Mokume gane rings are typically manufactured from patterned flat stock that is bent around to form a ring. This paper will detail another method of production for the small shop—the use of a hydraulic press to deep draw tubing for rings. It will show how to bond and prepare mokume gane billets for deep drawing, how to deep draw multi-layered material and how to pattern deep-drawn tubing into unique and engaging rings. This process is economical and can be accomplished with tools found in a well-equipped jewelry studio. Examples of beautifully patterned mokume gane rings produced using this method will be shown.

Author: Chris Ploof