Stainless Steel Jewelry – How to Make One?
All About Stainless Steel Jewelry
Sometimes, you can not distinguish stainless steel jewelry from a silver one because of its similar appearance. But those similarities end when you consider the components that make this particular jewelry metal stand out. Stainless steel jewelry is a harder metal than silver and has some distinct advantages that set it apart from the other jewelry materials.
Advantages of Stainless Steel Jewelry:
- Stainless steel jewelry is able to handle wear and tear than silver and gold jewelry
- It is more practical and reliable for everyday purpose because it entails much less maintenance
- Stainless steel jewelry is safe to use for people with metal allergies
- It has no discoloration properties
- Stainless steel jewelry is cheaper than white gold
This article provides you with the needed materials, general reminders and procedures on how to make your own stainless steel jewelry.
Just follow the steps and have fun in making your own eye-catching piece of art!
Materials needed:
- a collection of stainless steel flatware
- stainless steel scraps
- instant adhesive
- semi-precious cabochons
- a jeweler’s mandrel, a set of jeweler’s files and a Dremel tool with a variety of bits
- two pair of vise grips
- a pair of needle nose pliers
- a small anvil or strike plate
- hot and cold chisels and a power drill and bit set
- torch to heat steel for bending, folding and hammering
- Find a small bench grinder with grinding, polishing and wire wheels and keep 24 through 600 grit abrasives on hand
- Arrange everything on a workbench in such a way that all the tools you need are within easy reach
Reminders!
Since you will be working with hot steel with sharp edges, you must remember these guidelines to secure your safety while doing this task:
- Always make use of a NIOSH-approved respirator when grinding and cutting non-ferrous materials.
- Never forget to put on wrap-around eye protection to prevent sparks, metal shards and grit from entering and hurting your eyes.
- Pay attention when cutting and grinding to avoid crushing and amputation injuries.
- Never grind toward the body. It should always be away from it.
- Maintain a large, fully-charged ABC fire extinguisher within arm’s reach at all times. Also secure a fire blanket and shower station somewhere in the shop, as well as an eye wash station.
Directions in Making Stainless Steel Jewelry:
- Stainless Steel Jewelry making requires conceptualization. Hence, you should brainstorm first on what kind of jewelry you would want to make.
- After you have figured out what stainless steel jewelry to make, temper all the steel you wish to use by placing it in the oven at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for at least one hour.
- Be certain that none of the steel is touching one another. Allow the steel to cool to room temperature, and then repeat the heating and cooling for three times.
- Steel that is not tempered before being bent or hammered will more likely to break. The shards can cause serious damage, especially while still hot. Therefore, put on wrap-around eye protection and heavy leather work gloves when heating, hammering, cutting or grinding steel. Use ear protection while cutting and grinding.
- Hold the desired piece of steel in tongs, a vise or pliers. Heat the steel to bright orange. Rest it against a curved surface, such as a pipe, jewelry mandrel, or the horn of your anvil.
- Pat lightly until the steel is bent to the necessary arc. Let the steel cool to room temperature.
- If you want to add semi-precious cabochons to a ring or bracelet, apply a drop or two of instant adhesive to the back of the cabochon and to the ring or bracelet.
- Allow the adhesive to dry for at least 30 seconds and then press the cabochon securely into place.
- Wipe down any excess adhesive. Lastly, utilize a buffing wheel to shine the jewelry.
- Just as you’re done with it, look at your completed stainless steel jewelry and take pleasure in wearing it around.
Aside from the advantages given above about stainless steel jewelry, you can also sell them once you have made enough items. By following the given safety measures and procedures, plus a touch of determination and creativity, this little hobby and skill might turn into a business that you will be proud of. Go ahead! Give it a shot and make the most out of Stainless steel jewelry!
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