How to Choose Jewelry Stamping Blanks

You’ve decided to try making hand-stampedIf you choose the sterling silver, there is a
jewelry, but are totally lost when it comes toplethora of choices available. Many shapes include
choosing which metal to stamp on? Don’tcircles (discs), ovals, triangles, rectangle, dog tag
fret, with a little knowledge you can beginstyle, donuts, washers and various shapes such
choosing your stamping blanks with ease.as butterflies, hearts, stars, and even
First, will you be stamping on sterling silver orchildren’s profiles.
gold-filled? Sterling silver is 92.5% silver and 7.5%Gold-filled has much less to choose from. Some
copper, making it soft enough to stamp on butof the mainstream shapes includes circles (discs),
not too soft that it will not hold its shape. Sterlingovals, rectangles and hearts.
silver is a great choice for many beginners; it isNext you will want to decide how thick you want
somewhat inexpensive and very plentiful comingyour stamping blank to be. I would recommend a
in a multitude of sizes and shapes.thickness of 20-22 gauge. This allows the blank to
Gold-filled is actually comprised of a brass core,be rigid enough to not bend easily, but also not
with 12k or 14k gold layered on top. It looks andtoo heavy for the person wearing the jewelry
feels just like gold for a fraction of the price. Theitem. To save money, you can try a thinner
gold layer will not wear off, as it sometimes doesgauge such as 24 gauge until you get the hang of
with cheaper imitations. Since the core is a basestamping, then move onto a thicker gauge.
metal, it is more rigid and more resistant toOther metals such as nickel silver, copper, and
stamping. But that just means you need to hit thebrass also make excellent stamping blanks. Be
hammer harder!sure to experiment with those as well.