How To Make A Textured Ear Cuff With Searose Jewellery (No Soldering!)

Make your own textured, silver no piercing ear cuff with guest tutor Katie Morgan, from Searose Jewellery!

This is a really fun beginners metalsmith project, great for those looking to explore texturing and metal bending techniques. No soldering is required!

This tutorial is for a 7mm wide earring cuff, using 0.7mm thick silver sheet ear cuff. However, they can be easily changed to other sizes to suit your style.

You can also experiment with different jewellery hammers to create your own unique look – this ear cuff is textured using a ball pein hammer.

After following the outlined techniques, don’t be shy to get creative and make different pieces, whether that’s a ring, toe ring or bangle!

How to put on an earring cuff

It's easy! Place the cuff on the thinnest part of your upper ear and slide up until it hugs your ear nicely, you can adjust the cuff by gently squeezing it together or apart until it feels comfortable.

Recommended project tools and supplies:

• Sterling silver sheet in your preferred width and thickness (I’ve used 7mm wide by 0.7mm thick)
• Ruler
• Marker pen
• Steel bench block (or anvil)
• Straight shears (or saw frame and saw blade)
• Nail files in various grades (or wet and dry sanding sheets)
• Bail-shaping 6 in 1 pliers or round nose pliers
• Ball pein hammer
• Polishing cloth - alternatively you can use power tools, such as the Dremel Multi Tool with silicone burrs or barrelling machine

1. Measuring

Take the silver sheet wire and measure out 2.2cm. Mark this point by drawing a straight line across the wire using the marker pen, as shown.

2. Cutting

Using the straight shears, cut along the straight line. Alternatively, you can use a saw frame and saw blade to cut. If you choose this option, I recommend lubricating the saw blade with beeswax for easy gliding.

3. Texturing

Take the ball pein hammer and, starting from one side, carefully hammer along the length of the silver strip, using enough force to create dents. Make sure to avoid your fingers!

4. Rounding The Edges

Mark each edge of the silver strip using the marker pen, as shown. Using the straight sheers (or saw frame and saw blade), cut along the lines.

5. Filing

Using the nail files or wet and dry sanding sheets, smooth the edges. Start with the lowest grade and work your way to the highest - until you are happy with the result. Alternatively, use a power tool with sanding accessories for quicker results.

Your cuff should look a little something like this!

6. Bending

Using bail-shaping 6 in 1 pliers, clamp one end of the silver strip between the two larger loops, as shown. Using your fingers, bend the strip around the second largest loop, which is roughly 7mm wide. After doing this, turn the ear cuff around and repeat the process on the other side.

TIP

If you find that you are struggling to use your fingers to bend the silver, you can use a steel bench block or anvil to help you.

Alternatively, use round nose pliers

If you don't have access to bail making pliers (unfortunately this isn't something we sell at Kernowcraft) you can use round nose pliers instead. Ensure that you make the bend level when bending, you can always adjust a little each side if you make it slightly tapered.

7. Polishing

Finally, use the polishing cloth to polish the ear cuff until you are satisfied with the shine.