Hand-Cut Silver Jewelry

Christy used to create huge, wall-sized pieces--but having kids changed all that. She started making jewelry after taking a class, and she fell in love with metalsmithing. In this project, she makes a beautiful hand-cut sterling pendant.

Materials:

sterling silver sheet
leather cord
sterling silver clasp
jeweler's saw
fine saw blades
punch
drill
needle file
sandpaper
abrasive sponge

1. Design your piece (figure A), make a pattern, and glue the pattern onto the sheet silver with rubber cement.

2. Drill a hole in each negative space in the pattern to be cut out (figure B).

3. Feed saw blade into each drilled hole and cut out the inside of the shape with a jeweler's saw (figure C). Repeat cutting until the piece is completely cut out.

4. File outside edge of silver and sand with sandpaper (figure D).

5. Hammer to form silver in block of wax (figure E).

6. Apply matte finish to silver with Scotch-Brite sponge.

7. Add ear wires or leather cord.

Website: www.christyklug.com