Hello! We've started a new series featuring some of the most popular projects from our DIY jewelry studio in Sausalito. In this project, Amy will take you step by step in making a thick hammered band ring from .925 sterling silver.
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You can buy raw materials for this project from us here.
How to Make a Thick Hammered Sterling Silver Band
A Beginner-Friendly Jewelry Tutorial from Silverworks Studios
If you’ve ever wanted to make your own bold, handmade silver ring, this project is for you. At Silverworks Studios in Sausalito, California, we’ve helped thousands of beginners create their very first custom jewelry pieces. One of our most popular projects is the thick hammered sterling silver band, a satisfying, hands-on piece that’s as fun to make as it is to wear.
In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process we use in our studio, from cutting and hammering to soldering and polishing. No prior jewelry experience required.
Why a Thick Hammered Band?
This ring is perfect for beginners because:
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It’s bold and forgiving
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Hammering adds texture and character
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You get to release a little stress while you work
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Small imperfections become part of the design
Each finished ring is completely unique.
Please see the list of tools and materials at the end of this post.
Step 1: Measure & Cut the Silver
Using a ring sizer, measure your desired ring size and mark where the cut should be made. The sizer assumes you’re using a saw, but at the studio we often use clippers or bolt cutters—especially for thick bands.
⚠️ Tip: These bands are strong. Use firm pressure and make sure no one is standing nearby when cutting.
After cutting, the edges will be sharp. Use a Dremel or hand file to smooth and flatten the cut ends so they’re safe to handle and ready to join.
Step 2: Hammer the Texture
Tape the band securely onto a mini anvil using painter’s tape. This keeps it steady while hammering.
Using a ball-peen hammer, begin hammering one side of the band, then flip it over and hammer the other side. This creates the signature textured look and also slightly stretches the metal.
You’ll immediately start to see the character come through.
Step 3: Re-Check the Size
Hammering causes silver to stretch, so your ring may now be larger than intended. Check the size again using your ring sizer.
If needed, trim small amounts off the band, checking the size as you go. Each time you trim, re-smooth the edges with your Dremel or file.
✨ Studio tip: Save all silver scraps! We use them later to make charms and accents.
Step 4: Shape the Ring
Use a ring bender to curve the band into a circle. This tool is especially helpful for thick metal, which can be difficult to shape evenly by hand.
Your goal is to bring the two ends together so they touch completely. Plastic-covered pliers help fine-tune the alignment without damaging the silver.
Once the ends meet cleanly, you’re ready to solder.
Step 5: Solder the Seam
Apply flux to the seam and place small pieces of extra-easy silver solder directly over the joint. Since this ring only requires one seam, extra-easy solder works perfectly due to its lower melting point.
Begin heating from a distance. As the flux bubbles and foams, the solder will settle into place. Move the flame closer—just to the edge of the blue flame—and watch as the solder melts and flows.
Use a solder pick to guide the molten solder across the seam until it fully connects.
Quench the ring in water to cool it, then inspect the seam. If there are gaps, place the ring in pickle to clean it and repeat the soldering process as needed.
Thick bands can be challenging—patience is key here.
Step 6: Clean, Sand & Round
After soldering, hammer the ring gently on a mandrel or anvil to restore its round shape and confirm the size.
Use the Dremel to sand down the solder seam until it’s flush with the rest of the band. Once smooth, return the ring to the pickle bath to clean off oxidation.
Step 7: Polish
We polish our rings in a tumbler using soap, water, and stainless steel shot. After just a few minutes, the ring emerges bright, shiny, and beautifully finished.
Do a final size check, give it a few light taps to perfect the shape, and you’re done.
The Finished Ring
What you’re left with is a bold, handmade thick hammered sterling silver band—completely unique and made by you.
This project is one of our favorites because it teaches foundational jewelry skills while producing a piece you’ll actually want to wear.
Want to Make More Jewelry?
If you enjoyed this project, be sure to subscribe and check back for more step-by-step jewelry tutorials. We’ll be sharing many of our favorite studio projects so you can keep creating wherever you are.
Happy making,
Amy
Silverworks Studios ✨
Tools & Materials
A full list of tools and materials is linked below the video, but here’s what we use for this project:
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Thick sterling silver triple band wire
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Ring sizer
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Sharpie marker
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Clippers or bolt cutters
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Dremel or hand file
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Sandpaper
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Mini anvil
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Ball-peen hammer
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Painter’s tape
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Ring bender
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Plastic-covered pliers
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Flux
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Extra-easy silver solder (pre-cut)
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Torch
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Solder pick
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Pickle pot
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Polishing tumbler with stainless steel shot