For this week’s #tooltalktuesday Nicole from @knotandsplice told me about her digital calipers! - “I love these digital calipers by Mitutoyo (Japanese made) and I’ve read they’re some of the best there are. They’re also used by engineers. Remember: You get what you pay for (more on that below). In the photos I am using my callipers to measure a small accent ruby (the gems I’m showing here are pre 1970s vintage and not callibrated and are also old school cuts, meaning that I won’t have exact burs available for cutttng seats in settings, etc). It is rare that you’ll have perfectly exact size gemstones with faceted gems, especially those that are hand cut. I also use these for measuring settings to add to descriptions on my jewelry website listings. The more information given to your buyers, the more it shows you’re serious and care about the work you make...that’s my two cents anyway, but I’m a detail freak.
Anyway, a quality digital caliper is THE TOOL for getting correct measurements, especially thickness of gem (from the gem’s culet to table)...this is essential with figuring out what thickness of ring band or setting you need to safely flush set or bead set a gemstone. This is usually done early on in a project or when quoting/planning for a commission. You can also measure the width of setting you might need for a tube/bezel setting. One major note: Beware that eBay is full of fakes on this brand (and lots of other jeweler tools, sadly) for cheap (be careful when buying used or “new” on eBay as there are some really good looking fakes). These run about $169 brand new on amazon. I had previously bought a cheap pair of digital calipers that were poorly made, inaccurate and didn’t last long nor work well. A legit reliable pair of digital calipers is essential for obtaining correct measurements for faceted gems in jewelry projects. “ Thank you for sharing this with us! I’m going to link a pair in my TOOLS highlight and I’m also going to add these ones to my Holiday Gift Guide on my blog! #Metalsmithsociety #jewelrytools #makingjewelry #ladysmith