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How to Make a Jade Bangle

Making a jade bangle is a challenging project, but with the correct skills, training and machinery, anyone can create beautiful jade bracelets. If you're a beginner, use nephrite, which is softer and easier to work with than jadeite. Planning is important because once the jade is ground away, you can't reattach it.

Things You'll Need

  • Piece of nephrite jade
  • Wet grinding wheel
  • Rotary tool with diamond bit
  • Tray
  • Composition silicone buffing attachment for rotary tool
  • Sketch pad
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Instructions

    • 1

      Acquire a piece of jade online or from a local stone dealer. Try to find a piece of jade that is close to the desired size and thickness of your bangle, as this will save you time with the grinding tool.

    • 2

      Draw a diagram of the bangle, including specific dimensions and close-ups of any detail you may wish to add. Draw a true-to-size outline of the bangle on the flat side of your jade piece so you have a guide for grinding.

    • 3

      Turn on the wet grinding wheel and begin grinding the corners of your jade piece in order to make it circular.

    • 4

      Submerge the bangle in a tray of water. Using the detail rotary bit, carve away the inside of the bangle by tracing the inside circle until you can remove a circular piece of jade. Use the grinding wheel to soften any sharp edges or corners.

    • 5

      Continue to submerge the bangle in water and use the detailing tool to carve any embellishments you desire on the outside edge of the bangle. If the water becomes cloudy with dust, empty and refill the tray to maintain a good view of the bangle.

    • 6

      Grind away any remaining inconsistencies in shape. Use the buffing attachment to polish your bangle and add shine to the piece.

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