Silver FAQ | Fork and Silver

As a metalsmith and creative entrepreneur, I’m a fan of tools that balance affordability with reliability. Budget‑friendly, well‑made tools allow me to experiment, refine my process, and produce boutique‑quality jewelry and décor without overspending.

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Unpopular option: I have these often but I'm just being honest.

Most of these products can be found at your local discount store. Think big box store!

"For me, good quality doesn’t mean luxury—it means tools that work hard, last long, and empower makers at every level to create with confidence."

-Fork and Silver

Here's an FAQ and a few of my favorite tools

Stay tuned- visual projects coming soon!

FAQ

What ring bender do you use and where do you get it?

Quick Link:

https://amzn.to/4pevdOI

When I first started making rings, I refused to spend big dollars on a fancy ring bender. Instead, I went to Amazon and bought the $100.00 bundle that comes with a ring bender, a jewelry saw, and a ring sizer. It was affordable, beginner‑friendly, and honestly — I still use the exact same one today.

This tool has bent thousands of rings (plus plenty of other projects). The biggest complaint in the reviews was that the handle can sometimes break, so when I assembled mine, I added JB Weld to the threads as a precaution. It’s held up beautifully ever since.

The bundle itself is a great value because you will use the extra tools— I use them daily.
I’ve included the link to the exact one I use below.

https://amzn.to/4pevdOI

Do I have to have a ring bender?

No — you absolutely don’t have to start with a ring bender.

A ring bender makes life easier, but it’s not required. You can bend your first rings using simple tools like:
• A metal mandrel

Link to amazon 6.00 mandrel.

This bundle would work fantastic as well @ 23.00.

• A rawhide or rubber mallet

Link to amazon @ $9.00 these 2 mallets will work fine.

• A good vise is important especially if you dont have a ring bender.

Amazon link @ 30.00

Forming pliers are very helpful. These are amazing!

Link to looping pliers I use

This setup works perfectly fine when you’re learning, and it keeps your startup costs low.
A ring bender becomes helpful when you’re:
• Making rings regularly
• Working with thicker or firmer patterns
• Wanting consistent curves
• Protecting your hands from strain
I personally started with a wooden baseball bat and hammer to bend my rings.. When you’re ready to upgrade, a ring bender is a great investment — but it’s not a barrier to getting started.

What do you use to cut the spoon or fork with?

You’ve got a couple of great options, depending on your hands, strength, and budget.

Budget‑Friendly Option: 18" Bolt Cutters
This is the least expensive way to get started @ ~$21.00, and it works surprisingly well. Bolt cutters will slice through most spoons and forks with no problem, especially silverplate. If you’re just beginning or keeping costs low, this is a perfectly solid choice.

Bolt Cutters

My Current Setup: Throatless Shear
I have arthritis, so I eventually needed something that didn’t put so much pressure on my hands. Upgrading to a throatless shear was a game‑changer. It cuts smoothly, requires very little force, and gives you clean, controlled cuts — especially helpful when you’re working on multiple pieces or thicker utensils. Apx $150.00
I absolutely LOVE it!

Throatless Shear

What type of spoon or fork should I use to make a ring?

You can make jewelry out of almost any spoon or fork, but some pieces are definitely easier to work with than others. Here’s what I recommend:

Silverplate
This is the easiest to bend, shape, and cut — perfect for beginners and pros. Most of my items, including rings, are made from silverplate.

Vintage or Antique Pieces
Older silverplate tends to be softer and more consistent. Plus, the patterns are gorgeous and full of character.

Depending on the pattern pricing per piece can vary but you shouldn't have to pay amy more than $1.00 per teaspoon or dinner fork. Often at thrift stores you can find them @ $.025 each.

Stainless Steel
You can use stainless, but it’s much harder on your hands and tools. If you’re just starting out, skip it for now.

Avoid modern flatware and anything that says Made In Japan

Where can I get my spoons and forks from?

I source from a mix of places depending on what I’m making and how much stock I need:

Thrift Stores & Antique Shops
My favorite way to find unique patterns. You can get great deals and discover patterns you’d never see online.

Estate Sales
Fantastic for bulk buys and older, higher‑quality silverplate.

Flea Markets
You can often negotiate bundles and find rare patterns.

Online (eBay, Etsy, Marketplace)
Perfect when you need a specific pattern or want to buy in larger quantities.

Family Silverware
A lot of people love turning heirloom pieces into jewelry — it’s meaningful and makes beautiful keepsakes.

Besides bending rings, what else can I do with a ring bender?

A ring bender is way more versatile than people think. Once you have one, it becomes a little workhorse in your studio. Here are all the extra things you can do with it:

• Bend Fork Handles for Necklaces & Pendants
Perfect for shaping the top loop or curve when you’re turning a piece into a pendant.
• Shape Spoon and Fork Handles for Bracelets
You can start the curve with the ring bender before finishing it on a mandrel. It gives you a clean, controlled bend.
• Create Consistent Curves for Keychains or anything else
If you want your loops to look uniform, the ring bender gives you repeatable results every time.
• Start the Bend for Wrap Rings
Even if you finish the wrap by hand, the bender gives you a smooth, even starting curve.
• Curve Metal for Earrings
Small decorative bends, gentle arcs, or shaping the top of a spoon bowl — all doable.
• Form Loops for Charms & Dangles
Great for making the initial bend when you’re creating a charm from a trimmed handle.
• Shape Silverware for Sculptural Pieces
If you’re making elephants, hearts, flowers, or abstract shapes, the bender helps you get clean, controlled curves.
• Straighten or Re‑shape Vintage Flatware
If a handle is slightly warped, the bender can help bring it back into alignment. I use it backwards sometime :)