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a Montee Clasped Ring Pattern

Category:

Jewelry

Type:

Ring

Skill Level:

Intermediate

Basic Skills Necessary:

This is a high level intermediate to advanced tutorial - It assumes you have a very good grasp of basic wire handling skills and terminology. I define basic wire handling skills as cleaning and straightening wire; good control of square wire and flat nose pliers; completing a basic binding wrap; and creating loops and hooks. If you feel you need to build your wire wrapping skills before tackling these rings, please see my Back to the Beginning Bracelet tutorial http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/jewelry/bracelet/back-to-the-beginning----bracelet/20367 written for the beginning wire artist from square one!

Pattern Description:

The Clasped Ring evolved because of a simple need to get a ring on and have it fit comfortably despite enlarged knuckles from arthritis.

For this tutorial I walk you through the construction of a unique band style ring, both stylish and comfortable. At the end of the tutorial, I include all my favorite links for tools (with photos), materials, and suggestions for alternate sources. There is also a ring size chart to help you create your perfect ring.

??This is a single project tutorial - if you would like all three Clasped Rings at a 50% savings, please see 3 Clasped Rings http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/jewelry/ring/new-3-clasped-rings-tutorial/37305 ???

This is a high level intermediate to advanced tutorial - It assumes you have a very good grasp of basic wire handling skills and terminology. I define basic wire handling skills as cleaning and straightening wire; good control of square wire and flat nose pliers; completing a basic binding wrap; and creating loops and hooks. If you feel you need to build your wire wrapping skills before tackling these rings, please see my Back to the Beginning Bracelet tutorial http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/jewelry/bracelet/back-tothe-beginning---beginner-bracelet/20367 written for the beginning wire artist from square one!

There is 21 pages with 86 full color detailed photographs and 54 steps for both the visual and instructional learner.

Materials:

6 inches (cm) 20, 21, or 22ga 1/2 hard square wire (increase this length by 1 or 2 inches for large rings)
32 inches (cm) 26ga dead soft round wire;
3 to 5 - 4 hole "Rose Montees 5mm prong or cab style (I don't recommend more than 5 - they will sit between your fingers and be uncomfortable);
6 to 8* - 3mm round beads (*depends on the ring size)
Jewelers ruler with millimeters; flush cutters, flat-nose pliers; chain-nose pliers; round-nose pliers.
Polishing cloth; ring mandrel; small diameter (1/2 to 3/4 inch) wooden dowel for shaping the ring.
Permanent marker (Sharpie preferred); wire-rounder or file.