Handmade Rings From Recycled Gold

Making Rings

• Making a ring yourself requires a jeweler’s mold, typically made from thick wax or vulcanized rubber. Buy a mold that matches your current ring size. When melting gold, it must reach a temperature of at least 1,940 degrees Fahrenheit. The high temperature turns the gold into a liquid form, which you then pour into the mold. An iron cup will not melt or break down from the high temperature and serves as a holder for the gold. Gently tap or shake the mold until the gold settles, and then remove the air bubbles. Molds with designs or patterns etched inside turn an ordinary gold band into something special. If you do not have experience melting gold yourself, consider taking the gold to a professional jeweler.

Outsourcing the Work

• Unless you have the proper tools at home, you may find ring-making a difficult task. Companies like Green Karat create handmade rings from recycled gold and send the rings back to their customers. The company charges a set fee but lowers the price based on the gold you send. You also receive a credit for any gems, and the price comes from the current market value for the stones and gold. Walker Metalsmiths works the same way as Green Karat. You send your gold to the company, and it melts the gold before turning it into new jewelry. In addition, Brilliant Earth and some merchants on Etsy sell jewelry made from recycled gold, including rings. They do not accept jewelry from your collection, but you can buy handmade jewelry from designers and artisans.

Types of Rings

• Recycled gold turns into any type of ring once you melt down the gold. Use old gold to create new wedding bands or an engagement ring for your spouse. An old wedding ring you replace with a newer model is the basis for a new anniversary ring. Craft a funky wraparound snake ring from an ill-fitting ring, or turn several outdated rings into one with the birthstones of all your children.

Considerations

• Not all gold is equal. In addition to 14K, 18K and 24K gold, you also have gold-plated jewelry, with gold covering a base metal. Melt down each type of metal separately, and look at the color of the gold. You may find that the gold has certain impurities that give it a slightly green or blue color. Before turning the melted gold into a ring or any other type of jewelry, you must remove those impurities. A simple method of removing the impurities involves rubbing a metal knife or spoon across the top of the melted gold and skimming off the impurities. Manufacturers add a small piece of lead to the melting gold, which attracts the impurities and separates from the gold.