Draw patterns on the silver with a pencil
Traditional Miao silver rings usually have a wide band that covers almost half of the finger. These bands almost always feature beautiful engravings of flowers and animals.
To engrave patterns on the silver, a rosin board is used to hold the pieces in place. Artisans heat the black rosin to soften it, and then the silver is easily placed on top. When the rosin cools down, the silver ring is stuck in the surface.
The silversmith will now use a pencil to draw designs on the silver, and then he will engrave the designs using sharp steel sticks. The steel sticks are about 10 cm long with round, flat, or pointed tops. A light hammer made of the horn of a water buffalo is used to strike the sticks and make the design.
Engraving the design on the silver ring
Engraving is quite time consuming. And carefully handmade silver rings have completely new, unique designs never seen on other pieces of jewelry.
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