Ever wonder How Coin Rings Are Made?

Jewelry, in the form of rings, have been made from coins for many decades; probably even centuries. You can read more about the history of coin rings here.

Double-sided coin rings have really come along a bit more recently. They get their name from the fact that the coin is forged (or manipulated) in such a way, so as to preserve the details of the coin engraving from both sides of the coin, as well as the "factory" outside edge. A good example  is shown here.

As is true of many crafts, or artistic endeavors; the process of creating a coin ring may range from the simplest of techniques - requiring only a few basic tools, to rather elaborate fabrication methods that involve a wide range of precise and specific jewelry making tools.  Some of the more complex methods involve not only special hand-made tools, but the methods themselves may be proprietary in nature.

Naturally, the end products from these very diverse methods reflect the amount of time, skill, experience and resources that were applied to crafting the specific coin rings. In most all cases, this fact is very evident just from the appearance of the final piece.

In order to gain some first hand knowledge about how a fine coin ring is made, I have compiled a set of instructional videos that were recently released by a single skilled coin ring maker. His name is Skyler Jenkins and his shop name is The Mint - Change You Can Wear. Although these videos go into a fair amount of detail, they really represent a good beginning. Generally, an accomplished coin ring maker will devote many hours of trial and error work before gaining all the necessary nuances of fine coin ring making.

Nevertheless, if you will watch one or more of these videos, I think you will begin to get an appreciation for the amount of time, skill and tools that are necessary to turn out a beautiful coin ring. To get a look at these videos, please sign up here and ask for the link.

Repository of Knowledge for the Tippmann Boss

I have recently started a new Blog that will be a repository of hints, tips and knowledge pertaining to the Tippmann Boss Leather Stitcher (sewing machine).  This machine is a popular tool among leather workers when the volume of work does not warrant the use of a larger more expensive electric sewing machine. However, unless the Boss is adjusted properly and cared for, it can be frustrating to try and get good results. My new Blog is an attempt to consolidate much of the knowledge and tips that are useful in getting the Boss to operate properly and produce quality stitches.

As other more experienced operators find this Blog, I hope they will leave comments and information that will be useful to all the interested readers.

The Blog is available by clicking on either this link, or alternatively this link.