It is not uncommon to spend a lot of money on a high quality silver ring; however, you could make a beautiful one at home with just a few coins. If you have some free time and a silver coin, you can skip going to the jewelry store and make a beautiful handcrafted silver ring.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Making the Headband
Step 1. Find a coin that is at least 80% silver
This detail is very important, because the coins that contain a lower percentage of it are also made with other metals, which can cause the ring to become dark. American 25 cent coins minted before 1964 are 90% silver, while those produced from 1965 onwards contain copper and nickel. Thanks to the high silver content, quarters from before 1965 are excellent for making rings. From 1958 to 1967 the Italian mint issued 500 lire silver coins; if you still have one forgotten in some drawer, you can try using it.
- You can use any other coin, but check it first by doing a Google search to verify the percentage of silver. There are several coins to choose from on sites like eBay.
- The larger the coin, the thicker the ring will be. The quarters of dollar are the right size, while the 500 lire coins could be suitable for those with small fingers; 50 cents cuts are perfect for making rings with a thicker band or for people with larger fingers.
- Article 454 of the Italian Penal Code punishes people who alter valid currencies; however, this rule aims to target individuals who act with fraudulent purposes and not those who use coins or banknotes for artistic purposes.
Step 2. Place the coin on a sturdy surface, such as an anvil, to hit it with a hammer
It is important that it is a smooth and resistant work surface, to prevent the coin from crumpling. Don't worry if you don't have an anvil, any metal surface is fine; make sure it is placed at a comfortable height, as you will have to work on it for a while.
Step 3. Begin by gently hammering the perimeter of the coin using a hammer
It is important to tap without too much force, otherwise you will get a deformed ring. Roll the coin across the hard surface as you hit it along the edge; the ring should gradually become smooth and begin to expand. In other words, the circumference becomes larger and a perimeter band is formed; this is the phase that takes the longest time: the band begins to be noticed after about 15 minutes of work, but it will also take an hour before the ring is as wide as you want.
- Continue hammering around the perimeter until the band reaches the desired size; it takes time, so turn on the TV or listen to some music to make the process more enjoyable.
- To evaluate your progress, you can look at the writing along the circumference of the ring. The incision moves slowly but surely towards the inside of the fascia.
Part 2 of 3: Drill the Center
Step 1. Drill a hole in the center with an electric drill
Use a small drill, with a diameter of 3 or 4.5 mm, for this operation. Be very careful and align the tip with the center of the coin to avoid ruining all the work done so far with the hammer. However, the hole does not need to be perfect - it must be large enough to fit a thin, rounded file into it. When you can use the file, put the drill aside.
Step 2. Enlarge the hole with the round file and start working on the inside walls
It is easier to hold the tool steady and move the ring rather than vice versa. Continue like this as the hole gets wider and the raised areas, along with the irregularities, smooth out. It will probably take you about half an hour to get as smooth a ring as you want.
Step 3. Try it
Run this test several times during processing to make sure the hole is the right size. This is an important precaution to get a ring that fits perfectly. Don't grind down the walls mechanically, or you'll end up with a ring slipping off your finger.
If you accidentally get too loose a ring, don't worry. There are several "tricks" you can try to make it stay on your finger; for example, you can line the interior walls with some silicone adhesive. Once dry, the additional layer allows the ring to adhere perfectly to the finger
Part 3 of 3: Adding the Finishing Touches
Step 1. Sand the ring to make it smooth
Buy several sheets of hard sandpaper at the hardware store and smooth the inside of the piece of jewelry. Keep working the metal until you get the exact look you want; it will probably take about half an hour.
- It is worthwhile to start sanding with a medium grit sandpaper (60 to 100 grit) and then gradually move to an extra fine paper (up to 600 grit).
- You can also attach the polishing accessory to the drill, in order to speed up this stage of processing and make the ring as smooth as possible.
Step 2. Polish the ring
After cleaning it a little, it should shine; take some silver polish and put a small amount on a specific cloth or rag. Rub both the inner and outer surfaces of the jewelry. After properly rubbing the product on the ring, rinse it with cold water and dry it with a soft cloth.
If you don't have silver polish available, try some methods outlined in this article. Alternative techniques include a salt water bath with aluminum foil, rubbing the metal with toothpaste or a paste made up of water and sodium bicarbonate
Step 3. Put on the new ring and take care of it
Slip it on your finger and let people compliment you on your beautiful piece of jewelry; no one will believe that you created it yourself and even less with a simple coin. Daily use can alter the appearance of the metal, so keep it always shiny, like new, by polishing it regularly.
