Jewellery may be a girl’s best friend, but the craft is no easy task! Sourcing suitable materials, intricately crafting and then putting them together takes time. One classic, durable and popular way to connect metals in jewellery making is riveting.

Let’s deep dive into the world of riveting and understand why it is better than soldering. Learn about the types, the process and tips to do it perfectly.

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Understanding Riveting: A Cold Connection Technique

Generally, metal jewellery is connected through soldering. Conversely, riveting is a cold connection method that joins components without heat. Riveting, by nature, is decorative and can be learned quickly.

The riveting process begins by drilling a hole through the metal pieces. Then, a metal wire or tube is inserted and fixed in place using a flared rivet head that resembles a custom-made screw. This creates a strong bond between the metal pieces.Source: Freepik

Riveting adds a flow or movement to jewellery. Swinging elements, spinning parts, separated layers and shadowbox styles are only possible due to riveting. So even for jewellery designers who swear by soldering, a heatless method like riveting is a vital skill to master.

Types of Riveting

The main types of rivets are as follow:

• Basic rivet: The simplest rivet used in jewellery making is the basic rivet. It is double-ended and is made using a metal wire that is the exact dimensions of the hole. The two ends are then flattened and fit with a rivet head.
• Flush or invisible rivet: here, the rivets are sunk into the metal, making it invisible. These can be used when the jewellery design is delicate.
• Tube rivet: This rivet is created with a tube instead of a solid wire. Both rivets and eyelets are then screwed together, reducing the hammering action.
• Nail-head rivet: It is similar to wire rivets but has one end already crafted. This reduces labour time. The rivet is set by hammering the unfinished end.
• Decorative rivet: This rivet has decorative heads that enhance the beauty of the jewellery. These shapes could be anything from leaves and flowers to even birds and animals.

How Does Riveting Work– The Steps Involved

Riveting follows the principle of fastening via metal deformation. They are not only used in jewellery making but also in the construction of pipes, buildings and boats. Even the Sydney Harbour Bridge is held together by rivets! This is the general process followed.

Prepping the Material

Punch or drill a hole in the metal to accommodate the rivet. Ideally, it should be half the size of the rivet head. It is always better to make it smaller, as it can be enlarged later with a reamer. Too big, and the rivet may just fall through.

Prepping is essential even when it comes to the rivet. Anneal the wire that will be used to make the rivet. This makes it softer and pliable.

Choosing the Rivet

Choose the type of rivet you wish to craft and cut the wire to the appropriate size. The general consensus is to make it 4 mm longer than what you need to leave enough space for making the rivet heads. File both ends flat to provide a strong base for the head.

A quick tip: Filing edges with a saw rather than a wire cutter produces flatter surfaces without nicks.

Source: Freepik

It’s Hammer Time!

With the chiselled end of a rivet hammer, hit the flat end of the wire. Slowly rotate the angle while hitting to form an evenly flared head. Tread this rivet into the metal pieces to finish the other end.

Tape the piece upside down with the wire sticking out. Strike again using the same techniques to lock the rivet. Use the flat side of the hammer to tighten and secure the jewellery pieces together.

Voila! Your riveted jewellery is ready!

Tools Featured In This Process

There are specific tools for riveting one has to use to ensure the highest levels of craftsmanship. With these tools, you can handstamp jewellery and build your metal-forming skills.

• Jewellery wire
• Riveting hammer
• Shear wire cutters
• Metal drill
• Reamer
• Centre punch
• Flat file

Source: Pexels

Looking for a more comprehensive list of jewellery-making essentials? Check out this blog outlining jewellery design students’ must-haves!

Benefits of Riveting Jewellery

Despite the development of modern jewellery soldering and joining processes, riveting is still preferred on certain occasions. A few benefits of jewellery rivets are:

• They can be used on materials that do not respond to the high temperatures of soldering. These include rocks, plastic, glass, wood and bone.
• They add a touch of glamour and charm. Generally, elegantly carved rivets often lend a beautiful persona to handcrafted jewellery, making them one of a kind.
• They are used in making hinges in jewellery. (ex) brooches, cufflinks and more.
• They are extremely durable as they make the material denser and virtually unbreakable.
• They are great for beginners who don’t have access to sophisticated soldering tools.

Source: Unsplash

The image given above is an example of riveted jewellery designs in Indian jewellery making. Gorgeous, isn’t it?

Wrapping Up

We hope that we’ve answered your ‘what is riveting?’ question in full! This age-old forging process has constantly evolved to stay relevant and continues to be a top choice for many jewellers.

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