How To Make Primitive Silver Jewelry

Primitive silver jewelry refers to silver jewelry that is not made by an industrial lathe or casting mold, but by hand held, hand made devices. It is important to learn the aesthetics of primitive or tribal jewelry and also the sophisticated jewelry making techniques used in primitive areas of the world.

• The silver wire wrapping technique creates a solid hoop for attaching stones and beads to a piece of wire. This can be a single wire in an earring or several wires looped together to form a chain for a necklace or bracelet. This technique also creates the pendant wires or additional charms and layers to a jewelry design. Master craft people from India use this technique in silver or gold wire and wrap thousands of pearls, rubies and precious metals together to create elaborate sets of jewelry.


• Hand cutting and shaping silver for gemstones is a technique that is advanced and requires special equipment. Purchase the silver sheets, by the size: in gauge thickness .005mm, 1x1 inch and usual smallest amount. Pattern and cut to your gems, don't forget the tabs for your wire wrap and clasp. Test in aluminum foil first and then cut the silver. This technique origin is in Classic Greece and Rome. Books specializing in jewelry from this period will highlight several interesting designs for your consideration.


• Silver wire knots and bows created from the Celtic patterns are beautiful and of moderate in difficulty. Use the silver wire to trace the Celtic knots, add additional gems or beads as you weave the wire to the pattern. First try the pattern using string or yarn to familiarize yourself with the weaving before using the more expensive silver.


• Many of these skills are very detailed and require excellent hand to eye coordination. Practicing these techniques, in the way you practice a musical instrument will enable a stronger finished product.