How To Cast A Silver Ring Everything You Wanted To Know About Delft Clay/Sand Casting For Jewellers

Andrew takes you through detailed steps to enable you to make a silver ring. Andrew uses sand casting, a techniques borrowed from the engineering sector.
This technique is also known as Delft Clay Casting when using Delft Clay sand.
This is the company that supplied Andrew with the side entry rings and Petrabond sand www.ebay.co.uk...
#DelftClay #Jewellerymaking #sandcasting
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Andrew Berry, a professional jeweller for 30 years, is the training director of www.AtTheBench.com, an award winning on line jewellery training website.

[@juliesoreil4954]

What kind of torch is needed to melt the silver? A simple propane one would do? Or do you need a mix of oxygen+propane?

[@internetmail3888]

Even a kitchen torch will melt gold.

[@wifeinthenorth]

Hi Andrew, Thank you so much for this and your other videos. I've been casting rings this way for a number of years in both silver & gold and one thing I've picked up which helps me on the rough finishing process is to leave the sprue attached as long as possible as it allows you to grip the whole thing in a vice for heavy filing of the exterior and interior. Again, thanks for taking the time in sharing your skills - it is very much appreciated.

[@bonniemagpiejewellery]

That’s a fab tip, thank you!

[@louiseclaire219]

Hi andrew, what torch head did you use to melt the silver? Thanks

[@Mr.BenjAmazingBoracay]

Have watched a lot of casting videos including yours but this one I like the most. Thank you for always sharing your master pieces

[@stevenedwards4470]

That water displacement thing was a good tip. I'm just about to get started on a project I want to do. Your videos make the prospect of trying less daunting.

[@ZebranoWoodCraft]

Fascinating process thank you for the detailed explanation of how it all works! Great to see a fellow Welsh dude sharing the knowledge! :)

[@eamonobroin]

Thanks Andrew for taking the time to make this video tutorial. I have been making jewellery for 6 years and in the back of my mind, I wanted to try casting, but was always unsure of the process. This video really covers all of the information and materials, sands & molds I would need to buy. It's great to have the link to buying the clay. I am really looking forward to trying out the process and casting one or two piece. Thanks for all of your videos, as I have learned so much from watching your channel. Hello from Dublin, Ireland. :)

[@carolinejones8743]

I have to say Andrew, I did enjoy your first video on delft casting RATHER a lot hahaha! You had me snorting out loud in my studio and I’m sure the neighbours were a little perplexed at all the guffawing. This video was also very informative despite less trash talk about matching balls. Thanks for all the laughs and helpful tips, you’re great fun to watch :)

[@sharonkimball3242]

Andrew Berry, you are a treasure! Thank you for your videos. You are fondly spoken of here in Arizona, USA for your expertise as a jeweler and instructor. Last week I ordered a complete casting kit and can't wait to get some solid pieces in my work!

[@helenloberg6047]

Very informative, thank you for sharing your knowledge. Where can I buy the side pouring cast rings?

[@mkivy]

How Beautiful! I like that very very much. I like heavy jewelry I just had a 28 Graham 18 karat gold men’s ring made with a blue sapphire. And it is beautiful

[@pijnto]

Brilliant video! Petrabond in Australia is far easier to obtain and a lot less expensive than Delft

[@ashleegagner6806]

I am a Novice ( Mostly self taught by watching KZbin, and a lot of trial-and-error) silversmith who has about 2 years worth of experience working with precious mattprecious metals ( Mostly Sterling silver) creating pieces of jewelry. I also do my own Lapidary work with semi precious and precious stones that i set into these little pieces of jewelry. I have a million questions and your videos have answer a lot of them . I am grateful that I found your channel,, so thank you for broadcasting your experiences and sharing your knowledge. So for my qusetion.... I save All my little pieces of scrap silver and i am interested in using a crucible to turn my scrap into bigger pieces of silver. I do a lot of filing because of my lack of experience and have been collecting even the Silver dust that Is essentially scrap to. As you can imagine little bits and pieces of other material get swept into the silver dust.. If I was to melt these Impurities down into you my silver what kind of effect would I get. Would it mostly burn off this excess material (little pieces of wood, fluff from rags I use ect....) when I melt it down in the crucible and do a pour? I am also interested in making different types of earings such as open hoops, and tragus studs, that have balls or little flowers with set stones in them on either end. This requires some tap and die experience (which I have some of) in the creation of internal and external threading using wire and or tubing. Do you have any experience with this type of art work? If so will you show me your techniques please. I am struggling here to be honest.

[@elizabethreid6386]

Could you stand the ring up in the small mold so that the pour would be perpendicular or would that mean there wouldn't be enough clay for the casting?

[@thebishopsilversmith5396]

I know this is a little late of a response, but (if I understand the question correctly) no, you could not stand the ring up in the small mold. You would not be able to pull the master ring out of the sand without disturbing all of the sand that would create the inner boundary of your ring. Hope that makes sense.

[@thebradmanofmuskoka]

Just curious how you would make the hollow one? I'm guessing not casting. The volume equation you used would only give the volume of the hollow not weight but would give you an idea.

[@Anarasha]

Thank you. As always, I came to your channel to find tips on a problem I had and you go and fix it in a single video :D I was making air vents but no hole through. After poking the holes my pattern filled up perfectly :D

[@RoysFineGems]

Add some non-sand grout, to your petrobond. It gives it a much smoother finish.

[@nicolasboucaud5635]

Hello mister I follow you on this channel I'm from France learn jewellery with old man in Sri Lanka today I m so happy I do casting and it's my first succes THANK You very much I follow you step by step move dust from all the funnels and I got my first massive ring 19 grams of silver YES!!!! My life change today continue to check your tuto. Bye Nik

[@WHITTONZ]

Loads of very useful info once again, thank you very much! Would never have thought of a side entry flask myself. Have made rectangular boxes in wood for long, thin pieces cast in pewter and not set fire to the kitchen as yet. Best wishes from far west Cornwall.

[@LaurenceP1959]

Thanks for a great vid, Andrew. I'd love to know the all of the detail about finishing the resulting blank. Sorry if you've already produced an instructional covering the process, I can't locate it.

[@frankwick3989]

Thanks! This is so inspiring. I just bought a used NetCraft centrifuge and amassing my other equipment. I've bookmarked a number of your videos. Again, thank you for the clarity and thoroughness. You are so appreciated.

[@jeffcole1914]

Wow! I’m glad I saw this I’m not a jeweler but love information who know what the future holds and doing something you enjoy is key. Definitely see the joy you have in your craft!

[@amandaw.5361]

Andrew you are the best!! My sand casting supplies will be here tomorrow so I truly appreciate this video. I ordered Delft clay a long time ago and finally bought the tools to go with it. You have helped me so much-in so many areas- on my metal smithing journey :)

[@joyceeberner]

Thank you for making this so clear & straight forward! I love your video’s & certainly have come a long way with this hobby!!

[@larrywhitsitt7404]

Thank you for the video which I truly enjoyed I can't wait to make my own silver ring by sand casting.

[@julieoswald855]

I’m just about to give this ago but I can’t get delft clay here in Australia (well you can but I’m not paying that much), so I’m making my own .. fingers crossed 🤞🏻

[@starboardpanic]

Awesome video I think its the only one I've seen with zero dislikes hahah

[@chd64]

Thankyou Andrew for producing this video, I was struggling with 45degree turns, problem solved. I’ve been enjoying all of your videos while I’m at my bench.

[@scotts4134]

I'm new to sandcasting. Every time I fill the mold with the delft clay and pound it down, the clay will "split" open on the mold. Usually it splits in a different part of the mold, that I'm pounding. I hammering the clay in fairly hard. Is it possible I'm doing it too hard? I just can't understand what's causing this. When I turn the mold over, the bottom of the mold is nice and smooth. Can you please tell me what could be wrong? Thank you in advance.

[@janetlohrman1120]

Hello Andrew, my name is Jan and I am watching from Australia in NSW. Brilliant vid as always and very informative, on a lighter side, you have a black sooty type mark on the tip of your nose. LOL...😁 Cheers Jan

[@rwhughes47]

BEST INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS OUT THERE..BERRY IS THE MAN

[@randylonto117]

Was liked to your site by Skyler, Change you can Wear. I really liked this video. Reminded me of some casting we were able to do in high school. Your video was better.

[@SC-rb2jr]

Superb Video as usual. Glad to hear I did not waste money buying the far more expensive Delft clay sand, instead of the Petrobond version.

[@monaad4499]

You are the best. Love love your videos. Thanks for sharing

[@mesjoor4575]

سلام دوست عزیز میشه لطفا قلب تو پرکوچک هم ریخته گری انجام بدهید

[@landonh5558]

Hello community, any suggestions on reputable sand casting supplies and tool makers that I could look into? Thanks.

[@krodkrod8132]

I like Petrobond. I just made a pendant and it has my fingerprints on it. That's how much detail it can get.

[@allenbrandon4954]

awsome video... ;)

[@Drew-xy7yg]

I’m having trouble locating a torch like this to melt down metal in the crucible. Want type of torch is this and where can I get it. Thank you!!!

[@elfillari]

Can you edit the polishing process to another video perhaps how you complish that gorgeous mirror surface for the ring? And pls. could you include the product(s) used to the shiney result!

[@classicRusty]

Thank you, will you demonstrate a Lazer engraving on the same ring?

[@krodkrod8132]

I'm lazy. Since its a simple round ring i would put it on a drum with a electric drill and hold it against my belt grinder. With maybe a 400 grit belt to start.

[@liammooney2539]

M8 thank you for this video ive always wanted some jewellery just never had the money for it but I did have a old pure silver tea pot that was left to me from my gran and i just made the best silver rings thanks very much going to try a bracelet next will defo be subscribing you earned it

[@chloebates9112]

Ps.Maybe its it's in my blood my former name was Arrowsmith ?!😊

[@johandiebersohn7196]

How much shrinkage did you have. Did the ring come down a size or less?

[@mikemercado1957]

Great documentary! How do you make multiple copies?

[@flyingcheff]

Excellent! Love the more advanced techniques.

[@AdamLuxe]

Good job 👏 can you also do rings like this perhaps with large skull heads etc

[@elfillari]

Is there any wise to use slightly vacuum on the air-lines outside the casting while pouring the metal to casting?

[@inerlogic]

Looks gorgeous, i'll take one in 10.5 :)

[@donnapierce4073]

Can you cast a bezeled ring in the clay?

[@elfillari]

Can you make concave form rings or just convexed?

[@Elites-asthetic]

How much Borox do I know to put in ? It should i glaze the cubicle only

[@belindaczerkowicz5465]

Great video, thanks! What was the piece you used on the rotary tool?

[@Atthebench]

White nylon brush. I use them all the time. Take a look at a film from a few weeks ago kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2jLaIeNoNuhhMU

[@belindaczerkowicz5465]

@@Atthebench Thanks!

[@dimasbonillabanuelos6626]

I always like yo see videos of making jewelry. And I liked this one especialy.

[@brianthornton8312]

I can not seem to cast my silver just when I’m ready to pour it seems like it is not going in the mould, l need some help?

[@MrMittens1974]

Due to the flashing created across the centre line I'm guessing a Delft cask wouldn't be so good for a master pattern ring that had detailed inscriptions or designs? Probably lost wax investment would be better I presume as that would leave no seam lines?

[@Atthebench]

This is correct. Delt clay is ideal for low detailed items or just to cast a ‘shape’

[@MrMittens1974]

Andrew Berry Cheers Andrew. Love your vids. The best out there.

[@naomiwendy2234]

Thanks for sharing. Always fun and informative.

[@Ray-gz4ut]

Another video pointing out that I've been doing it the wrong way, learnt so much thank you.

[@medaldetectingwiththenewip3009]

Andrew would you be able to make ring send you Gold and Bey you

[@Theboxclapper]

Could this be used to also mold aluminium dice?

[@cncrichard1]

great video. I do delft clay casting here and there.

[@shalahmadi]

Amazing work. I am wondering how a hollow ring is made?

[@leounknown7316]

What type of torch was that ? Im looking for a nice torch

[@liamlepocher7540]

How would you cast one with a design on the sides?

[@Vatsek]

Andrew, you need to switch to CAD.

[@Leena79]

Great video! I've been meaning to get myself sand-casting equipment to get rid of my silver scraps. You said the torch is Sievert, but can you tell which model?

[@MrMittens1974]

Leena Sievert Pro 86 I'd imagine. You'd need the additional heavier neck and torch head for a flame to melt metals.

[@Leena79]

@@MrMittens1974 Thanks! Yeah, I have the basic setup for soldering, and the flame I can produce with those is too small for melting more than small bits.

[@MrMittens1974]

Leena I think the additional burner head you'd need is Sievert 3941 and the neck Sievert 3511 for enough oomph.

[@Ken_Dalton]

Andrew could u please send the link for the fist video u said u made about Maki. The gold balls for the torque bangle? Great video as always. Iv been thinkin about trying a Casting in order to make something heavy I had in mind

[@Atthebench]

It’s on the screen right after the introduction. Above my head

[@Ken_Dalton]

@@Atthebench brilliant. Thanks so much I will go check it out now.. Have a great weekend Andrew

[@englandshistory]

What size burner do you use on the sievert torch for melting down... thanks 👍🏼

[@guloguloguy]

THANK YOU, VERY MUCH, ANDREW!!! IMHO: METAL CASTING IS A BIT OF A LOST ART, (EXCEPT IN THE JEWELRY MAKING COMMUNITY). I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT, (FOR BEGINNERS), TO START "SMALL", AND GRADUALLY WORK UP TO CASTING BIGGER PIECES/PARTS. PERHAPS, IN ANY FUTURE VIDEOS, USE A BIT MORE LIGHTING,... (SO THAT SOME OF THE DETAILS WILL BE EASIER TO SEE).

[@glenysthomson8169]

❤Exclent presentation.

[@leroyc179]

I love your instructional videos, by far the best I have found.

[@ManypossibilitiesGaoLY]

Andrew, you are getting so much better with your videos. Thank you so much for all the educational lessons of metalsmithing. You were always great anyways to begin with. Two questions, if I were to use wax how would I measure of how much metal I would need? And if the wax have sentimental thumb prints on the wax will it show up on the metal ring? Thank you for your time.

[@frankwick3989]

I had the same question and found this. www.riogrande.com/article?name=Determining-Metal-Weight-HT Delft won't show thumbprints but casting in plaster (lost wax) will. Even with prints you'll likely be polishing out that minute detail later on. Probably.

[@evavu84]

I liked the original delft casting video! Obviously not the part where you burnt your hand!

[@karinh6512]

Hi Andrew, thank you for this casting video, it shows me where I’ve made mistakes in my own first attempts. Your videos are are so full of detailed information and instruction, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experiences. I wonder if you have made or would make a video on “finishing”, in particular, making a finish like he one on your original hollow ring, that matt finish. I’ve tried different techniques but have yet to achieve a nice matt finish that I deem good enough to give as a gift or ultimately sell. I love making pieces that have both sterling and fine silver, and am starting to incorporate a bit of gold. Could you please demonstrate how to achieve hat beautiful matt finish with any or all of these materials. Thank you very much. Karin

[@lenny108]

did you try sandblasting?

[@abailey1086]

Great job thanks for the video!!

[@VanessaBasora]

Thanks Andrew! This is helpful. 😊

[@manfkurd831]

زور جوانە،wery god

[@MrPandaEndru]

Hello, Andrew. I have problem. When I separate the two halves after compressing them with a hammer, the void in the ring on one side is completely filled, and on the other side it is not there at all. Have you had this problem? I use sand

[@Atthebench]

You have to leave the master in place and then remove it once you have separated the two halves

[@albertpartridge2194]

another great video Andrew but another thing i can not afford to do casting rings are very expensive and the clay is not on the cheap side either and being an oap on a budget, i might try cuttlefish casting one day if we get a good summer next year if we do haha, can you help me please i have tried cooksongold and betts metals i am after hard silver solder wire and all they sell is either easy or extra easy solder wire, i mostly use hard solder throughout the piece i am making with very careful use of the torch hard but not impossible to do can you recommend an outlet please, thank you.

[@Ken_Dalton]

Cooksons sell hard solder. I only got some more from there last month and have always got it there without any problems..

[@albertpartridge2194]

@@Ken_Dalton i know its hard solder wire i want not strip but i have only seen easy and extra easy in wire at cooksons unless i am looking in the wrong bit cheers

[@randysmith106]

Awesome video! I love doing sand casting!

[@kathleendobsonpiasecki9703]

Wonderful tutorial! Thank you

[@Latipsify]

Andrew, why do you dab wax on the liquid silver?

[@Atthebench]

It is a borax cone. Flux. Which helps the silver melt down nicely

[@Latipsify]

@@Atthebench I presume this works the same as soldering flux? Removing oxygen and other impurities from the material?

[@Atthebench]

@@Latipsify yes but not the protecting from oxygen. Just helps the silver melt

[@____julia____]

I've only done casting once and I was terrified when melting and pouring the silver! Great job and superb finishing, that must've taken a while

[@Makermook]

I've been a blacksmith for quite a while, but I've only now gotten interested in working with silver. Are you using .999 silver or sterling?

[@krodkrod8132]

I have a pretty elaborate wedding ring with 3 types of gold in it. I copied it in .999 silver and my wife actually got mad.

[@nepentheoflethe]

Why??? Seems like a cool thing to do. It didn’t mess up the original wedding ring did it?

[@taylor4588]

Can you ever reuse the sand?

[@sharonwaller6716]

THANKS Andrew for this video. I watched the gold ball casting and appreciate all your youtube input tutorials . I think it's a bit harsh what people said about the video they should be gratfull you did it in the first place. ❤

[@marcinsarna1653]

Hi, I Got question. I did some test with pewter, not silver. Pewter casting temp is 450censius. I was suprised how easy IT was to do highly detailed jewellery. Is IT harder to get same highly detailed silver jewellery, as silver casting temp is two Times higher than pewter? Or maby silver is easier to get high quality details as casting temperatyre is higher and silver stays liquid longer after pour IT to the mould?

[@benearle271]

Hi there, I have a question! Trying to figure out a way of using Delft to demonstrate casting with young children. Can you use Delft to cast wax, or tin?

[@jklang3366]

Sure wish I had these videos to watch back in 2013/14 when I was making and selling jewelery on ebay as hobby. Also when I sold tons of scrap jewelry! I remember trying to look into it i could melt it down myself but couldn't find anything on the topic at the time. I've since sold all my supplies and don't even wear jewelry anymore so don't have any scrap anymore but man I would have loved to do this if I only i knew how at the time . Great job

[@DavidMorales-mc6dr]

Absolutely wonderfully instructions thanks so much for your time consideration lovely

[@tokegry]

Thanks for the film awsome but when i have polished my ring at the end it turns black some places and rubs off on the finger how can i awoid that ? greetings from Denmark

[@Atthebench]

IS there polish left on the ring? Or is it tarnish from being worn?

[@tokegry]

dont think thers polish left it was nice and shiny after polish and cleand with dishwash soap but turnd black on the inside and a little on the outside and it smird off on the finger @@Atthebench

[@rikusauske]

Graduated cylinder is the word you're looking for. A glass tube using water to measure volume is a graduated cylinder

[@charitha721]

Woow..you have so much practical knowledge it made my works easier..thank you & god bless you..

[@aniawawrzkowicz8974]

Hello, Thank you for your amazing videos. I have a furnace do you think I can use that to melt my metal instead of the torch? I watched your video on melting silver in the furnace thank you for all the tips. I'm not keen on torches so would rather use the furnace.

[@spacekittenasmr7595]

Why do you use wax?

[@chloebates9112]

I lost a x7 6 point star necklace which was made of rock crystal-antique and uniqe! Yes it still hurts! Upon consulting a proffessional gem carver found I would need a whole lifetime to learn to do it myself or hire someone to make it at a very high cost to me. If I changed the material used and attached rock crystals to these casting coukd give me a means to do this! I have some carving skills or could use moulding clay to make the shapes needed and re make a new silver star version of this very precious lost treasure. Thankyou ! I may find time to do this. I hope I do. I know a few silver smiths who I could pay to help me also 😊 I have lots of photos including close ups of this lost delight too. Really good simple video 😊

[@monza5240]

Awesome step by step video very well explained, had no idea about casting. Just made a 24k gold ring using your style, help from the boiler maker using oxy torch. Very good result just have to cut and polish now

[@hartleyandrew2380]

I’m new to jewelry. I’m a gemstone cutter. Time to learn everything I can Thanks Andrew -Astro