Ferg , you could easily make a ferrule like Lew's ; I would suggest using at least 6ga. Sterling sheet folded on the edge , formed around a ring mandrel and then soldered on a soldering mandrel while held together with iron wire .
Of course your silver sheet will have to be fan shaped in outline .
I'm willing to bet that Battara has the right equipment for this work .
I used to .
Silver is really fun to work with .
