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| Copper Weave Stack Ring by York Avenue Studio |
This statement ring looks like woven rings of bold copper and has an impressive wide band. Comfortable for ladies as well as gents, this ring is easy to make with a few tools and basic metal skills. I decided to share my steps in making this ring. Feel free to make one for yourself.
I start with about 12 inches of copper wire, round 14 gauge. Flush cut the ends and sand flat. Place the wire centered on a ring mandrel at the size you want your ring, maybe a little smaller. The ring will get larger with hammering at the end and you can size it right then. I’m making this ring a size 8, so I use the size 7 on the mandrel.
I wrap both sections, right and left, around the back of the mandrel, crossing in the middle and stop. Flip the mandrel so the cross section is facing me, this is now the front.
The wire that is at the bottom that crosses up over the top wire, this will be the first wire to work with. Continue with this wire around the mandrel along the top edge of the wire back to the front, stopping before reaching the front center.
I bring the second wire up to cross under the top wire. The wires will only cross in the front and line up in rows in the back. The cross overs in the front will alternate. Continue until you use up the wire, watching for the last completed row where the ends will still meet. Trim the ends to meet, preferably in the back of the ring.
Using pliers, line up the ends to touch and solder the joint. I left the solder joint silver, but copper color solder can also be used. Using a patina or pickle that is contaminated also will “plate” the joint more like copper color.
Return the ring to the mandrel and reform the bands with a rawhide mallet, shape the ring, line up the bands.
If the size is too small, hammer it larger. I use a steel hammer to make a hammered texture with facets.
Tumble with shot to polish and work harden the ring. Patina to darken or keep it shiny. Protect the finish with Ren Wax which also weatherproofs the ring.
The final ring has such smooth lines, nice texture and the pattern is nice for a subtle chic everyday ring.
If you make one, let me know, I'd love to see your photos, too!
Kathy
For another amazing copper ring tutorial, please visit my Etsy shop for the instant download PDF to make a Copper Ball Love Knot Friendship Ring by York Avenue Studio
https://www.etsy.com/listing/83350862/tutorial-pdf-wire-wrapping-copper-ball?ref=shop_home_active_14
