You can make your own sterling silver ring using the same very simple techniques that metal smiths have been using for generations. In this tutorial we will show you how to form a basic sterling silver ring.
Cut a piece of sterling silver or other nonferrous metal wire and wrap it around a ring mandrel to form a ring in the size you need. For a thin ring, use 16 gauge wire. For a thicker ring, use 12 gauge wire.
Gentle hit the ring with a ball pein, forming or plastic hammer until the ring takes shape.
Cut the wire with a jewelry saw. If you do not know how to use a jewelry saw, see our ehow How to Use a Jewelry Saw at http://www.ehow.com/how_4772007_copper-steel-gold-sheet-metal.html of click the link in the resource section of this tutorial. Note that while it is possible to cut the wire with a wire cutter, a jewelry saw will make a cleaner more flush cut that will be easier to solder.
File and sand the wire as needed and form it until it is a perfect ring. You may need to use your pliers and the hammer to fit the ring ends very tight. If you do not know how to sand metal smooth, see our ehow How to Use Sand Paper at http://www.ehow.com/how_4805483_use-sand-paper.html of click the link in the resource section of this lesson.
Solder the ring closed. If you do not know how to solder, see our ehow How to Solder Using a Small Butane Torch at http://www.ehow.com/how_4999002_solder-using-small-butane-torch.html or click the link in the resources section of this article.
Pickle. If you do not know how to pickle metal after soldering, see our ehow How to Make Pickle at http://www.ehow.com/how_4999815_make-pickle.html of click the link in the resource section of this article.
File and sand until smooth. Polish as desired. Check the ring for size. Your simple band is done.