Fine silver jewelry has been popular for centuries and it’s simple to understand why. Silver pairs well with almost everything, even other metals. Working with fine silver can seem intimidating, but it’s fairly easy to work with once you become more familiar with it and get some experience. We have compiled some of our favorite fine silver jewelry projects that use soldering and forming techniques.
Above: Layne Freedline’s process for the Versatile Cabochon Setting Project
Each project is available individually, or get them all as part of the Fine Silver Jewelry Soldering and Fusing Project collection to ensure that you get plenty of practice and beautiful pieces using fine silver.
Fused Finger Rings
Working with fine silver does not have to be difficult. These Fused Finger Rings, designed by Kate Richbourg, come together with ease and are a great project to start on if you are familiarizing yourself with the material. Fine silver is malleable, making it easy to shape, and it does not develop firescale when heat is applied. Kate chose to make these rings out of the material for these reasons, as well as the fact that silver gives off a beautiful sheen once polished. Both fusing and soldering techniques are used in this project, so familiarizing yourself with them before diving in is recommended.
Silver Fusion Bracelet Wire
For a refined bracelet that still catches the eye, the Silver Fusion Bracelet Wire by Jeanette Blix Ryan is the piece for you. Silver wire is fused together to create the chain. Jeanette recommends practicing fusing fine silver wire before starting this project, especially if you are not already familiar with the material. Create a matching pair of earrings to finish off a unique set.
Chinese Stretched Knot CHain
Necklaces with large-link chains have gained more popularity the past couple of years. Howard Siegel’s Chinese Stretched Knot Chain is a unique take on a classic chain necklace. The chain measures about 25″ once complete and is made up using various techniques. To make this piece, coiling, cutting, fusing, and forming the fine silver rings, as well as coiling, cutting, and weaving the jump rings, is necessary. Step-by-step photos will help you throughout the process. For tips on jump rings, check out this article.
Hammer Formed Fine Silver Bangles
Bangles are stylish and eye-catching, and the Hammer Formed Fine Silver Bangles by Bill Fretz are no exception. These bracelets are made from flat metal sheets. You can easily choose the width of the bangles and customize them to your heart’s content. No bracelet will be exactly the same as the one before it when using texturing hammers of your choice. This is a quick project, with each bangle only taking about 30 minutes to complete. Bill says that heating the entire piece of sheet metal just below its melting point before focusing the heat on the seam is a must. Silver heats up quickly and this softening step will help when soldering.
Versatile Cabochon Setting Project
Stones pair beautifully with fine metals and my favorite pieces combine the two components. The Versatile Cabochon Setting Project, designed by Layne Freedline, features a lovely gem wrapped in silver. This project’s focal point is the gem, but the metal portion remains elegant in its own right. The basic bezel is accented with fine silver and involves soldering, bezel making, fabrication, and finishing skills to complete. Layne says that her process begins with a gemstone: “they speak to me.” Allow yourself to become inspired by a stone and get to making!
Learn various tips and tricks for using fine silver in this Fine Silver Jewelry Soldering and Fusing project collection. You’ll extend your knowledge of the material and grow your collection of elegant pieces!
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