For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I’m showing off the amazing Whaley Hand Vise available from @ottofrei1930 🔥(I’m actually showing off two of them because they are so awesome you’ll likely want two!) This simple hand vise (created by @whaleystudios)... more
Here is a terrific method for making balls the same size from @jewelryinstructor - “When you have to make a bunch of identically-sized silver balls, the easiest method is to start out with the same size wire pieces. I superglued washers together at... more
Here is a tip for when you are using binding wire from @andrewberryuk - “When holding together a bangle or something similar you usually use binding wire. If you raise up the binding wire as it passes over the joint it will stop the solder from... more
Here is a production tip for balling wire from @linguanigra - “For some of my work, I like to have balled headpins at hand. Although I'm aware I can purchase balled headpins, it really takes little time to make my own. Because these are for the ears,... more
#sponsored For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I’m excited to show off some SPECIALITY PLIERS from our friends Gesswein All of these pliers are from a company called @xuroncorp they are all made in Maine and the quality is fantastic, without being the... more
Here is a technique to create smooth silver balls from @limbagal - “No one likes wrinkly silver balls!!! How to melt wire into smooth balls using an oxygen/propane torch. Light torch as usual. Melt wire until it forms into a ball. When the wire balls... more
#affiliate For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I wanted to show the Jump Ring Maker Kit - With 28 Coiling Dowels created by our friend @silversmithingretreat this kit is $39.95 and all you need is a variable speed power drill (to slowly wind your wire... more
Here is a #diy wire spool holder from @flourishandcharm - “Basically if you’re going to be measuring/cutting a lot of chain, this trick works well! First take a thick wire (or coat hanger!) and thread a spool onto the middle of it. using a pair of... more
Here is a tip for storing wire from @SpiritMountainSilver - “I found these sweet document organizers off of Amazon that have been life changing for me when organizing my silver wire! There are individual shelves that I label with the gauge of wire I... more
Here is a split shank tutorial shared by @saltwater.and.silver - “We talked about how to prep a split shank, but what about making one? ✨comment if this is helpful!✨ This is just one way that I make split ring shanks, but it’s the one that involves... more
Create a soldering nest like this by taking 22g/.64mm (it can be heavier or thinner as well) bending and flattening it. You can use it to elevate your work, get an even heating and good flow. When I am soldering bezels to backplates I like to heat... more
Revisiting this tip because a flush seam is important when soldering a thin bezel wire, it helps prevent a receded appearance on the seam. Double-sided tape is a lifesaver when you’re wrapping bezel wire around a stone. 🙌 Stick a little piece on... more
Here is another jump ring making hack, a huge thanks to @alastaircallumjewellery for these great pictures that show the process. Take a power drill and insert a drill bit backwards, create a bend in your wire and slip the bent bit between the jaws -... more
Here is a tip for determining the length of bezel wire you need for your stone! In this example I’m using a gorgeous American Mined™ BlueBird Turquoise™ 10 x 8mm Oval Cabochon from @riogrande Stone height will always vary on hand-cut stones, and for... more
Here is a tip for straightening and work hardening wires from - @sinead_cleary_jewelry - “I use this tip which I learned from Paulette Werger to straighten wire. Place wire between two bench blocks (helpful if you have a large one and a small one)... more
Here is a tutorial for making a split cuff out of wire from @ghosttownmetalworks - “I learned how to make a split band cuff from an old school pictorial instruction manual called "Indian Jewelry Making" by Oscar T. Branson. I have done my own little... more
Here is a tip for repairing a hole, or pitting in a casting. You will need a piece of wire and a drill bit that are the same size. For this example I used 18g wire which measures 1.02mm so I used a 1mm drill bit. I ideally want to use the smallest... more
Here is a tutorial on attaching chain to a bezel from @estona_sieraden. - “This is such a useful way to attach a bezel centerpiece to a piece if chain. A real shortcut to attach the ring and chain in one go, on both sides. First you measure the exact... more
Here is a metal organization tip from @cindyliebel - “I like to keep my workspaces organized to ease the flow of production while I create. After many attempts in organizing all of my precious metal wire, I finally figured out what has worked best for... more
Here is a tip for twisting wire from @alexboydstudio - “To achieve and even twist down the length of the rod, make sure you pull back firmly while you twist. The longer the rod the more difficult it is to evenly twist. That’s why while it’s... more
