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[T P]

On to my next adventure in silversmithing.

I am wanting to make a set of embossed/stamped hollow sterling silver beads.  I found an online e bok about the beads by a Nancy Howland, but do not have any info on the stamping. 

I have the book Indian jewelry which has some information on how to make stamps.

The problem I am having is getting a good deep impression on the flat disc prior to doming.  I am using dead soft sterling, and stamping on 1" steel bench block.  Does anyone have any hint or tips on getting a good deep impression when I stamp?

[Jhon P]

There is a video on you tube that may help. I will ask my friend to show me how it is done next time we can get together for a lesson. I will see if he can do the lesson on stamped beads

[travelerga]

Larger hammer, one strike only, breathe slowly, like for trigger pull. hold the stamp in a firm grip, not squeezing it to tight, practice on scrape. I also use a thicker steel, 3 inch , on the section of my bench where the leg is, better support less rebound. last but not least. keep your eyes on the strike surface of the stamp , not on the silver.

[T P]

Thanks Traveler for the information. Any additional tip or suggestions will be appreciated.  Would a 1" steel bench block be heavy enough if supported on a stump?

[gemfeller]

I routinely use a 1-inch steel block on my bench top.  The block should be polished to avoid impressions on the stock from unevenness -- rust pits and the like.  Be sure you're using a flat stamp, not a curved one for use inside ring shanks.  Curved ones won't leave a full impression on flat stock.  And do practice on scrap to develop the right "feel."

[travelerga]

I started with a 1 inch by 3 inch by 6 inch  and it worked great for normal stamping. but I found that a thick one worked better for hard stamping, yes mounted on a flat level block of wood works good. I found that putting a sheet of printer paper on the steel with  keep the silvers from picking up marks but you should still polish the steel block I use a stainless steel scrub pad that you use to clean pots. yes, practice is very important and you must relax when stamping. sort of like zen  , breathing is important to keep focus.