Black Cubic Zirconia Sterling Silver Ring
This ring uses basic silversmithing techniques as well as snaptite settings which are so easy to use!
Are you thinking of making this as a gift? Why not add a presentation box or gift bag to your order.
Step by step instructions
Firstly, decide on the size of the ring that you want. Our tip is to wrap a thin strip of paper or thread around a ring the correct size then you can measure the length of the silver that you need. You can order sterling silver wire from us in any length, cut per cm.
Start by soldering the sterling silver wire together to form a ring.
Read our silversmithing advice page here.
Using the flat side of the repousse/chasing hammer, hammer the wire on a steel bench block either side to create a flatter surface. Then, using the chisel end of a jewellers hammer, hammer the sides to create a lovely, stripy 'bark' effect on the wire.
Now you are ready to solder on the snaptite setting. We'd recommend using extra easy or easy solder as snaptites require a lower temperature. We sell extra easy solder strips or easy solder paste.
We recommend that when holding the snaptite setting with insulated reverse action tweezers you hold only one claw very gently so you don't overheat the claws as this will affect the tension that keeps the stone in place.
Once the ring has been soldered you can set the stone into the snaptite setting which couldn't be easier. Simply place the faceted stone face down (flat side down) onto a firm surface such as a magazine placed on your work surface.
Place the mount over the stone and apply gentle pressure to 'click' the stone into place. Check that the claws are firmly in place - it may be necessary to gently adjust the claws to ensure a secure fit.
Your ring is now complete! Stacking rings are very popular at the moment so you could make several rings in your own style using different metals and stones!
We sell a complete soldering kit which contains everything you need for soldering metals or you can just select the items that you need.
Suggested tools for this project
Jewellers Hammer - ideal for flattening wire and the chisel end can also be used to create a lovely, stripy 'bark' effect on metal
Repousse/Chasing Hammer - great for creating a different effects on metal sheet and wire
Steel Bench Block - ideal for hammering and forming metal wire and sheet on
Jewellers Gas Torch - ideal for the type of soldering small pieces
Soldering Block - provides a safe surface on which to solder and keeps the heat exactly where you want it
Soldering Paste - very simple to use as there is no need for extra flux as it is already mixed in with the paste!
Soldering Poker - ideal for manipulating solder and metals whilst heating
Insulated Reverse Action Tweezers - great to help support tricky pieces during the soldering process and the wooden insulated handles mean they can be handled directly afterwards without risking burning yourself
Plastic Tweezers - essential for inserting and removing items from a pickle bath
Safety Pickle - an essential product for removing the fire-stain caused by heat during soldering
Customise Your Kit
Make the design your own by using your favourite jewellery supplies.
Helpful Pages
How to set gemstones in snaptite settings
Read silversmithing advice and tutorials
Shop all silversmithing tools and supplies
Jewellery Making Books
'The Art Of Soldering For Jewellery Makers: Techniques & Projects' by Wing Mun Devenney
'Jewellery Making: A Complete Course for Beginners' by Jinks McGrath
The Workbench Guide to Jewelry Techniques'
Kernowcraft's jewellery making kits are aimed to inspire you - therefore the step by step instructions are available online only with a shopping list, where you can easily customise the design to suit you. We recommend printing or bookmarking this page ready to follow.
The suggested products used in this project are suggestions to inspire you. Products used were compatible at the time of making but do be aware that gemstones are natural and hand cut stocks can vary, so do use your own common sense as to the compatibility of each item when making.
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