Make rings from sterling silver cutlery
If, like me, you enjoy browsing at secondhand shops and auctions, you'll know how easy it is to pick up sterling silver cutlery and flatware at bargain prices. Vintage sterling silver spoons can be framed and used for wall art, or repurposed into fashionable jewellery... like these sterling silver rings.
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To make your ring you can use almost any piece of cutlery or flatware, but what's important is the design on the handle. When you do go buy your silverware, make sure it is sterling silver and not stainless steel (it will say on the back of the spoon). I didn't realize this at first, so my first attempt was with a stainless steel fork, and let's just say, it didn't work too well. You'll know it's sterling silver if it says "900" or "925" on the back.
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1. The first thing you will want to do is to measure your finger. One of the easiest ways to do this is by simply cutting a strip of paper, wrapping it around your finger, and marking where it overlaps. If you are making the type 2 ring, add an extra 5mm or so for the overlap. If you are making the type 1 ring, this step isn't as crucial because you will just continue wrapping it until you've used all of the handle of your silverware.
2. For this next step you will need a Dremel MultiTool and cutting blade to cut off the bottom of the spoon. If you don't have a Dremel MultiTool, use a junior hacksaw. If you are making type 1, cut the handle right above the bowl. For type 2, cut the handle at whatever length you measured in step 1. File the cut end with either a metal file or a coarse grit sandpaper. Work your way down to a fine grit sand paper to get a super-smooth finish.
3. Now comes the fun (or frustrating!) part - bending the spoon. There are several ways to accomplish this. You can bend it around the dowel using shear force, you can hammer it around the dowel, or you can use a Dremel VersaFlame to heat it up before you bend it.
If you do use a hammer, I recommend wrapping some sort of cloth (a dishtowel folded in half works well) around the head of the hammer and securing it in place with a rubber band. This will help to protect the metal from scratches. If you torch it, you'll have to heat it up for awhile...but make sure you don't let it start glowing orange. If you so desire, you can polish or buff the ring for a shiny finish.
