Melissa,
Try putting the finished ring on a ring mandrel or another type of rod where it will fit snugly and then gently hammer the ring all the way around with a nylon or leather hammer. Give special attention to the ends that will be exposed. This will “work harden” the wire without leaving marks, and the ring will be less fragile.

If you straighten the wire before you start by pulling it through nylon jaw pliers, this will also work harden the wire somewhat, but it will be a bit more difficult to shape. I do a little hardening before I start then pound the finished item until it’s firm.

Just remember: Nylon or leather hammer! A metal hammer will mark up the wire and mar the surface of plated or coated wires.

Thanks, Amber! 🙂

I also make them as a free gift when someone buys a pc of my other jewelry. they really like that and it surprises the buyer.

Helen, thanks for mentioning that comfort feature when making these for toe rings! I know how uncomfortable that pinching can be under the toe – it gets worse with every step! 🙂

Great ideas, Julie – I think these rings are especially appealing to people when each ring has unique touches. And me too, my favorite way to wirework is to let the designs magically develop without a set outcome in mind!

Thank you for your kind comment, Julie! And while you’re making these, you’ll probably enjoy making different shapes on the ends of the wire (besides the basic loops I showed in the tutorial). And I agree, I love having jewelry items that can be made while watching a movie! 🙂

That’s so awesome to hear, Janet! Thanks for letting me know how well these rings have worked out for you! 🙂

Hi Dorothy! Yes, it would be lovely if you wanted to post the link to this tute on your blog. Thanks so much for asking! 🙂

But if you’re using brass, copper, sterling silver, or other usual jewelry wires and your rings feel flimsy, you could always slip your rings onto a ring mandrel and hammer-harden them with a nylon or plastic hammer. You might also put a batch of your rings in a tumbler to harden them.

I hope this helps! 🙂

Hi Samantha, thanks for asking about the profitability of these little rings. I make them from my leftover wire scraps, and I can make 20 to 30 of them in an hour because the design is so simple. So for me it’s been a nice little impulse-purchase item to add to my booth. And often the purchase of one of these little rings has led to bigger sales, either at the same time or down the road.

And Maddy, so inspiring to hear how well you’re doing with your jewelry as a teen jewelry artist! I wish you much continued success, and keep up the great work! 🙂

Never thought of toe rings though – great idea! Rena, or if anyone else knows – For a toe ring sizing, what would be a good mandrel? I’m thinking a ring mandrel may be too large, would something like a Sharpie work or still be too large? I’m a middle aged big girl, so my own toes would not be a good example to go by! Any ideas for getting a typical sizing for toes?

But for finger rings, thanks for the reminder – I need to stock up! Mine have a few more rounds on the loops, but are still very quick and easy to make -I hammer them just a tad, and sell my copper ones for $10 and sterling for $12, but for the kids, I think $3-5 would be perfect, and pre-teens or young teens are not going to care if they are sterling or not. I bought a little ring tray, somewhere around 5×6, which doesn’t take up much room. Oh, light-bulb just went off – this would be a great way to try out the new sterling filled wire – I’ve been wanting to try it but not sure I wanted to label it as “sterling” – but for a couple of bucks price tag it might be perfect!