Author Sinead O’Connor, Sinead’s Silver Design

A Step by Step Guide to Making Bangle’s

Cut a strip of metal wire, If they have a bangle that fits them, measure the inside diameter. The length of the strip of wire needs to be (pi x diameter)+ twice the wire width.

If you want a flat bangle, roll it through a mill before you form a D-shape and      solder. If you want a hammered effect form a D shape, flux the join and solder.
Quench and put the bangle in the pickle to remove firescale. Wash the pickle off the bangle and shape on a bangle mandrel with a hide mallet. (I buy my madrels and tribles from Proops Brothers on eBay.)

Once shaped file the solder join until it is smooth.

Sand the bangle with sandpaper that is gradually getting finer to remove the filing marks.

 
If you want to add a textured effect to the bangle you will need to anneal (heat until it glows) to soften the metal again as it will have harden slightly with shaping. I allow the piece to cool on the soldering mat, as quenching will harden it slightly, before I pickle.
Using the bangle mandrel, select your planishing hammer.

Once you have the effect you want either polish by hand or put in a tumbler.

Remember if it weighs over 7.78g in Silver you need to get it hallmarked before you can sell it.
For more information on Sinead’s work head to her Facebook page Sinead’s Silver Design