Ring Thing

I've always loved silver--it's just something special--& have always had a thing for silver rings.  A friend was recently teaching a class in making silver rings, so my favorite person signed us up.  Products pictured, to be given as gifts.  Pleased with the first efforts.  

Process:  Measure a rectangular piece of silver about 1/4 inch wide (some  silver comes with patterns impressed on it) and cut (saw) to the ring size desired (per a handout indicating length for each ring size based on width of the silver), file the ends flat, then bend the 2 ends together with jewelry pliers until they touch and have no light between them, making the connection side flat so the ring will stand upright on that side.  Spritz the ring with anti-oxidizer, put it on a heat safe surface balanced on the flat side, and drip some flux on the connection area, then heat that area with a propane torch until dry.  Cut a piece of soldering wire about the width of the ring, place it on the spot where the 2 ends come together, heat the top of the ring and then down the sides so the ring is evenly heated, and then heat the bottom where the solder is, melting the solder into the gap so it seals the gap.  When done pick up the very hot ring with tongs and put it into a dish of water to cool it, then put the ring in a pickling solution for 5 minutes, then into a base and then it's ready to shape.  Shape the ring on a metal ring mandrel, forcing it down and using a rubber mallet to tap it to round as needed.  When satisfied, use a Dremel tool to polish, smooth and finish the inside of the ring, then a different Dremel with polish to finish and shine the outside of the ring.  Revel in the product and thank the instructor.