Sheet Metal

Sheet metal is a thin, flat piece of metal formed by industrial processes. It is used in various applications within jewellery making but extends into industries including construction, automotive, aerospace engineering. Sheet metal is available in various thicknesses, also known as gauges, and can be made from a variety of different metals including but not limited to gold, silver, platinum, copper, titanium and brass.

Sheet metal is manufactured through a process called rolling, where metal is passed between large mechanically driven rollers to achieve a uniform thickness. The rolling can be performed either hot or cold, each method imparting distinct characteristics to the final product. Hot rolling involves processing the metal at high temperatures, making it more malleable and suitable for further shaping. Conversely, cold rolling is done at room temperature, resulting in a smoother finish and increased strength but with less flexibility. Once rolled, the metal is precisely cut into sheets of the desired size, ready for various applications.

The "best" silver sheet for jewellery making is typically sterling silver (92.5% silver, 7.5% copper). It offers a good balance between durability and workability, making it ideal for creating various jewellery pieces. Fine silver (99.9% silver) is also used for its purity, especially in delicate or decorative work, but it is softer and less durable than sterling silver. Ultimately the best choice will be detrmined by your project requirements,

Choosing the right thickness for sheet metal in jewellery design depends on the piece's intended function and design. Thicker sheets (e.g., 18-20 gauge) are used for structural elements like bands and bases, while thinner sheets (e.g., 24-26 gauge) are suitable for delicate details, overlays, or lightweight earrings. Consider the balance between strength and flexibility when selecting your thickness / gauge.

Sterling silver and copper are among the easiest metals to join and solder. Both metals conduct heat well and have a relatively low melting point, making them ideal for soldering.

Mokume-gane is a Japanese metalworking technique that creates a woodgrain-like pattern in metal. It is made by layering different coloured sheet metals (such as silver, copper, and gold), then heating and forging them together. The resulting billet is then carved or manipulated to expose the different layers, creating intricate patterns.

Sheet metal is incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide range of jewellery-making applications. It is commonly used for stamping, where patterns, textures, or letters are impressed onto the metal surface. Sheet metal can also be anodized, especially when working with metals like copper and titanium, to create vibrant, colourful finishes. Patina effects can be applied to metals like copper and silver when combined with liver of sulphur to achieve unique black filling and aged appearances. Additionally, sheet metal is ideal for engraving, allowing for intricate designs and personalised inscriptions. It can also be used in creating bezels, backplates, and layered designs, as well as forming, texturing, and even sculpting into complex shapes, making it a fundamental material in both traditional and contemporary jewellery-making techniques.

Sheet metal can be recycled by melting down scrap pieces and casting them into new forms, or by repurposing off-cuts and remnants into smaller jewellery components like bails, charms, earrings, or inlays. Recycling and repurposing reduce waste and allow for creative use of materials.

Fun Fact: In the past, when precious metals were harder to come by, every little bit was extremely valuable. Craftsmen would carefully save all the small pieces, scraps, and even metal filings, repurposing them to create the smaller components needed to complete their jewellery. Over time, these leftover materials, along with the components made from them, became known as "findings."

Silver has several properties that make it ideal for jewellery making, including its lustre, workability, and resistance to tarnish (especially in alloys like sterling silver). It is also hypoallergenic, making it suitable for sensitive skin. Silver's relative softness allows it to be shaped and engraved easily, while its strength ensures durability.

Sterling silver is widely considered the best silver metal for jewellery due to its balance of durability, workability, and affordability. Fine silver is also used for speciality, high-purity pieces, but it is softer and more prone to scratching and deformation.

Sheet metal made from ferrous metals, such as iron or steel are magnetic. Non-ferrous Metals like gold, silver, copper, and brass are non-magnetic.

Copper sheets can be prone to tarnishing and corrosion, particularly when exposed to moisture and air. They can also be relatively soft, making them susceptible to dents and scratches. Additionally, copper can react with certain skin types, causing a green discoloration.

Copper sheet metal is widely used in jewellery making for its warm, reddish colour and malleability. It is often employed to create various components such as bezels, backplates, and decorative elements. Copper sheets are also popular for texturing, stamping, and forming into unique shapes. Additionally, copper is frequently used in creating patina effects, where the surface of the metal is intentionally oxidized to produce vibrant blues, greens, and other colours, adding a rustic or antique appearance to the jewellery. Its affordability and ease of use make copper sheet metal a popular choice for both beginners and experienced jewellers alike.

Yes, a Dremel tool can be used on sheet metal for tasks such as cutting, engraving, polishing, and drilling. With the appropriate attachments, a Dremel can handle fine detailing work, but it may not be suitable for cutting thicker metals.

The best tool to cut sheet metal depends on the thickness and type of metal. For thin sheets, jeweller's shears or tin snips are effective. For thicker sheets, a jeweller's saw with the appropriate blade can be used for more precise cuts. For more industrial applications, tools like a guillotine might be employed. For more information and guides read our article on cutting sheet metal

Stamping sheet metal involves pressing a design or pattern into the surface of the metal using a stamping tool or die. This process can create intricate designs, textures, or even letters on the metal surface, often used in jewellery making to add decorative elements.

To stamp sheet metal, start by placing the metal sheet on a solid, flat surface, ideally a steel block. The steel block provides a stable and hard backing, ensuring that the force from the hammer is fully transferred to the metal for a clearer, more defined impression. Next, align the stamp with the desired location on the metal sheet, and hold it firmly in place. Strike the top of the stamp with a hammer, using consistent force. Precision and consistency in your strikes are key to achieving clear, uniform impressions. The steel block helps prevent distortion and ensures that the design is stamped evenly across the metal surface.

To stamp letters on sheet metal, follow a similar process as general stamping: place the metal on a hard, stable surface, position the letter stamp where you want the impression, and strike it firmly with a hammer. Align each letter carefully to ensure even spacing and a consistent appearance.

Yes, sheet metal can be engraved using tools like a burin, engraving machine, or laser engraver. Engraving removes material from the metal surface to create designs, patterns, or text, often used in personalization or adding intricate details to jewellery.

Etching and engraving are both methods of creating designs on metal, but they differ in technique. Engraving involves physically cutting into the metal surface using a sharp tool, whereas etching uses acid or another chemical to eat away the metal in the desired pattern. Engraving produces sharper, more precise lines, while etching can create softer, more detailed designs.

Sheet metal is a cornerstone material in the art of jewellery making, prized for its versatility and strength. This foundational component is the jeweller's canvas, essential for crafting a range of adornments from the simplest sterling silver pendants to the most intricate 18k gold filigree work.

In jewellery design, sheet metal serves multiple purposes: it can be meticulously sculpted into necklace sheet metal for statement pieces, transformed into earring metal sheets that dangle or hug the earlobe, and manipulated as ring metal plates for bands that symbolize eternal commitments.

Additionally, sheets provide a robust surface for jewellery stamping, allowing artists to imprint unique designs and messages, thereby personalizing pieces for their clientele. Skilled jewellers also utilize engraving sheets to etch delicate patterns or inscriptions, adding depth and character to their creations.

As a beading base plate, sheet metal is instrumental, offering a secure foundation for gemstone embellishments.

The use of our craft metal sheets extends beyond functionality; it embodies the blend of tradition and innovation in jewellery making, making it invaluable for both novice creators and seasoned professionals seeking high-quality materials from a reputable Australian jewellery supplier.

Whether rolled for rings or cut for charms, sheet metal continues to be the starting point for wearable art that reflects personal style and enduring craftsmanship.

This is generally achieved with a gypsy (or flush) setting, the diamond is set directly into the sheet metal so that its table is flush with the surface. To achieve this, a seat is carved into the metal where the diamond will sit. The diamond is placed into the seat, and the surrounding metal is then gently pushed over the edges of the stone using a burnisher, securing it in place.

Titanium is an excellent metal for jewellery due to its strength, lightweight, and hypoallergenic properties. It is resistant to corrosion and tarnish, making it a durable option for long-lasting jewellery pieces. However, its hardness can make it challenging to work with and requires high quality tools.

Forming sheet metal into complex shapes for jewellery involves several techniques, each suited to different designs and materials. Common methods include:

Hammering: Using hammers and stakes, you can shape sheet metal by gradually bending and curving it over a form or anvil. This method allows for precise control and is often used to create domes, curves, and other organic shapes.

Dapping: Dapping involves using a dapping block and punches to create concave or convex forms. This technique is particularly useful for making rounded or bowl-like shapes in metal.

Forming with Mandrels: Mandrels of various shapes (such as rings or cones) can be used to bend and form sheet metal around them, helping to achieve consistent, smooth curves.

Soldering and Fabrication: Complex shapes can also be built up by soldering multiple pieces of sheet metal together, then filing and polishing the final piece to achieve the desired form.

Polishing and finishing sheet metal for jewellery involves several steps. Start with sanding to smooth out any rough scratches or imperfections, progressing from coarse to finer grits. After sanding, use polishing compounds and a buffing wheel to achieve a high shine. For a matte finish, use a fine abrasive or sandblasting. Finally, clean the piece to remove any polishing compound residue.

Yes, sheet metal made from metals like titanium can be anodized to create a durable, colourful oxide layer. Anodizing involves immersing the metal in an electrolytic solution and applying an electric current, which results in a variety of vibrant colours depending on the voltage used. This process is popular in jewellery making for adding colour without using dyes or paints.

To prevent sheet metal from tarnishing, store it in an airtight container or bag, away from humidity and air. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth and appropriate metal polish will maintain the metal's shine and prevent tarnish build-up.

Yes, sheet metal can be textured using a variety of methods, including hammering, rolling through a mill with texture plates, pressing with textured stamps, or using hand techniques with a burin to carve intricate designs. Texturing adds visual interest and depth to the metal, making it a favoured technique in jewellery design. These methods allow jewellers to create unique surfaces and patterns, enhancing the overall aesthetic and tactile quality of the piece.

To achieve a patina on copper sheet metal, apply a chemical patina solution like liver of sulphur to the metal's surface. The solution reacts with the copper, creating various colours and finishes ranging from deep browns and blacks to greens and blues. The process can be controlled to achieve the desired effect and sealed with a clear coat

No, titanium jewellery will not rust. Titanium is highly resistant to corrosion, including rust, even when exposed to water and air over extended periods. This resistance makes it an ideal material for jewellery that is intended to last a lifetime.

You can buy sheet metal from various suppliers, including online retailers and specialized jewellery supply stores. However, Ore Metals stands out as the premier choice due to our superior quality and extensive range of options.

Sterling silver and fine silver differ primarily in composition and durability. Sterling silver is an alloy made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper, which makes it harder and more durable. This added strength makes sterling silver ideal for everyday jewellery like rings and bracelets. Fine silver, on the other hand, is 99.9% pure silver, making it softer and more malleable but also more prone to scratching and deformation.

In terms of appearance, sterling silver has a bright finish but can tarnish over time due to the copper content. Fine silver has a slightly whiter, more lustrous appearance and is more resistant to tarnishing. However, its softness limits its use to pieces that don’t require the same level of durability, such as bezels or delicate decorative elements.

The choice between the two depends on the specific needs of the jewellery design, balancing strength with purity.

When it comes to selecting the ideal metal for jewellery making, several factors such as malleability, durability, colour, and hypoallergenic properties come into play.

Sterling silver is a timeless choice, offering a perfect balance of workability and durability, making it suitable for a wide array of jewellery pieces from rings to necklaces.

Gold, with options like 9k, 14k and 18k, remains a preferred metal, providing a lustrous finish and resistance to tarnish, particularly sought after for high-end and heirloom pieces.

For those looking for hypoallergenic and rust-resistant options, platinum and titanium stand out as premium materials for crafting long-lasting, elegant jewellery.

Copper and brass are also popular among artisans for their rich hues and affordability, ideal for statement pieces and costume jewellery.

Each metal brings its unique qualities to the table, allowing jewellery makers to choose the best option that aligns with the design, budget, and wearability requirements of their envisioned creations.

By seeking out these metals from a trusted jewellery supplier ensures your finished pieces meet the highest standards of beauty and quality.

When crafting rings, the gauge (thickness) of the sheet metal you choose is crucial for both the design and durability of the piece.

A commonly selected thickness is between 18 (1.0mm) to 24 gauge (0.5mm), with 18-gauge sheet metal offering robustness for everyday wear while still allowing for detailed workmanship.

A 24-gauge sheet, being thinner, is more malleable, suitable for intricate designs and applications requiring a finer touch, such as filigree.

Jewellers must balance the metal's gauge with the intended ring style; for instance, a thicker gauge is preferred for a band that will stand the test of time, while a thinner gauge may be chosen for delicate decorative elements.

The right gauge selection can make the difference in creating a ring that's not only beautifully designed but also comfortable and enduring for daily wear.

Understanding the thickness or gauge sheet metal is essential for professionals and hobbyists in the field of metalworking and jewellery design.

In the United States, gauge or "GA" is used to refer to the thickness of sheet metal. In Australia, this value is represented in millimetres.

22 gauge is 0.6mm

Use our GA to mm Conversion table to quickly calculate the equivalent measurements.