Monday, June 8, 2009

A New Venture - Hand Stamped Sterling Silver Pendants



I love it when a little window of time opens up and there is a chance to try something new! Creative people always have a thousand more ideas on their list than what they really have time for. With my little window of time, I tried my hand at a new jewelry venture that has been on my list for quite some time...or should I say "adventure!"

Hand stamping sterling silver jewelry does take a little practice, and you will likely "mess up" your first few attempts. (So don't try this for the first time on your expensive sterling silver!) But it really is easy once you get the hang of it.

For beginners, I recommend measuring twice, just to be sure! And take into consideration any holes at the top of a pendant which will lower the visual center of your piece. When ready to stamp, I've found that 2-3 confident whacks with the hammer give a better quality stamp than 9-10 tentative taps. You will also need a very smooth, steel surface on which to stamp so as not to introduce any unwanted marks on your project.

I had previous experience with oxidizing, brushing, and repolishing silver pieces. So these steps came naturally after the hand stamping was completed. The results of this entire process are some nice, organic pieces that look awesome on a ball chain!

Check out my website for more pictures and details: DLPom dot com

10 comments:

Alice Potter said...

Your silver pendants are great and I love you cat that's on you packaging.

Little Dickens Designs said...

I really love those! I think I need one that says 'CREATE', but would people then think I have a god complex?

Amie McCracken said...

I like the touch of the charm on the one. Makes it look that much more adorable.

iamalive.etsy.com

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Dana Meanor said...

That's funny, Little Dickens Designs!

byapryl said...

Very nice! I tried some stamping once and had alot of trouble with it. Your pieces are great!

TheFrogBag said...

Nice work! I've always wanted to try that but am afraid. Good tips here!

Sarah Knight said...

lovely : )

trudette said...

Awesome pendants , love them

Miss Val's Creations said...

Beautiful pendants!

One Creative Queen said...

I love them! I've been wanting to try this for awhile - but haven't gotten up the guts. Now I'm feeling empowered! lol Thanks for the quick 'tute...it's time to find all the materials I need. :) xx