DIY Sea Stone Ring

I am fascinated with rocks. I love the different shapes, sizes, textures and colors. As a child I collected rocks. My collection consisted of several plastic gallon ice cream buckets full of rocks I picked up wherever one caught my eye. I would examine the beautiful rock and put my new-found treasure in my pocket to keep it safe until I put it in a container with my ever-growing collection.

As a child I would pick out a pretty rock and give it to my Daddy to take with him on his business trips out-of-town. When he came home he would pull the rock out of his pocket and tell me he kept it with him everyday. Often times my Daddy would bring home a little rock he found that he thought I would like because it was perfectly flat and smooth, an odd shape or a pretty color.

Today I am in my twenties and I still have a collection of rocks. Rocks from a creek that my oldest nephew brought back for me, odd shaped rocks found by my Daddy, or his friends that know I like rocks. Rocks my Mama finds on her way to the mailbox or walking out in the yard, and rocks I have spotted and had to pick up. I love rocks and this tutorial by Zina from Efzin-Creations is a perfect way to display a favorite rock. Zina shows how to take sea rocks and turn them into a trendy ring. If you do not have sea rocks you can use a rock you found out in your driveway. Zina uses paint to add color to her sea rocks, but you can also use fingernail polish.

This tutorial inspires me to pick out a few rocks from my collection and turn them into rings! Check out Zina’s tutorial and learn how to make your own Sea Stone Rock Ring. I guarantee it will be an eye catcher and may even start a conversation!

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In the dimly lit corner of my small jewelry studio, the silver soldering torch hisses to life. The familiar scent of metal and flux fills the air. As a jewelry maker, I’ve always found a certain magic in the process of soldering. It’s the moment when separate pieces of metal, like puzzle pieces, come together to create a beautiful whole. Over the years, I’ve gathered my fair share of tips and tricks that have made this art form more of a delight than a chore. Here, I’ll share some of those secrets to help you master the art of soldering in your jewelry making journey.

1. Set the Stage for Success
Before diving into soldering, ensure that your workspace is well-organized and clutter-free. You need a clear and clean surface to focus on your work. Make sure you have all your tools and materials within easy reach. An organized workspace not only boosts efficiency but also minimizes the chances of accidents.

2. Fire Up the Torch with Confidence
The torch is often the heart of soldering, and it can be intimidating for beginners. When I was starting, I remember feeling nervous about lighting the torch. But here’s a tip: practice lighting and adjusting the flame without your jewelry piece. Get comfortable with the torch, and you’ll gain more control.

3. Understand the Three S’s: Surface, Solder, and Sweat
Surface preparation is key. Clean the metal surfaces you plan to solder meticulously. Use a brush or abrasive paper to remove any oxides or contaminants. Then, apply flux. It’s like a magical potion that prevents oxidation and helps the solder flow.

The solder itself comes in various forms: sheets, wire, and paste. Choose the type that suits your project best. For small, delicate joints, I prefer solder wire, as it’s easier to position accurately.

As for the ‘sweat,’ it’s the term for the moment when the metal reaches the right temperature, and the solder flows like liquid silver. It’s crucial to wait for this moment, rather than forcing the solder to melt. This requires patience and practice.

4. Master the Art of Heat Control
Controlling the heat is a skill that comes with time. It’s essential to understand that different parts of your jewelry piece may require varying levels of heat. Larger pieces need more heat, while smaller or delicate areas need a gentle touch. Don’t rush this process; take your time to heat evenly.

5. Use Third-Hand Tools and Binding Wire
These trusty sidekicks are indispensable for securing your jewelry pieces during soldering. The third-hand tool can hold your workpiece in place, leaving your hands free to manipulate the torch and solder. Binding wire is your invisible assistant, helping to align and support delicate elements during soldering.

6. Post-Soldering Care
Once your soldering is complete, it’s crucial to quench your jewelry piece in a pickling solution. This removes any remaining flux and oxides, leaving you with a clean, shiny piece. After pickling, give your creation a good scrub with a brass brush for that extra shine.

7. Practice Makes Perfect
Like any art, soldering takes time to master. It’s not uncommon to experience frustration in the beginning, but remember that practice is your best friend. Take on small projects, perfect your technique, and gradually work your way up to more complex designs.

Soldering is more than just a technical skill; it’s an art form that bridges the gap between separate elements and transforms them into a unified whole. My journey as a jewelry maker has been a series of sparks, flames, and, yes, occasional mishaps, but each experience has added to my skill and passion.

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Comments

Zina (Ef Zin Creations) says
June 17, 2013 at 2:47 am
Thank you! this post and the introduction is simply adorable!
Mardi Robyn says
June 17, 2013 at 9:03 pm
You are welcome! Thank you, I enjoyed posting about the tutorial!
Chelsea says
June 18, 2013 at 12:41 pm
Awesome tutorial, I too had a huge rock collection when I was a child. I love this idea to show them off! Thanks for sharing!
Akamatra says
June 19, 2013 at 12:25 pm
I will definitely try this one! Lovely tutorial and easy to follow!

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