Use crochet to make a stunning ring from fine silver wire. A large cabochon stone is held in place in a crocheted wire setting which can be adapted in a variety of ways.

This project demonstrates how to make a dramatic dress ring from crocheted fine silver wire. This ring features a large cabochon stone (18mm x 13mm) however smaller stones can be used with great effect. It is worth bearing in mind, though, that larger stones are easier to set using wire crochet than smaller stones and are therefore best to start with!

Important: Work a sample in craft wire before moving onto precious metal wires. These instructions form a basic outline, the number of stitches and rows will alter depending on the stones used and the required finished size.

Stitches used

Chain stitch, Single Crochet (Known as Double Crochet in the UK and other countries). This project does not attempt to teach you how to crochet – refer to a crochet book or online resource for instructions.

The two ends of the ring and the setting are ‘sewn’ into place simply by using the wire as a needle and thread. The stitches get lost into the crochet mesh.

Material

Wire - AWG 27 (.36mm wire). Note - slight variations in thickness will not make a difference. The exact amount will depend on the size of ring.

Cabochon stone: The stone used in the ring shown is 18mm x 13mm

Equipment

US4 (2mm) Crochet hook

Hide mallet

Ring mandrel

Wire cutters

File

Instructions

To make shank: The ring shank is made from a single length of crochet that is folded and then stitched. The ring shown has a shank of 2cms. To make a thinner ring, adjust the number of stitches accordingly.

1/ Measure the length of the ring required. Use the measurements of an existing favorite ring if in doubt of the best size for you.

2/ Make a chain of 5 stitches plus a turning chain and then work DOUBLE the required length in single crochet.

3/ Fold the work in two and work a row of single crochet stitches down each side. This holds the two pieces together and also neatens the edge. Stitch the ends of the work together to form a ring shape – to stitch simply use the wire instead of a sewing needle and ‘sew’ the two sides together.

4/ Harden the ring and knock it into shape by tapping it gently with a hide mallet on the ring mandrel.

To make the stone setting

1/ Make a length of crochet chain long enough to fit snugly around the outside of the stone. Join the chain with a slip stitch. Work one round in single crochet. This should fit around the side of the stone, the next row will be shaped to fold over the stone. Note: If you have a very high cut stone then another row may be required at this stage.

The second round needs to be decreased to hold the stone. Again, this will depend on the stone used and your crochet gauge, however approximately four stitches will need to be worked together, one at the top and bottom of the stone and one at either side. This should be sufficient to hold the stone into place (if in doubt a dab of epoxy resin will help to hold the stone tight).

To finish

With the stone in place stitch the setting onto the shank, place this over the join to hide any unevenness in the joining of the two edges.

Snip off any loose ends of wire, burying the ends in the work. File smooth any rough edges.

Use this technique to make earrings and pendants to match the ring. Experiment with different techniques, in addition to crochet, spool knitting can also be an interesting skill for a wire worker to know.

Take a look around the Jewelry and Beadmaking section of Suite101 for more interesting reading.