Mens Rings

[Michael Hart]

Hi, I would like to make a couple different mens rings and I was wondering if anyone knows of any good reference or books with step by step instructions I can follow?

[Dennis]

Most beginners books describe how to make a simple ring, or you can join a class. But there will be a fairly long learning period and quite a few tools to buy.

A simple way out is to buy a tube of wax sold for this purpose and carve it to shape using such tools as you already have or can improvise. There are also books on doing this. http://www.cooksongold.com/category_select.jsp?query=Casting+wax

All you will waste in your experiments is a heap of useless carvings, but once you have made what you want, it can be sent out for casting and finishing. Dennis.

[Goldsmith]

If you are interested in trying home casting a man's ring have a look at this video;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5V6hiF2LB5s

I used this cuttlefish casting method making this silver ring. 8940


James

[mh159]

Thanks, I follow this Italian guy called scaffoal on YouTube and I've been able to imitate one of the pieces he made. I have the ring made and I was trying to set an emerald cut garnet (rub over) but I burred the setting apart trying to get it thin enough to push it over. Luckily the ring is still in tact so I just filed it down so I can start over again. Wish I could send you a pic so you know what I'm talking about.



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[mh159]

I've seen a similar version of that ring made by hand. It's like two pieces that are cut out and then soldered together to make the frame. I'm interested casting too however I haven't looking into the equipment. I bought a flexshaft and a torch and some setting tools and files and just making things out of silver for now


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[mh159]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160514/3e500ee707d17dbf823df9e5f5f15bbe.jpg


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[mh159]

I can post photos now. Here's what I'm working on. I'll take another photo after I make the setting


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[mh159]

And here's the stone. Still not sure how to set ithttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160514/5ac8e271ed105e7065adde76f8fcec7d.jpg


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[glitterandgem]

If you are interested in trying home casting a man's ring have a look at this video;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5V6hiF2LB5s

I used this cuttlefish casting method making this silver ring. 8940


James

Thanks for this James . I have made a signet ring but it was very hard to do but this I can

[mh159]

I switched the garnet with a lead glass filled ruby that is a little smaller so it doesn't look so weird. I cut a little frame for it and will cut a seat so I can push it overhttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160515/55586273ef8108b093add2851d537d67.jpg


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[Goldsmith]

You can also bezel set square stones, a simple method is to just make a bezel that fits the stone, solder it on the ring shank and cut a V in each corner with a three square needle file which makes setting a square stone easier. Like this one I made for a friend. The shank one was made from a carved Ferris ring wax;http://www.cooksongold.com/Jewellery-Tools/Ferris-Flat-Sided-Wax-Tube-Blue--6150mm-Long-28.6mm-X-28.6mm-prcode-998-261?p=gs&gclid=CLaEpd_Z28wCFQ0SGwodPUwCgw , then cast, polished and set.

8948

James

[Ceri]

so basic shopping list to start casting is wax, wax carving tools, cuttlefish or delft clay and rings for cast and metal to cast. Would a scorifier and a blowtorch be sufficient for melting gold and/or silver for casting? Have I missed anything?

[Ceri]

[QUOTE=Ceri;87779]Would a scorifier and a blowtorch be sufficient for melting gold and/or silver for casting? QUOTE]
Just watched the video James put up. Probably should have watched it before asking!

[Nick martin]

Hi Ceri,

You'll also need a homemade soldering / casting station ( blocks or bricks ) to deflect and direct the heat when casting metal if you're using a blowtorch and a scorifier. It'll also prevent you from setting your workshop alight!

Then you'll need some borax powder to sprinkle into the molten metal which will help purify it for casting. If you're using a brand new scorifier then dont forget to subject it to heat along with borax powder before hand in order to 'condition' it and glaze it before attempting to melt metal, and of course use a seperate scorifier for each metal you use ( i.e. one for silver, one for gold, etc ).

Cheers,

Nick

[Ceri]

Thanks Nick.

[mh159]

You can also bezel set square stones, a simple method is to just make a bezel that fits the stone, solder it on the ring shank and cut a V in each corner with a three square needle file which makes setting a square stone easier. Like this one I made for a friend. The shank one was made from a carved Ferris ring wax;http://www.cooksongold.com/Jewellery-Tools/Ferris-Flat-Sided-Wax-Tube-Blue--6150mm-Long-28.6mm-X-28.6mm-prcode-998-261?p=gs&gclid=CLaEpd_Z28wCFQ0SGwodPUwCgw , then cast, polished and set.

8948

James

Thanks James. I wasn't aware that cutting a V with three square needle file made it easier. This was the first bezel setting I ever did and it turned out kinda messy. Having fun though. It's so much fun being creative and making things. I haven't actually created anything or practiced art since I was in primary school. I eventually would Like to make a website to sell my finished pieces on but just having fun for now


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[mh159]

You can also bezel set square stones, a simple method is to just make a bezel that fits the stone, solder it on the ring shank and cut a V in each corner with a three square needle file which makes setting a square stone easier. Like this one I made for a friend. The shank one was made from a carved Ferris ring wax;http://www.cooksongold.com/Jewellery-Tools/Ferris-Flat-Sided-Wax-Tube-Blue--6150mm-Long-28.6mm-X-28.6mm-prcode-998-261?p=gs&gclid=CLaEpd_Z28wCFQ0SGwodPUwCgw , then cast, polished and set.

8948

James

BTW that is a beautiful topaz ring.


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