How To Make Gold Filled Jump Rings?

By Author: Davis hopper
Total Articles: 42
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The project of making gold filled jump rings is very interesting and easy. All you require is a wire cutter, gold filled wire, a mandrel, and safety glasses (safety glasses are used to protect the eyes while using wire cutters).

To begin, wrap the gold filled wire around the mandrel, however, you must make sure that the coil is placed perpendicularly to the mandrel’s axis. Wrap the wire tightly leaving no space. Now, slowly slide the coil out of the metal bar.

After that, cut the rings from the coil either by using a wire cutter or by using a jeweler’s saw, depending on whichever is convenient for you to work with. The rings can be made in different shapes as desired. Always use a measuring tape before cutting the rings from the coil as the gauge of the wire and the density of the rings play a vital role in determining the size and shape of the jump rings.

You can make your own jump rings. All you need is some material which is strong and thin like a pencil. Coil the silver wire of desired thickness around the pencil. Slide it off when ...
... the coil is big enough and cut through them neatly and at the same place each time with a pair of wire cutters.

You need a pair of pliers to open a jump ring. Normally, chain nose or a flat nose pliers is used. The chain nose pliers outer jaw is rounded and tapers towards the tip. They may also have a cutting blade in the inner part of the jaw instrumental in cutting soft wire and other types of jewelry findings. Flat nose pliers have two flat surface jaws which are used to hold and move both sheet and wire. They do not taper and are generally used for manipulating and crimping. The squared jaw is instrumental in creating angular shapes in the silver wire. Make sure that the surface of the jaws of both these type of pliers in smooth. Otherwise marks may come on the surface of the sterling silver jump rings.

Opening sterling silver jump rings is a simple and easy procedure. However, beginners may make a few initial mistakes. What is required is some patience and a steady hand. Once you have mastered the technique you will find the process relatively easy. Practice makes perfect and you will soon be on the way to be a skilled craftsman.

By following the above described simple process you can make beautiful and highly useful gold filled jump rings for your necklace in almost no time at all.