedding ring, there are several factors to consider, including colour, durability, and cost, as well as weight and hypoallergenic properties. Here's a more detailed guide to help you select the perfect metal for your special ring:

Sterling Silver

Sterling silver is an excellent choice for those who want a luxurious look without breaking the bank. Sterling silver is created by mixing pure silver, which is too soft for jewellery-making, with other metals to increase its durability. It has a bright, lustrous shine and can be highly polished or oxidised to create an antique look. Sterling silver is also the lightest in weight compared to other metals, making it ideal for those who aren't used to wearing jewellery. However, it is less durable than other options and may scratch or tarnish over time, requiring regular polishing to maintain its shine.

Gold (Yellow, Rose, or White)

Gold is a timeless and traditional choice for wedding rings and comes in a variety of colours, including yellow, rose/pink, and white. To achieve these colours, gold is mixed with different metals. For example, yellow gold is combined with copper and silver, while white gold may contain nickel, so choose a gold that is nickel-free if allergies are a concern. Gold is also available in different karat options, with 24k being the purest and most expensive but also the least durable due to its softness. Lower karat gold, such as 10k, is more cost-efficient and longer-lasting. Gold has an irresistible lustrous finish, but keep in mind that white gold may require rhodium plating annually to maintain its colour.

Platinum

Platinum is a brilliant, silvery-white metal with a lovely glow and is considered one of the most precious metals for wedding rings. It is rarer than gold, extremely durable, and hypoallergenic. Platinum is perfect for those with sensitive skin and will securely hold precious stones in place. While it may require occasional polishing to maintain its lustre, platinum is long-lasting and will not tarnish or rust. However, it is one of the more expensive metal options.

Palladium

Palladium is a member of the platinum family and shares many of its positive attributes, including durability, a mirror-like finish, and hypoallergenic properties. It has a steely white look and is lighter in weight than platinum. Palladium is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality, durable ring on a budget. However, it may be tricky to resize palladium rings, and they are not as widely available as platinum.

Other Metal Options

Other alternative metals you may consider for your hammered sterling wedding ring include titanium, known for its strength, lightweight feel, and affordability; tungsten, which is incredibly tough, scratch-resistant, and ideal for those in rugged work environments; and tantalum, a popular alternative with beautiful luster that is durable, hypoallergenic, and reasonably priced.

Hammering techniques

Use a Mandrel

A mandrel is a tool that can be used to help create a hammered ring. It is a wooden dowel that is the exact size of the inside of the ring. The ring is placed on the mandrel, which is then placed on a soft surface such as a piece of industrial rubber or a flat scrap wood. The ring is then hammered, stretching the metal and creating a unique texture. It is important to remove the ring from the mandrel and reverse its position periodically during hammering to ensure that it does not become tapered or uneven.

Try Different Hammer Types and Sizes

The type and size of hammer used will also affect the final look of the ring. For a hammered texture, a ball peen hammer with a round end is typically used. The size of the "ball" on the hammer will determine the size of the dents left in the metal, with smaller balls creating a smaller texture.

Heat the Metal

In some cases, it may be beneficial to heat the metal before hammering, especially if you are working with a harder metal like titanium. This can help to prevent the ring from being crushed or distorted during the hammering process.

Start with a Smaller Size

When creating a hammered ring, it is important to remember that the metal will spread and increase in size as it is hammered. To achieve the desired ring size, it is often recommended to start with a smaller size and work up to the final size. This may take some trial and error to get right.

Use a Tapered Mandrel

A tapered mandrel can be created from an old bat, wooden table leg, drift pin, or drive pin. This type of mandrel will help to create a more even hammering effect, as it ensures that the ring stretches evenly.

Sizing and fitting

Determining the Correct Size:

• Begin by measuring the finger of the wearer to establish the desired ring size. This can be done using a ring sizer or a printable sizing guide. Ensure that the ring sizer or guide is specific to the country or region, as sizing standards may vary.
• It is important to consider the width of the ring when determining the size. A wider ring will require a larger size compared to a narrower ring, even if they have the same inner diameter.
• Keep in mind that hammered rings tend to increase in size due to the spreading of metal during hammering. Plan to make the ring slightly smaller than the intended size to account for this increase.

Techniques for a Comfortable Fit:

• Ensure that the ring has a smooth inner surface. File and sand the inner circumference to create a comfortable fit.
• Consider the shape of the ring. A flat or slightly domed profile will provide a more comfortable fit than a ring with a pronounced dome or an uneven shape.
• If the wearer intends to wear multiple rings together, such as a wedding band and an engagement ring, ensure that the profiles complement each other and fit well when stacked.
• For a more personalised fit, create a custom ring mandrel that matches the wearer's finger size. This ensures that the ring is crafted to the exact specifications required.

Adjusting the Size:

• If the ring is slightly too small, continue hammering to increase the size gradually.
• To make a ring larger, use a mandrel to stretch the band carefully. Place the ring on the mandrel and hammer it gently, rotating the mandrel as you work to ensure an even stretch.
• If the ring is significantly too large, cut a small section out of the band and solder the ends back together before refining the shape and finish.
• For major adjustments, melting down the metal and starting anew may be necessary.

Remember, achieving the perfect fit may require some trial and error, so patience and precision are key.

Soldering and joining

Soldering Basics:

• Soldering involves joining metal pieces using a filler metal, known as solder, which melts at a lower temperature than the base metal.
• For sterling silver, select a solder with a similar composition, such as silver solder or easy silver solder.
• Prepare your work area by ensuring adequate ventilation and having a fire extinguisher nearby.
• Gather the necessary tools: a soldering torch, flux (to clean the metal surfaces and prevent oxidation), a soldering pick (to handle the solder), and a soldering pad or heat-resistant surface.

Preparing the Joint:

• Cut the sterling silver sheet to the desired width and length for your ring.
• Use a mandrel (a cylindrical tool) to shape the silver sheet into a ring. Ensure the ends meet flush with each other.
• Clean the joint area with flux to remove any dirt, grease, or oxides that might interfere with soldering.
• You can use a binding wire to hold the joint together if needed.

Soldering Process:

• Heat your soldering torch and adjust the flame to a size suitable for your project.
• Apply heat to the joint area, moving the torch continuously to avoid overheating any single spot.
• Touch the solder to the heated joint. The solder should melt and flow into the joint.
• Remove the heat and allow the joint to cool.
• Once cool, remove any binding wire and clean the joint with a pick or brush to remove any excess solder or flux.

Post-Soldering Steps:

• After soldering, you can continue shaping and refining your ring. Use a ring mandrel to ensure the ring is round and the correct size.
• Hammer the ring to create the desired texture. Place the ring on the mandrel and use a hammer with a ball-peen head to create indentations evenly around the ring.
• Finally, polish the ring to give it a shiny finish. You can use a rotary tool with a polishing attachment or a polishing cloth for this step.

Remember, soldering takes practice, so don't be discouraged if your first attempts don't go perfectly. With time and experience, you'll develop the skills to solder confidently and create beautiful hammered sterling wedding rings.

Polishing and finishing

Once you are happy with the shape of your ring, you will need to file and sand it to smooth out any rough edges. Use a metal file to gently shape the ring and remove any imperfections. You can then use sandpaper to smooth the surface further, starting with a medium-grit sandpaper and working your way up to a fine-grit sandpaper. This process will help to remove any scratches and create a uniform finish.

After sanding, you can polish the ring to a high shine using a polishing cloth or a rotary tool with a polishing attachment. This step will help to remove any remaining scratches and give your ring a beautiful lustre. You can also use a tumbler to polish your ring, which involves placing the ring in a container with water, an abrasive medium, and a burnishing compound. The container is then sealed and placed in the tumbler, which is rotated for several hours to achieve a smooth and shiny finish.

Finally, you can add a patina to your ring to give it an antique or oxidised look. This process involves applying a chemical solution to the ring, which will darken the metal and enhance the hammered texture. You can also use a liver of sulphur to create a black patina on your ring. After applying the patina, be sure to seal the ring with a metal wax or lacquer to protect the finish.

Remember to clean your ring thoroughly after polishing and finishing to remove any residue or chemicals. Use a soft cloth and mild soap, and dry the ring completely before wearing it. Enjoy your unique, handmade hammered sterling wedding ring!

Frequently asked questions