DIY Cufflinks

Step 10: But how did you???

Typically this would have been 8 different instructables. Consequently, I shortened the instructions dramatically to keep the length reasonable.

I hope all the pictures are helpful however, if you have any questions feel free to ask.

Thanks for viewing.

Comments

[duncangallimore]

This is absolutely brilliant - what ideas! What creativity! What talent! Love your designs, and the professional quality you've finished them to, out of such humble sources.

[ThatKnottyguy]

You my friend, are amazing.
You are my favorite author by a mile on instructables.
I love what you do, just keep on posting, I suscribed.
You are the best!

[Mrballeng]

Thanks!

[Paymeister]

Astonishingly beautiful - bravo!

[Mrballeng]

Thank you.

[wcgems]

I just wanted to say that jewelry making is a hobby that I love and your Instructibles have been inspiring. I have not been able to duplicate your ideas, that i have tried, 100%? but they have given me the ability to see and make like never before. Last item was a pendant and everyone loves it. Keep posting so that we may all be inspired. Thanks!

[Mrballeng]

Thank you for taking the time to write me. So far my jewelry making experience is a total of 9 months; the nickel ring being the first thing I ever made. My point is if I can do it, you can too. If you ever get stuck on a step you know where to find me. I'm happy to help. That way I won't feel so bad when I come to you for help.

[Think with portals]

This is an absolutely amazing project

[jonzo97]

You are a genius. I wish i could see the world and simple raw materials through your eyes so I might gather more ideas like these to experiment with. I have attempted a number of your previous instructable, but i am now considering getting a soldering set so I may try to make some of these. Do you think it would be possible to try the .223 with a shell casing of a different caliber soldered on its side rather than cutting off the end? I would like to try the method for mounting the DJ Tiestro symbol as well as the granite pendant. Amazing work once again.

[Mrballeng]

Your bullet shell idea would work great. All this stuff is relatively inexpensive (the solder set costing the most at $25). So you can experiment all you want and not worry about the cost of messing up.

[jozaud]

I am currently studying Metalworking and Jewelry at the Rochester Institute of Technology (going into my sophomore year this fall), and I want to say that I really like your work. you make some really awesome pieces out of inexpensive materials and without many high cost tools, and I think it is a fantastic idea. When I first saw something by you I thought it was made with silver, and seeing that it was polished nickels blew my mind. Props to you, sir.

One question, though: How well do nickels hold a polish? Do they tarnish like silver does or get scratched easily? I am seriously thinking about trying this for myself.

[Mrballeng]

Nickels do well with a polish. They do get very tiny scratches from normal use such as getting tossed in and out of a jewelry box but it still keeps a nice shine. My wife has my original tear drop pendant. As far as tarnish goes it looks just like the day I gave it to her.

[jonzo97]

Nickels do tarnish, but you shouldn't have a problem if you coat the nickel in clear nail polish to stop any oxidizing.