Here is a tutorial for making a split cuff out of wire from
@ghosttownmetalworks - “I learned how to make a split band cuff from an old school pictorial instruction manual called "Indian Jewelry Making" by Oscar T. Branson. I have done my own little spin on it. My favorite wire to make split band cuffs out of is Crazy 8. More flat on top than half round, it's easier to form, line up, and solder bezel cups to. It is also comfortable. To start take a wrist measurement and subtract approximately 1" - that will be your wire lengths. Cut 2 identical pieces, marking halfway point on each. Pick a small measurement (10mm here), and measure from the ends of each, then mark. These will be reference points for forming. Use your hands to gently push the middle point of each wire around a bangle mandrel for a subtle curve. Then use square nose pliers to bend the ends at outer marks. The wires should be mirror images of each other, and the ends need to touch flush. Check width of cuff against design- adjust as needed. Cut two small squares (tip: use scraps: 24-22G are fine) that will go a little ways beyond total width of the two wires side by side. Stamp sheet if desired. Clean your wires + sheet, assuring everything is flat. Prepare hard solder. (I like to sweat solder my sheet). Flux. Lay out on large soldering area, with sheet underneath the wires, with solder between. I use a larger torch tip (1 or 2 tip on my acetylene torch). Gently heat one end until solder flows. Pickle. Check seams. Trim excess metal, file down. You can either solder bezel cups on the cuff "in the flat", or you can form it first then solder on cups. Depending on your design. I did a mix- I partially formed this time, using my bangle mandrel and hands. Solder on cups. I decided to set stones this time before! fully forming (sometimes cups become stretched or deformed in forming). Stones already being there can help retain proper shape. Once set, use a Rawhide/Plastic mallet to finish forming, caring to avoid stones- I use a combo of bangle and cuff mandrels. Finish like any other piece!” Thanks for taking the time to put this together for us 💕 Whose going to give it a go? 🙋♀️
#metalsmithsociety
