How to Make Vintage Rose Spoon Rings - DIY Jewelry Tutorial

Making Rose Spoon Rings

Spoon rings have become a popular DIY jewelry trend in recent years. Crafting a ring out of a vintage spoon gives it a unique, retro-inspired look. Adding a rose design takes it to the next level! Rose spoon rings make beautiful gifts and statement pieces to add to your own jewelry collection.

What You'll Need

Making a rose spoon ring is easy with just a few supplies:

• Vintage silver-plated spoons
• Jewelry pliers - round nose and flat nose
• Ring mandrel
• Sandpaper - medium and fine grit
• Protective eyewear
• Rosin or flux
• Silver solder
• Torch and soldering pick
• Pickle solution
• Polishing cloth
• Clear nail polish or jewelry sealant

Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to make your own rose spoon ring:

1. Choose a vintage silver-plated spoon with a design you like. Look for one with a bowl that can be transformed into a rose shape.
2. Use the jewelry pliers to cut off the spoon handle, leaving just the bowl. File down any rough edges.
3. Shape the spoon bowl into a rose bud using the round nose pliers. Create curved petal shapes and a stem.
4. Size the ring by placing the shaped spoon bowl on the ring mandrel. Mark where to cut the band so it fits your finger.
5. Cut the band using the flat nose pliers. File the edges smooth.
6. Place the ring back on the mandrel to check the size and make any adjustments.
7. Protect your eyes and prep a small workspace for soldering. Have water nearby in case of emergency.
8. Apply a small amount of rosin or flux to the seam where the ends of the ring band meet.
9. Use the torch to heat the area, then apply a small amount of silver solder to join the ends together.
10. Quench the ring after soldering by placing it in the pickle solution. This will clean off any residue.
11. Use sandpaper to gently polish the ring band and remove any fire scale created during soldering.
12. Polish the rose spoon ring until it shines using a polishing cloth or buffing wheel.
13. Seal and protect the finished ring with a coat of clear nail polish or jewelry sealant.

Rose Design Tips

When shaping the rose, keep these tips in mind:

• Create folds and grooves in the petals for a more natural look using chainnose pliers.
• Curl the outer edges of the petals inwards slightly.
• Make the petals thinner and more closely bunched toward the center.
• Hammer areas of the petals for texture.
• Shape some leaves coming off the stem using the tip of the pliers.

Personalize Your Ring

Add your own personal twist to make these rose spoon rings unique:

• Spell out initials on the outside of the band.
• Decorate the band with engraved words or designs.
• Oxidize areas of the ring for contrast and detail.
• Use contrasting metal for the solder, like copper.
• Incorporate beads, crystals or enameling.
• Choose spoons with extra design details to highlight.

Caring for Your Rose Spoon Ring

To keep your ring looking its best:

• Store in a sealed jewelry box when not wearing to prevent tarnishing.
• Clean periodically with a silver jewelry polish.
• Reapply protective sealant as needed.
• Take care not to dent, bend or scratch the soft silver.
• Remove during activities where rings may get damaged.

Unique Vintage Spoon Ring Ideas

Rose spoon rings make a lovely DIY jewelry project, but they're just one of many design possibilities!

Other Floral Spoon Rings

Try using vintage spoons with existing floral motifs and transform them into rings. Bring out the details with selective hammering, oxidizing and polishing. Or create your own designs like:

• Daisy
• Daffodil
• Tulip
• Sunflower
• Poppy
• Iris
• Lily
• Violet
• Crocus
• Cherry blossom

Animal Spoon Rings

Use animal-themed spoons as the starting point for charming animal rings. Etched fox, squirrel, owl and fish designs on vintage spoons offer great details to highlight. You can also get creative sculpting your own animal shapes like:

• Bunny
• Cat
• Horse
• Elephant
• Butterfly
• Turtle
• Wolf
• Owl
• Bear
• Deer

Geometric and Decorative Spoon Rings

Ornate, geometric etched designs provide the perfect backdrop for one-of-a-kind decorative spoon rings. Accentuate the existing lines and shapes, or create your own patterns. Some designs to try:

• Star
• Crescent moon
• Lightning bolt
• Snowflake
• Heart
• Feather
• Arrow
• Fleur de lis
• Music note
• Mandala

Monogram and Initial Spoon Rings

Personalized initial or monogram spoon rings also make thoughtful gifts. Use plain silver-plated spoons and embellish with engraved or applied letters and designs. Here are some tips:

• Engrave initials directly on the outside of the ring band.
• Apply molten solder to form initials.
• Cut initial shapes from thin sterling silver and solder on.
• Surround initial with small hammered shapes or beads.
• Use contrasting metals like copper or brass for initial.

Antique Spoon Rings

For added meaning, upcycle antique spoons from flea markets or your own collections. Look for ornate details and designs to highlight like:

• Filigree edges
• Enamel accents
• Patina backgrounds
• Etched motifs
• Ornate handles

With some creativity and simple jewelry making techniques, you can transform vintage spoons into wearable works of art!

FAQs

What type of spoons work best?

Look for vintage silver-plated spoons with interesting bowl shapes and designs. Sterling silver or silver-plate spoons are soft enough to cut and shape. Stainless steel spoons won’t work as well.

Can I make a spoon ring without soldering?

It's possible but challenging. Using strong epoxy or jeweler’s adhesive to join the ends of the ring band can work but may not be very durable over time.

How do I get the right ring size?

Use a ring mandrel's sizing guide to determine desired ring size. Place the shaped spoon bowl on mandrel to mark where to cut band. Check sizing again before soldering closed.

What if the ring band is too big?

Carefully filing down the edges or sanding the inner surface of the band can reduce the size slightly. For larger adjustments, cut the band again and re-solder to make it smaller.

How can I oxidize the ring?

Applying oxidizing chemicals like liver of sulfur will darken the silver and give it an antique, aged look. Use it selectively on areas you want to accentuate.