This will allow the metal crystal structure to re-form. Heat the clip to 280 º C and hold at that temperature for 2 and 1/2 hours. If you can get access to a kiln or temperature controlled oven, you can heat and re-harden the sterling silver. If you quenched your sterling silver money clip rather than letting it air cool each time you soldered a bezel, you probably annealed your piece. Joe Volkel, Long Island, New York Re-Hardening Sterling Silver In A Kiln Use a mandrel or make a mandrel out of a brass or aluminum rod to hold the shape of the curve of your sterling silver money clip. Jewelry metals like sterling silver can be work hardened to return lost 'springiness.' I have one suggestion. “My Studio,” hammers for jewelry, by Mauro Cateb is licensed under CC By 2.0 Use A Mandrel To Hold The Shape Of The Curve It could also distort the whole money clip.ĭon A. Hammering or drawing could distort the bezels and lettering you've already done. An experienced silversmith could work the sterling silver money clip with a rolling mill or similar device and bend it back with smooth jaw half-round pliers (preferably chrome plated). Next, you'll need to file, clean, and polish the clip. First, use a small raising hammer, then a planishing hammer, and strike very light, disciplined blows. In order to return the spring to this piece, the metal needs to be unbent and then worked back into a bend. I haven't seen your piece, but it sounds as if you have annealed or softened the clip. However, if you have some experience and want to try the repair yourself, I do have some hints and some warnings. First off, correcting your situation isn't exactly a project for a novice. I've been a goldsmith for nearly 40 years. Does anyone have any advice for repairing a sterling silver money clip?Ĭindy in Virginia Work Hardening A Sterling Silver Money Clip I think I need to “temper the silver.” However, I can't find anything in my books dealing with this problem. The silver is now either too soft or too hard to bend. It will no longer hold money as it should.

The problem I'm having now is the clip has lost all of its spring. I soldered on bezels for two gemstones that I'm going to set. I added gold letters to the back and cut out a portion of the front.

How do I get the spring back into a sterling silver money clip ? I made this clip and was adding some embellishments. I have a question for the metalsmiths out there. “Silver Kokopeli money clips for Craig and Glenn” by Heather Cheryl is licensed under CC By 2.0 Question A clip without the proper amount of “springiness” won't hold money as it should. By International Gem Society You can work harden a sterling silver money clip to restore its spring.

Moneyclip for dummies