How can simple shapes be manipulated to create beautiful, wearable, pieces of jewelry?

Cutting - using shears or snips to cut basic or general pieces from sheet metal
​Sawing - using a jeweler's saw frame and blade, bench hoot, and clamp to cut intricate designs into larger basic pieces of sheet metal
Filing - using medium and fine tooth files to remove sharp areas from the edges of sawed sheet metal designs
Sanding - using a variety of grit sandpaper to remove nicks and scratches from the surface of the sawed sheet metal designs
Piercing - using punches, dyes, or drills to create holes through the sawed sheet metal designs
Polishing - using polish cream to rub into the sawed sheet metal designs to create a scratch-free, shiny surface
Buffing - using a buffing wheel machine, tripoli, and rouge to create a scratch-free, shiny surface in the sawed sheet metal designs
Jump Rings - wrapping wire around a dowel or rod to create circle shapes in wire
Clasps - wrapping wire using a variety of pliers to create unique shapes in wire

- - - Your Art Project Challenge - - -
​Create a set of earrings that depicts a minimalist, textured surface, design

Process
  1. Brainstorm and sketch ideas for design shapes.  Decide on a final design and draw it on graph paper.
  2. Cut two similar sized pieces of sheet metal that will fit your sketch design.
  3. Transfer your sketch design to the pieces of sheet metal by tracing it with a sharpie marker or taping it to the sheet metal
  4. Saw the design out of each piece.
  5. Run your pieces through the Rolling Mill to flatten, thin, and stretch the metal.  The compression from the mill will also work harden the metal.
  6. File the edges smooth and round on each piece.
  7. Add textures to the sheet metal shapes by tapping it with either the Ball Peen, Planishing or Riveting hammers.
  8. Sand each piece of sheet metal jewelry, front and back, starting with low grit to high grit.  Sand until there is a smooth, shiny surface
  9. Polish or buff out any remaining scratches in the surface of the jewelry by using the buffing machines, tripoli and rouge.
  10. Pierce holes for the clasps into the jewelry using the drill or Power Punch Pliers
  11. Finally, design and create clasps for your ear​rings.