For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I wanted to give my honest review of the Gem Zoom U 10X Macro Cell Phone Lens Adapter (compatible with all Galaxy and Android smart phones and the following iPhones: X, 8, 8plus, 7, 7plus, 6, 6s, 6splus, 5, 5s,5SE and... more
Here is a tip for making your own burnishers to cut silver (like the inside/outside of a bezel) from @jewelrymonk - “I took an inexpensive steel wax probe, or awl, and trimmed, sharpened, and polished it. One is a point and the other is sharpened to... more
Here is a tip for keeping a heavy gauge ring together while soldering - use stainless steel binding wire! Simply wrap it around and then use a pair of pliers to twist closed. I personally like 20-24 gauge binding wire but you can find uses for all... more
Here is a wonderful, inexpensive tool for sanding your edges nice and soft from @tranquilgoddess - “I always like to create a smooth edge to my pieces by using these sandpaper blocks! 👌🏻 You’ll see in the video I sand at an angle to ensure there isn’t... more
Here is a tip for utilizing a collet block to file a setting from @paulcoyne - “This tip is useful when making bezel settings. It can be tough to file the top of a bezel setting accurately, I use my bezel block as a filing guide place the setting in... more
Here is a fabulous setting tip for those that have a flexshaft that goes in reverse from @andrewberryuk - “Want to have more control when cutting seats in claws? Have a problem with the setting burr grabbing the claw and running around it? Try... more
One of the most common questions is: what gauge bezel wire should I purchase? Here are some tips for ordering BEZEL WIRE from @riogrande. It typically comes in gauges 24 (.51mm) - 30 (.25mm) and in various heights. First, let’s focus on gauge. If you... more
For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I wanted to discuss my Technique Quick Change Handpiece (for 3/32” tools), I gotta start by saying even though I’ve made jewelry on and off since I was in high school I have never used a quick change handpiece. I think... more
Here is a genius way to color code mandrels from @sandrasommerdesign - “Nail polish is a great way to color code on metal. I use my flex shaft to polish work. Here I am about to use the Luxor compounds for the first time. A little dash of nail polish... more
Here is a tip for cleaning up curved surfaces like the inside of a dome! I use 3m Radial Bristle Discs, you stack 2-4 on a screw mandrel and they are fantastic for using inside curved surfaces! Biggest thing to watch out for is you don’t want to... more
I love a good organization tip, here is one from @kaypeajewelry -“A mail organizer works really good to store pliers!” Simple and awesome! Thank you so much for sharing this idea with us! Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend! If you have some... more
Here is a tool (and a stretch) for some self care in your studio from @wellnessformakers - “It is beneficial to incorporate massage into your daily routine, and you can do it without leaving the comfort of your own studio. Harmony Rollers are great... more
Here is a tip for protecting a gemstone during resizing from @vuthejeweller - “People ask me how I resize rings without cracking the stone, especially cubic zirconia in silver. As silver needs high heat to solder this can lead to stones cracking. The... more
Here is a fun #diy lathe tip from @maloupaul_jewellery - “I don't have a lathe, but would love to have one. So instead, we just used a hard felt polishing stick on our polishing machine to hold the wax ring. To cut the wax ring we use some of our... more
For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I wanted to show the Foredom® H.15D hammer handpiece. This model includes the “duplex spring” which provides extra flexibility, there is also the H.15 model but I have never used it so I can’t compare the two. I do... more
Here is a technique for holding a bail in place while soldering from @shinynotions - “I use a honeycomb soldering board with pins. Pins help hold the pieces in place and you can put some under the metal to lift if needed.” Thank you @youmnaelsabry who... more
Here is a tip for organizing your pieces and keeping track of costs from @foxandblue -“I use a Jewellery Making Journal (I have a whole stack!) which can be found on amazon! It has amazing sections for pricing each product and you can draw it or add a... more
Here is a technique for drilling holes in your work without skidding or breaking a drill bit - I always take my center punch and a rawhide mallet and make a small indentation where I plan to drill. This extra step is a necessity for me because it... more
Here is tip for hammer setting from @juneshin - “I wanted to share this tool I use to do hammer setting. I wasn't ready to invest in a hammer handpiece, but definitely wanted to make hammer setting easier. So I bought a Dremel engraver for around $30... more
Here is a tip for supporting larger ring shanks (and splitshanks) while setting from @lionandlambstudios - “I use my bench pin when I set a stone in a split shank ring. I set a piece of leather across the pin, then put the ring in the cut out part. I... more
