Here is an organization method from @lyndehowesilverworks - “Nearly everything in my studio is on wheels so I can focus on different projects at a whim. Figuring out I could afix wheels to this plastic crate was game changing. I’ve included a photo... 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
For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I wanted to show off these powerful cutters from @maunindustries 😍When I have wire that is thicker than 14g I put down my flush cutters and grab these. They are incredibly powerful! Perfect for trimming sprues from... more
Here is a tip for when you need something lined up when soldering from @ckmetaldesigns - “After I file a spot in the ring shank flat, I mark the sides of the ring with Sharpie at the flat part. Then when I am placing it on the bezel plate to solder, I... more
Here is an awesome system for protecting and organizing your files from @metalwithmeaning - “This is an idea from about 8 years ago. @kristendianadesigns taught me this trick with files and keeping them clean and organized. It’s cute, and I feel like... 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 on how to prep a brand new cotton buff, prior to polishing from @piecesofstarrjewelry - “So when prepping a new buff (that is a cotton buff), I like to attach the new buff to the polishing machine and rake the buff (I use a metal file... more
Here is another use for your miter jig and your super glue from @millathegoldsmith - when creating small pieces of tubing that need to be uniform in height, she super glued them together, then places them in the miter jig to file them altogether! 🙌... more
Here is a pliers modification for pulling back prongs from @tinsley_james - “My tip of the day is to modify a pair of chain nose pliers for safe easy and accurate stone removal. Simply use a diamond file, burr or cutting disk to grind the one side... more
Here is a classic tip for glueing a design to metal for sawing from @thistlehandmadejewellery - “Because I make a lot of multiples, I photocopy my patterns and arrange them on a sheet of paper in order to make production as efficient as possible, and... more
Love this tip for creating even, tapered bezels from @lucywalkerjewellery - “A little trick to ensure your tapered bezels are perfectly level. File them flat while they’re still in the bezel block, then you can use the top as a guide to scribe a line... more
#sponsored For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I’m excited to share my @pepetools_usa 4” guillotine shear! If you are unfamiliar with shears they slice through sheet metal in seconds, giving you a nice straight edge and saving you the time it would take... more
For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I wanted to discuss PAINTER’S TAPE, it’s an inexpensive tool to keep in your studio that you will find countless uses for. I thought it would be fun to compile all the amazing tips we have shared that used painter’s... more
Love this visual about choosing the right plier to bend your metal from @jewelrymonk - “Right tool. Wrong tool. Use the correct tool for the job and you will have less tool marks, less time cleaning up your projects, better results, and more JOY!”... more
Here is a tip for when you need to trim your bezel wire from @leewarddesignsmi - “I learned to file a bezel that is too tall but I find that it is way easier to trim them with the Joyce Chen shears after measuring and scoring with my calipers.” I also... more
Here is a #diy holder for small things from @makeitkimtoday - “What's your most random jewellery tool? I'm rather partial to a peg and elastic band 😁 One of the things my students often struggle with is holding little things while filing, sanding or... more
Here are two steps to achieve a perfect tapered bezel from @lucywalkerjewellery - “File them flat while they’re still in the bezel block, then you can use the top as a guide to scribe a line around the base and ensure that’s level too! I used a little... more
Here is a tip for making bezels for uneven cabochons: take a fine marker and trace a line around the inside. It will give you a visual on where you need to file and sand! *be CAREFUL with porous stones and sharpie. With this stone the marker wiped off... more
#affiliate For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I can’t believe I’ve never talked about my 3M™ Wetordry™ Polishing Paper available from our sponsor @gesswein.jewelry I was first introduced to these when I was in college at Pratt Institute (shoutouts to... more