For today’s tip I wanted to share some techniques for working with patterned bezels! This post is sponsored by @jeffkleinjewelry who makes 38 varieties of sterling, copper and brass bezels. For my little demo I worked with his Castellated Silver Bezel... more
Here is a modified bur from @marquisjewelryacademy - “Modified Bur for Bezels: When we're working with castings and fabricated heavy bezels (1mm +/-) sometimes the fit isn't quite right when it's time to set. One of my favorite tool mods takes a 6mm... more
Here is a tip for spotting firescale from @allieperrydesigns - “This is a super easy way to make sure you find all of the firestain on your piece *before* you get to the polishing stage! Just glue something white to the side of your bench pin. As you... more
*safety update* try this tip with a baby wipe or a paper towel! Here is a refining tip from @mikeca1216 - “Recovering precious metal. Hopefully everyone knows to be conscientious about keeping track of all the saw dust, filings, grindings, etc. from... more
Here is a patina tip from @desertstonestudio - “I use Renaissance Wax @renaissancewaxbypicreator to hold my Patina stain on finished pieces but I also use it where I DON’T want stain to go. If I know going into a piece that I want the silver to stay... more
Here is a tip from @martindenoch - “You know the soft nail manicure files you can buy almost everywhere. They come in different grits and shapes and they are absolutely amazing for polishing your silver. I use them every single day! And the best thig... more
Here is a #diy bur and bit holder from @modern_mettle - “I’ve been looking for a bit holder that’s durable, inexpensive, and big enough to hold different sizes of burs, bits and polishing tools for my flex shaft. I had this piece of wood cut at... more
Here are some bezel setting tips from @spiritmountainsilver - “During the stone setting process a lot can go wrong… especially with a square cut stone. The corners tend to be very fragile and one wrong slip or too much pressure and welp, you’ve got a... more
This tip is to give new life to your silicone, pumice and other abrasive wheels for your flex shaft. This @foredomelectric Dressing Stone will last forever (though I wouldn’t drop it!) and you can use it again and again to reshape your polishing bits.... more
Want to learn to use a laser welder or pulse arc welder in person?!? Or send an employee? @sunstoneweld is hosting an ALL-INCLUSIVE in Orlando Florida. You will walk away knowing how to laser weld or pulse arc weld for your jewelry. Restoring prongs,... more
Here is a tip to for protecting your fingers and nails from @adornmentbynicole -“Here are the finger guards I use when I want to save my manicure while sanding or filing. They are super handy and easy to whip on. Now if I would just take my own advice... more
You can still register to learn to use a laser welder or pulse arc welder in person with @sunstoneweld they are hosting an ALL-INCLUSIVE in Orlando Florida. You will walk away knowing how to laser weld or pulse arc weld for your jewelry. Restoring... more
Making your own jewelry stands with a @sunstoneweld Orion Pulse Arc Welder. Being able to tack components before you solder, like I did with this earring stand is a GAME CHANGER. Everything stays exactly where you want it when you solder, it’s... more
Save your fingers and save your piece from going flying! When I’m polishing the bezels on my micro studs (4mm stones) I place them in a ring clamp. It helps me be more efficient but also helps prevent me from grinding my fingertips. Hope this is... more
When you need to polish inside a curve, grab a Q-tip and load it up with your choice polishing compound! I love that @christynatsumi shared this in March of 2018 with us and it’s stuck with me and I continue to use the tip. This page and community has... more
Here is an ultrasonic tip from @emilylisbethjewellery - “Ultrasonic tips! I saw this somewhere and unfortunately can’t find the source but just to clarify this isn’t my idea! The ultrasonic is a great way of removing polishing compound and dirt from... more
This month’s Patreon Q & A is about laying out a studio. It’s going to take multiple videos to cover this topic. In this first one I am simply identifying the main areas of a jeweler’s studio: Workbench: This is where the actual jewelry making... more
When you are primarily using your flex shaft to polish (like I did for ten years) its important to have a variety of bits at your disposal. I love the Felt Bob Sets from @gesswein.jewelry because they give you a wide variety of shapes so you can get... more
CONGRATS @native_nomad_jewelry It can be a big jump to go from using your flex shaft to polish everything to a polishing lathe or machine! Today I am showing off (AND GIVING AWAY) this ARBE Jewelers Bench DC and Mini Variable Speed Motor Kit from our... more
Covering a stone with painters tape can keep it safe when you have to do some final polishing. This tip was shared five years ago by @fioneharveystudio and I also shared in my book! Such a gem! The gorgeous piece of turquoise is from @turquoise_moose... more
