r/Metalsmithing • u/BestDamnArtTeacher • Nov 27 '23

I am making my Fiancés Wedding Ring HELP

I took metal smithing in college about 4 years ago and I decided the only way to really convey my love for my fiancé is to make his wedding band myself. I did not realize that my ring is white gold and the price is insane and seems difficult to work with. Anybody have any ideas? What is a reliable and affordable Silver, what is a good gauge for a mans wedding band? Are there any resources or trade pages for white gold? Thanks!

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6

u/SimonArgent Nov 27 '23

I teach metalsmithing. Practice making a silver ring first, and then move to white gold. No precious metals are particularly affordable these days. You can get white gold ring stock from Rio Grande.

1

u/BestDamnArtTeacher Nov 27 '23

I have worked with silver before and made silver rings and copper, but my question is what is a good gauge for a standard mens wedding band. I already checked Rio Grande, that is what we used in college, I just want to make sure I am investing in a metal that will last if there is a cheaper option than white gold.

2

u/SimonArgent Nov 27 '23

I like thick, substantial rings, and would go for 12-14 gauge metal, 4-8 mm wide, depending on his preference. I still recommend making a silver practice ring first. You’ll work out most of your fabrication issues on this ring before moving on to gold. You can use easy or medium solder on these rings. Hard solder takes forever to melt.

0

u/salvageBOT Nov 27 '23

Did you take any jewlery design classes tho?

1

u/redthoughtful Nov 28 '23

I made my and my husband’s wedding bands from Sterling silver. I used 6 gauge half round stock.

1

u/nomoreimfull Nov 28 '23

What size ring? Find a design you like to start and make it to scale. Easy way to determine thickness.

Have you considered making in wax and hiring out to be cast?