How to make low budget Jewelry - Silversmithing EASY WAY

This video is about making a silver ring with a wonderful opal stone I cut into a hexagon/honeycomb shape. It´s like a silversmithing tutorial for beginners and shows how you can start jewelry easy with simple tools. I am pretty sure there are few more serious jewelry making tutorials on KZbin but if you don´t have much money and you want to work at home, this video could be the right thing to have an idea, what tools you need to start your jewelry projects (in this case opal ring making).
Let´s first talk about some safety instructions:
I think the most dangerous thing in silversmithing is, that you work with a torch, what means that you can easy burn yourself or your home. My „funny“ workspace is absolutely not safe!
Your silversmith worksspace should absolutely be fireproofed. You should use firebricks and not a pot cover
Before you turn on your torch make sure that no hair or clothing can catch fire and never hold your head over the flame
Beware of gases. Make sure the room is adequately ventilated
During filing, sanding and polishing, fine dust can easily enter the respiratory tract. You should wear a respirator during these steps
Some generally tips for silversmithing beginners:
Buy good tools or you will buy twice
Read the book „silversmithing for jewellery makers“ from elizabeth bone. It is awesome
Plan your steps before starting your jewelry project. First try out simple jewelry like a „normal“ silver ring before you create complicated or filigree jewelry
If you also want to make an opal ring, take good care of the opal stone. It can be damadged
The stonesetting is a very hard step. And it´s the last step. Your jewelry piece will be ruined, when you fail here
Silversmithing takes time. For beginners it takes more time ;)
Here are my hints and tips to the steps in the video, hopefully very useful espacially for silversmithing beginners:
Cutting with piercing saw:
Check the tension on the blade: a loose blade will possibly break
Support your work with your second hand
Use the V shape oft he bench peg
Using wax will help
Filing:
Watch out that you don´t take to much silver
Files cut on the forward stroke. Yes, I also have to do this right ;)
Support your work
Make sure that the file does not dip at the end or beginning of the cutting stroke. You will create an uneven edge, what can ruin your jewellery project
If you want to solder two pieces together, be sure, that they fit nearly 100%. Solder will not fill up a gaps
Soldering:
Don´t use to much solder. Flaten the solderwire to avoid using to much
Use flux paste like me or better borax
Solder flows to the hottest parts of your silver ring
Don´t overheat your silver (stop if it´s dull red). Release the flame immediately, after the solder flows to the join
Work from hard solder down to easy solder. Watch the different melting temperatures
the pickle should be warm (not hot)
Forming:
Your silver must be annealed. If you buy it, aks for the malleability of your silver
Thats all i know. I am just trying different stupid things. Learning by doing :D
Stonesetting:
Making a silver ring with a stonesetting is a hard project. I cannot explain how to push the silver on the stone without the risk to damadge it. Happened two timest o me. I am using this small burin that is doing a grat job and then just polishing the edges with the silicon tipp. You should normally not use this silicon tipps with a dremel, because it´s not powerful enough to push the silver. You will need a flexshaft for the right use.
Some final words:
As a silversmithing beginner you should start with reading a book like I already recommended: „silversmithing for jewellery makers“
Your first silver rings will not be perfect. This is my fifth opal ring I made and every opal ring became better
Making a silver ring looks easy but needs time. Don´t rush
Enjoy your progress in silversmithing and design your own awesome individual jewelry :)

[@RoysRocks]

Tolles Video! Katzenname?

[@opalbadger9367]

Oh do you speak German? He has so many names, but the official cat name is Theodor-Detlef 😼😼😼. He is a fine boy

[@RoysRocks]

@@opalbadger9367 Ja... aber nicht gut. In der Schule gelernt.

[@opalbadger9367]

@@RoysRocks but you wrote everything right, so maybe it's better than you think mate 😉

[@V27RV]

@@RoysRocks hahah super Roy👏🏼 Dein Deutsch ist super muss ich auch sagen

[@RoysRocks]

@@V27RV Haha zu nett

[@modenam9046]

My first bench looked similar...and, you clearly are a pro with a fantastic sense of humor! Thanks for the laughs through the lesson!

[@opalbadger9367]

Hey Michelle! Thank you so much for your lovely words! Your comment makes me very happy 😊! Thanks for watching and for laughing! ❤️

[@MakeupMobster]

Omg the little polishing setup with the soda bottle and your box and presentation was absolutely genius! Love it

[@MakeupMobster]

Love the little contraption you made for the dust particles while you saw.

[@plantnoises]

Thank you for this video. I laughed my face off and also learned some things. Also as a beginner to silversmithing it was nice to just watch someone work! Please keep making jewellery! :)

[@opalbadger9367]

Thank you for watching and for your nice words! 🙏 There will be more jewelry videos in future for sure, actually building a new workshop, so hope I can create more content soon

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

also...not my heart sinking when you've thrown a charcoal block at the table 😱After having some of mine break just by touching them gently, I was like - DUUUDE hahahaha

[@opalbadger9367]

Yeah, I'm doing quite stupid things 😅.

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

I loved it! You have a great energy and it's a pleasure to watch, I kept smiling (edit: I kept crying while laughing lol) :) The rings are beautiful and opals are gorgeus, they're one of my favourite gemstones!

[@opalbadger9367]

Hey Basia! Your words mean so much to me! I feel very honored to read your lovely comment! 🤩 Discovered your channel just the last week, love it!

[@ceeceeceecee7753]

It’s so funny I’m self taught. Also and I see myself doing the where is it dance all the time love your hook up 🔥 really cool. 🔥⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@mattchrome6643]

I love having a beginners perspective. That’s exactly what I needed. Thank you very much 🙏

[@opalbadger9367]

Thats awesome!!! Thank you for this! 😘

[@V27RV]

Hahahah der man ist zurück..endlich. Geilo wie immer Kai

[@opalbadger9367]

Rafiq, danke man! Du bist der beste 👍

[@AnnaMariaMabbitt]

Ditto-love your playfulness & positive vibe At least your honest-lots pretend, so I appreciate it Gorgeous rings too

[@marjorietudor1674]

Been wanting to learn how to silversmith rings & more. Very helpful watching you...😊

[@opalbadger9367]

Thank you!! I think everybody can! Go for it!

[@charlesteune6416]

I have got to say you are the craziest man I’ve ever seen in my life lol ha ha ha but you get the job done and I like how you broke it down where even somebody like me can understand it so thank you for that very knowledgeable. I’m just a rookie watching your videos. This is the first one I’ve watched, but I will be watching plenty more again thank you. Take care and God bless.

[@opalbadger9367]

Oh wow! Appreciate that a lot !! Always happy to make people laugh and if theres some knoweledge arriving people, thats perfect 🙏🙏

[@Uvaronova]

I tried getting into jewelry since I shine my own cabochons. I am so frustrated at how everyone can do the trade and yet I can't get into it. I tried looking for classes locally, every time I look and see they have classes open by the time I can afford to take them they're full. Since metal is getting too expensive to even buy I have just given up that interest. I will be giving up the stone polishing soon too since I can't get anywhere with it, NO ONE is willing to use my stones unless I give them away for free. I don't mind giving away I just want to make a profit off of the skills I gained. That aint happening, I have spoken to people they say I do a good job, then they ignore me. You do good work don't let the comments discourage you.

[@anniefredrickson6658]

There's a lot of haters in the comments. I enjoy watching your techniques as I have some familiarity already. I just love your set up! I can't just wing a bezel like that. My teacher showed me how to mark top and bottom and patiently shape to stone, then mark to cut. From there no sanding as long as it's a straight cut. I found this very helpful so I thought I'd share. Very cool band to bezel connection and I dig the candle pickel warmer. Cheers!

[@offyarocka]

Your silversmithing workstation is as BOSS as your carving station!!!!! Very cool man!!!!

[@opalbadger9367]

You are to good ! Thanks for that! New workshop will be a bigger one 😅

[@mixedmediaartgirl300]

The ring was beautiful and so was how you presented it!!

[@opalbadger9367]

Thank you for that! 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@alimaloney218]

It looks beautiful, she will love it!

[@flyingcheff]

"If you haven't noticed...I'm an....." Noticed! 😍😅😍 And still approve! Love your crazy fun attitude. You'll get it..... Oh wow, best case of accidental success ever!!!!

[@opalbadger9367]

Oh Thank you for your words!!!!! Love your comment!! 🙏! I had to make more jewelry videos like that, sadly will take some more time to create stupid situations that are worth to laugh about 😅. Most of the things you see are like outtakes

[@daughterofkorhal]

Love your work and videos...and the cat 😉🐈♥

[@opalbadger9367]

😘 😘 😘

[@For_Cruyff_Sake]

Miss you! Looking forward to the next video!

[@opalbadger9367]

You're great! Thanks! New video is in progress, hopefully will finish it this month 😅

[@gregger666]

I love the silly off beat way you got there,,,keep up the great work GREGG from Nov Scotia

[@opalbadger9367]

Appreciate that a lot!!!! Thank you for leaving such awesome feedback Gregg

[@carmaela2689]

The box you put it in for her was fantastic!

[@opalbadger9367]

Thanks Carmella! 🙃 🙏

[@teresafierro1789]

Lo Felicito Por Su Trabajo..Perfecto.. Creativo Entretenido ..Comico..Lo Tiene TODO..Excelente la caja de presentacion y su decoración ..Detallista..y eso lo convierte En Un Artista.. Gracias por su video..me gusto y me entretuvo mucho.

[@manuelsza7064]

Interesting video. You could learn a lot just watching you execute. Well edited too! Way to go!

[@pamina833]

Tolles Video....informativ, kurzweilig und sehr sehr lustig...hatte ich schon erwähnt, dass der Ring gern auch meinen Finger schmücken dürfte 🥰😍🙏👏👏👏👌

[@opalbadger9367]

Ich danke dir für deinen lieben Beitrag! Wenn alles gut läuft werde ich bald weiteren Silberschmuck herstellen und verkaufen. Vielleicht wird da ja auch was für dich dabei sein 😊. Die jetzige Ringträgerin gibt ihn nicht wieder her 😅

[@simbaoo2219]

Your progress is just amazing. Xerxes made my day by the way 😂

[@opalbadger9367]

Thanks brother! I know you would love this 2 seconds 😂

[@mizzify]

Well done on making such a pretty ring! Love the humour too! The split shank was fabulous too but you made it look way too easy! For bigger pieces two of those small torches are great... it takes a bit of practice but opens up a whole new world! Love it!

[@opalbadger9367]

🙏🙏🙏 Thank you for your comment!!! Nice to hear, that you love the humour, that's awesome! Everything looks way easier in the video. But harder than making this ring was the videocut itself. To get all of this into 15 minutes was more work than making a 20minutes video 😅

[@courtneywilkins]

Your humour is epic ... keep at it :)

[@opalbadger9367]

Courtney! Thank you very much!!!! You're awesome!

[@earthtozaya468]

Your music selection was fire!!! Great video

[@opalbadger9367]

Thank you! 🙏 Appreciate that a lot! 🔥

[@ianhouston6887]

Very informative video and I loved your cats! 😂

[@opalbadger9367]

Thanks Ian!!! Wish you merry Christmas

[@peliroja7425]

Fantastic video! Love the whole process and of course Mr. Curious the cat!

[@opalbadger9367]

Hey! 🙃 Many thanks for the words!!! Sadly we will not have him in next videos, cause he's the cat of my ex. But we have Mr. Pied at my new place, so we're not gonna run out of cats 😅.

[@ultramojojojo]

the fancy candle holder used as blade lubricant destroyed me ahahaha.. Thank you for all the info!

[@opalbadger9367]

Thank you for that!!!!!!!! I appreciate that a lot!!!!!

[@cathyx2354]

Love that ❤️ the idea with shelves is awesome 😎

[@opalbadger9367]

Hey Cathy! Thank you for that! Appreciate you like it

[@yvettecintron3988]

Dude.... your great. Thanks, for making it look so simple

[@opalbadger9367]

Hey Yvette, thank you 🙏🙏🙏. hopefully it helps to start jewelry making for some people. Of course it is way more challenging than it looks 😅

[@PhoenixCreationsKaTyJs]

Love this! I’ve never been able to learn silversmithing (and my maiden name is SMITH 😂😂) just don’t have any space! I worked from a overflowing Morrisons bag, I’ve just upgraded!, one of hubby’s veteran mates built me 2 custom wood boxes one for storage one a tool box round a set of 2 acrylic drawers, which fit perfectly under the table! I now have acquired a shelf in hubby’s shed where he restores golf clubs, to keep the tumbler outside lol! You have a great mind for creating the space you need! I’m just trying figure a way I can cut stone with what I have! 🧐🧐 think I’ll go buy a lottery ticket! 😊

[@opalbadger9367]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 your name would match perfect, thats for sure! I would like to see all the individuel workspaces in the world. Its so nice, when you found your way to get startet and then its improving to perfection (it will never really be perfect). I am working on a solution to take my stuff with me on a journey with having only what i really really need. Maybe it will end with 2 custom wood boxes. I would like to see yours

[@PEACEKEEPER-mm3js]

I learn from Indian jeweller vdo. Those used simple tools but amazing result.

[@HORSLOVR]

You are hilarious! Thanks for the vid. 😂

[@_emory]

The muzik slaps every time 🙌 Sick design, beautiful stone and ring. I got into jewelry making from a metal casting perspective and have no experience with solder, going to get myself a kit next week

[@opalbadger9367]

Thank you! Musik in Videos is so important, so I put effort here. Always nice to reach out people who appreciate that 🙏❤️. All the best for soldering....still hate it 🤣

[@_emory]

@@opalbadger9367 trying to do as little of it as possible 😂I’m working on carving the setting into the wax rings and just casting whole pieces

[@opalbadger9367]

@@_emory casting is a think I wish to try out! Maybe someday i make a Vid

[@redeyestones3738]

Great video, bud. Dig the vibes, and presentation

[@Hamidrezasharifi-i1s]

hey man you are amazing .nice job . well done!

[@derechtecmo]

Schöner als jede Sternschnuppe im klaren Abendhimmel!

[@opalbadger9367]

Du hast hochgradig einen an der Radelle, aber sehr schön geschrieben mein Freund 😂😂😂!

[@belindavaneijk1855]

Echt goed gedaan, prachtige ring en met humor

[@opalbadger9367]

Dankje well!!

[@ToriLynnH]

Nice ring. Fabulous presentation box!

[@opalbadger9367]

Thank you my friend!! 🙂

[@DLampo]

I loved your video. It is a great idea to catch the silver dust that way. Thanks 😊

[@opalbadger9367]

Love your comment!!! Thanks to you for watching 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@mercedeswilson8660]

enjoyed the video and love your cats :)

[@ceeceeceecee7753]

You got me with the plastic bag hook up I’m gonna have to use that one. I have nothing under mine. It just falls on my apron in my lap and when I get up it just falls I guess all that silver waste.

[@sacredsounds4234]

I just bought a roll top desk with a ton of drawers, and storage spaces.Cost me $200.Of course a jeweler's desk would be better but for the price and storage you can't beat it.

[@debadams5676]

A pretty ring, thanks for sharing!

[@opalbadger9367]

Thank you for watching and leaving these words 🙏

[@homayounsolaimani8856]

For people who contemplate to get their feet wet in making jewelry and have zero experience, this video lacks instructional info. It served as, look I made this and that’s it!!!

[@vajoralva]

Great work! Love this ring and super funny Jajaja 😂

[@opalbadger9367]

Hey Vanessa! Thanks for your words 🙏🙏🙏! I'm happy you had a good time with the video

[@liaweiss]

Really funny and resourceful, love it! 👍

[@opalbadger9367]

Thank you! 🙏🙏🙏

[@Rachel-yi8yy]

Great tutorial , your very funny and very pretty ring

[@opalbadger9367]

Thank you 🙏🙏🙏🙏!!! Have a good time!

[@dimaisttoll]

mega gut, ich brauche mehr content!! :)

[@opalbadger9367]

Danke dir! Es wird noch etwas dauern, aber da kommt noch was 😉

[@rashmidifilippo455]

Reeeeally enjoyed and loved your cat models, great job bro! The ring looks so good!

[@opalbadger9367]

Oh thank you!!!!! 🙏🙏🙏 life is better with cats 😅

[@ETLGypsy]

Watched for the jewelery stayed for the relatable pained expression while sawing that damn wood and the self satisfied face after winning 🤣🤘 2:05

[@racamiii]

Totally the video I was searching for, thank you!🥰 Und ich liebe das fluchen auf Deutsch 😂

[@opalbadger9367]

Danke! ❤ 😂 ja, neue Dinge lernt man am besten mit viel Geduld und Fluchen 😅

[@violetvioletviolet1]

Ok I toooo am an idiot! Who is Also an aspiring jeweler! Love your video! I'm a subscriber now!

[@opalbadger9367]

Love your comment 🤣! Thank you Violet !! Everybody in the world is kind of idiot, thats why life is interesting

[@dinoatlas]

I am just getting started and this was a great video! Thanks friend!!!

[@opalbadger9367]

Appreciate that! Next video coming on Friday 🤩

[@troymoli5803]

I really enjoyed your content. Thanks

[@opalbadger9367]

Thank you for that!!! 🤩🤩🤩

[@cathywang4242]

Very creative, I love it...

[@2a-pew-pew-papa685]

Great job buddy, another great video. Great stuff! 😉👍🤘😎

[@rbrown2895]

Nice work!!👍🌲👍

[@sacredsounds4234]

A lot of thought and work went into this so called "low budget Jewlery".Even the case was well thought out.

[@opalbadger9367]

Thank you for that!!!!!! Appreciate that a lot!

[@dedakarkosmetikinstitut9305]

Was für ein geiles Video und ein wundervoller Ring 🥰

[@opalbadger9367]

Du bist ein Schatz! Danke Nicole 😘

[@MoonGoddessMinerals]

I love the way you made the shank, cutting it like that was so cool! I wonder about the plastic backing, would a dark patina have given the same effect?

[@lacreative2025]

I have the same question about the dark background.

[@alimaloney218]

@@lacreative2025me too!!

[@andrewvidler6693]

Great work. Super, danke! I like your work and your humour. I live in Germany... where's the best place to buy silver and gemstones here in Germany?

[@Good_Username]

Great video thanks!

[@kamakshaiahmusunuru3540]

Hilarious video with awesome skills

[@opalbadger9367]

Thank you! 🙏🙏🙏 I'm not sure about the skills, the world of jewelry making is too big to make everything right from beginning on. So this is more like "just do it" than make it completely right 😅

[@cerratonics]

nicely done mate! good projet

[@opalbadger9367]

Appreciate that my mate!!! Thanks a lot! All the best for you!

[@elligioielleriacontemporan1302]

Hi! Nice video and nice ring but... Why the black plastic under the stone?!?

[@opalbadger9367]

Hi Elli, thank you for that 😊. There is opal, that shows it's color better with a dark backing. The better and more professionell way would be to make a doublet, but that I ve not tried out yet.

[@didgman66]

Brilliant video. Very encouraging. Lovely result.

[@opalbadger9367]

Thanks mate!!!🙃 Love your comment 🙏

[@tonidavies6182]

Great job.love the ring.

[@opalbadger9367]

Toni! Thank you a lot!!! 🙃

[@inactiveshooterr]

absolutely love this video

[@opalbadger9367]

Absolutely love your comment my friend!

[@Kerrsartisticgifts]

That was great! Did you make a video of the opal being cut and shaped? I will have to look and see.

[@kenoathiog1156]

Such great work!

[@mareemcdonald9118]

What a novel way to present a ring beautiful

[@opalbadger9367]

Thank you a lot for your words!! Appeciate that!

[@MisterStarr]

This is a really good video, but where does one buy the silver sheets, opals, etc and not get ripped off.

[@CapnShanty]

I need this guy's eyebrow control tutorial now loool

[@sandral2261]

Very cool ❤

[@opalbadger9367]

Thank you Sandra! 🙏

[@Mmshroom]

The “hell yes” lol

[@larryrichards3668]

Very cool.

[@markteschke3503]

Ämäising! Kalletto, weiter so 😀😍

[@opalbadger9367]

Thanks Bruda!!! 🙃

[@markteschke3503]

Don't screw it without Vorbohren würd ich sagen 😉 dann läufts ohne Einreißen

[@obsidian3406]

Awesome!

[@opalbadger9367]

Thanks!!

[@opalonly]

Thanks again, I put all into the basket.Could you tell me how thin the silver was for the ring and the opal?

[@opalbadger9367]

Hey 😊, not sure if I understood ypur question right, but the silver for the stonesetting was about 0,3mm thin

[@maryakers1901]

Love it! Informative and hilarious 😂

[@opalbadger9367]

Mary! Thank you for the words!! 🙃 🙏

[@Lindseylubird]

Cool vid my dude!

[@opalbadger9367]

Lindsey! Thank you for the words!!! 🙏🙏🙏 Appreciate that a lot!!

[@Rachelmcg1989]

Please let us know where you bought your tools/silver! Since Brexit I find it impossible to find good jewelry suppliers online from Europe, I don't want to spend a fortune on customs from UK 🙈 thank you!

[@opalbadger9367]

Hey Rachel, where are you living? I ordered mine at ticar, a Shop in Germany

[@Rachelmcg1989]

@@opalbadger9367 I live in Ireland 🥲 customs from Rio Grande and Cooksongold make everything so expensive 😭 would you know of any EU online stores? Thanks!

[@steffenhartwig8723]

Great DIY energy! I want to start as well, and am curious about which solder and flux you used (and where to get it in Germany). Finding the materials is much harder than I expected, or I am just bad at searching :)

[@opalbadger9367]

Hey, danke dir! Guck mal bei ticar schmuckversand, die haben alles da!

[@gedhuffadine1873]

Firstly merry Christmas wishes from England. You aint no idiot dude! Love your pickle pot! Who needs a slow cooker when you only make a few pieces . Saved me money, i was going to buy a pot. Can you keeep reheating the pickle mix? JuJust subbed.

[@icktrinkjerne]

die musik in deinen videos ist soo gut ... ich lass mal ein follow da ;)

[@karinpuls8592]

Hat mir sehr gut gefallen dein neustes Video !!Kannst du evtl nen kleinen Anden Opal Ring in Gelbgold für mich machen ??

[@opalbadger9367]

Danke Karin! Schreibe dir gleich

[@meowsaidthecat82]

What kind of tool you use later for polishing (with the cover?), that is a cool alternative for not having a big machine. I have the hangmotor, but not seen that particular tool. I live in Germany.

[@juanschuster9685]

Cool nice video

[@opalbadger9367]

Thanks mate!!!

[@akalijoalheria]

o gatinho adorou o anel ❤😅

[@opalbadger9367]

Yes 😅🤣! thank you for watching

[@Celestial_Reach]

your pickle pot is genius

[@opalbadger9367]

Thank you! Think its a bit risky to do it that way but works for me 😉

[@chanalowenthal3897]

I applaud your initiative, handiwork, and desire to please your girlfriend.😉 I like the idea of the candle warming the mason jar of pickle but put some ventilation holes in the candle holder so the flame doesn’t go out. 😝Ok. The next time you need to make a bezel with straight sides and bends (such as a hexagon,square, etc) use a straight plier. You can get a cheap one on Amazon for $8. Please. That was painful to watch😜 Thanks for showing everyone that you can start small and cheap. (Please, when you can, invest in finer needle files for the silver.) Keep going and thanks for sharing!

[@opalbadger9367]

Chana! Thanks for all the time you took for commenting! I know for more professional jewelry makers everything I do here is pain to watch 😂😂😂

[@paulinemegson8519]

@@opalbadger9367 it’s not that…..it’s that there are reasons for concern, mainly about that pickle set up. Depending on the pickle you use it can be dangerous stuff and heating it that way risks breaking the jar and spilling acid ALL over. You don’t NEED to heat pickle, it just speeds the reaction. I’d advise you to not heat it if a candle is your only option. I used cold pickle for ages and still produced work good enough to sell. It’s really not worth the risk. Also if you have pets around your work area I’d use a citric acid and salt solution which is non toxic.

[@opalbadger9367]

@@paulinemegson8519 you are awesome! Thank you for taking your time to give me these Informations 🙏🙏🙏🙏. Yeah, i will do this in Future 💪

[@hennomackonos4]

Bester boy bestes Ergebnis

[@opalbadger9367]

Thank you Hennoboy!! 🙌

[@annh3599]

Thanks! Cool shank!

[@opalbadger9367]

Thank you! 🙃

[@morgankelly3628]

Me and my cat really enjoyed watching this! Great guide!

[@opalbadger9367]

That is awesome!!!! ❤️