30" (76 cm) of 18-gauge sterling wire
28 sterling 9.5mm beads (bead frames)
Butane micro torch
Annealing pan with pumice stone
Fireproof work surface (cookie sheet)
Utility pliers
Quenching bowl
Ruler
Flush cutters
Chain-nose pliers
Round-nose pliers
Pickle
Mini crock
Copper tongs
Rotary tumbler
Mixed stainless steel shot
25" (63.5 cm)
1. Working from the spool, thread the end of the wire through one hole in the ring. Slide the ring out of the way and ball the end of the wire with the torch (see Balling the End of Wire) (Figure 1). Quench and dry.
Figure 1
2. Pull the ball end of the wire against the inside of the ring. Measure 3⁄4" (2 cm) from the ball and cut the wire.
3. Thread a second ring onto the 3⁄4" (2 cm) wire, pushing the wire to the outside of the ring. Holding the rings as far as possible from the flame, ball the second end of the wire (Figure 2).
Figure 2
4. Repeat Steps 1–3 until you have 28 rings connected into a chain.
5. Cut 3" (7.5 cm) of wire, ball the end, quench, and dry. Thread it through the second hole on an end ring. Pull the ball end of the wire against the inside of the ring and mark the wire 11⁄4" (3.2 cm) from the ball end. Fold the wire back on itself at the mark, like a hairpin, pinching the wires together with chain-nose pliers.
6. Wrap the longer end of the wire around the base of the wire near the ring and cut off the excess (Figure 3).
Figure 3
7. Using round-nose pliers, fold the hairpin wire into a hook (Figure 4).
Figure 4
8. Pickle (see To Use Pickle), rinse, and dry. Tumble for 1 hour to polish and work-harden.
Sterling ring beads (bead frames): singharajaimports.com.