Stainless steel jewelry has a similar appearance to that of silver jewelry. However, those similarities end when you consider the components that make this particular jewelry metal stand out. Stainless Steel Jewelry is a harder metal than silver and has some distinct advantages that set it apart from the other jewelry materials.

Among the advantages of stainless steel jewelry include its ability to handle much more wear and tear than silver or gold jewelry, and it requires much less maintenance, making it functional and reliable for everyday purposes. Moreover, the nickel in stainless is tightly bound, ensuring that it won’t leak out. Hence, making it safe for those with metal allergies. Stainless steel jewelry is perfect for those who prefer the silver color but dislike the discoloration properties of silver and it is less expensive than white gold.

Making a stainless steel jewelry sounds like a difficult and meticulous process, but actually all it needs is a tinge of hard work and creativity.

Acquiring these attitudes would help you tremendously when it comes to making your own jewelry.

Must haves:

• a collection of stainless steel flatware
• stainless steel scraps
• instant adhesive
• semi-precious cabochons
• jewelry cards and authenticity cards for each type of semi-precious cabochon
• a jeweler’s mandrel, a set of jeweler’s files and a Dremel tool with a variety of bits
• two pair of vise grips
• a pair of needle nose pliers
• a small anvil or strike plate
• hot and cold chisels and a power drill and bit set
• torch to heat steel for bending, folding and hammering
• Find a small bench grinder with grinding, polishing and wire wheels and keep 24 through 600 grit abrasives on hand
• Lastly, arrange everything on a workbench in such a way that all the tools you need are within easy reach

Reminders!

Safety is still the top most priority in stainless steel jewelry making since you will be working with hot steel with sharp edges. Therefore, you must take note of the following:

●         Use a NIOSH-approved respirator when grinding and cutting non-ferrous materials

●         Wear wrap-around eye protection to prevent sparks, metal shards and grit from damaging your eyes

●         Be alert when cutting and grinding to avoid crushing and amputation injuries

●         Always grind away from the body, rather than toward it

●         Keep a large, fully-charged ABC fire extinguisher within arm’s reach at all times, and a fire blanket and shower station should be somewhere in the shop, as well as an eye wash station

Instructions in Making Stainless Steel Jewelry:

●         The first step to any kind of project involves brainstorming the project itself. Stainless steel jewelry is something that needs to be conceptualized first, so the first step towards making your own jewelry is figuring out what it is you want to make.

●         If you have already decided what jewelry to make, temper all the steel you intend to use by placing it in the oven at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour.

●         Be sure none of the pieces are touching one another. Allow the steel to cool to room temperature, then repeat the heating and cooling three times.

●         Steel that is not tempered before being bent or hammered is more likely to shatter. The shards can cause severe injury, especially while still hot. Wear wrap-around eye protection and heavy leather work gloves when heating, hammering, cutting or grinding steel. Use ear protection while cutting and grinding.

●          Hold the desired piece of steel in tongs, a vise or pliers. Heat the steel to bright orange. Lay it against a curved surface, such as a pipe, jewelry mandrel, or the horn of your anvil.

●         Tap gently until the steel is curved to the necessary arc. Allow the steel to cool to room temperature.

●         To add semi-precious cabochons to a ring or bracelet, apply a drop or two of instant adhesive to the back of the cabochon and to the ring or bracelet.

●         Allow the adhesive to dry for 30 seconds and then press the cabochon firmly into place.

●         Wipe away any excess adhesive. Use a buffing wheel to polish the jewelry.

●          Take a look at your finished product and enjoy wearing it around. There is a certain amount of pride associated with making your own jewelry and the ability to show that jewelry around.

●         If you intend to sell your wares, attach the piece to a jewelry card with your name or your chosen company name on the front and back. Attach an authenticity sticker or card to the jewelry as well, if it is composed of precious or semi-precious stones or other materials.

It is challenging to turn scrap steel into eye-catching pieces of wearable art, but the satisfaction of making a one of a kind item outweighs the difficulties when people ask you where you got your interesting bracelet, necklace, earrings or ring. Once you master a few techniques, and make enough items, you can sell your stainless steel jewelry online, at flea markets, art festivals and hobby conventions.