Silver Jewelry Making Process: From Start To Finish

Ever wondered what the handmade jewelry making process is really like?

Watch over my shoulder as I hand-cut a unique piece.

Now, with unique handmade designs, each piece is different.

Some are just silver.

Some also have copper or brass.

Some have a gemstone.

Some have more intricate designs which require more preparation.

I want to show you the stages of making just one relatively simple design – the Celtic Triquetra Pendant:

Jewelry Making Starts With An Idea

My designs come from one or more of the following:

• Designs found on ancient, historical non-jewelry items
• Influences from my everyday experience
• My creativity
• A combination of the above

In this case, the Celtic Triquetra Pendant is an historic symbol which I fashioned to my own personal taste.

Before any design implementation, though, we need some metal to design on and cut.

I use raw 925 sterling silver (the strongest and most reliable silver for jewelry making). I melt it down then flatten it out.

Next, I glue the design over the top of my flat sheet of silver.

And in the case of the Celtic Triquetra Pendant, I drill small holes between the lines of the design so I can cut out the full shape.

Once the holes have been drilled, I use my piercing saw to cut out the full shape of the actual design.

Next I soften the edges with my different-shaped needle files. And sandpaper to clean & smooth out the surface.

Then I mark out the places where the pattern overlaps. And from that, I use a bearing bur to create and strengthen the look of the overlaps.

I use an oxidizing liquid to give the joins more definition.

Before I give it a final polish, I solder a small ring around one point for the chain.

And, voila – we have the final piece you saw at the top of this post!

The End Of The Process Is A New Beginning

For me, the jewelry making process is not just a physical experience.

From the original idea to the design to the care & attention that goes into making it, I feel a small part of me is in every piece.

Call it spiritual, emotional, holistic, whichever description you prefer – a person wearing a piece of jewelry I have made will feel the love.

Jewelry making is a process of birth and re-birth.

Each piece that gets started and completed is continual growth with no end.

Love,
Ece