Here is a tip for calculating the cost of materials while working on a one of a kind or production prototype - for this 18k yellow gold pendant I took out my mini digital scale and weighed the metal I had cut from sheet. I then calculated the weight... more
Here is another method for soldering a jump ring to fine chain from @Becca.compton - “I just use scrap bronze to cover the chain. It acts as a heat sink and keeps me from melting the chain.” 🤯 simple yet genius. Thanks for taking the time to send this... more
MERRY CHRISTMAS 🎄🎁 I hope everyone has a AWESOME holiday 🙏🏻😘 For this #tooltalktuesday ⚒ I’m showing off my @maunindustries Parallel Flat Nose Pliers with Soft Grip Jaws (and return spring) I. Am. Obsessed. I use these pliers every time I have to... more
Here is a step by step on how to create a basket setting from @sinead_cleary_jewelry - “Start by forming two circles out of wire. I prefer 18g. Argentium, sterling or fine silver all work. One circle should be smaller than the other, the larger circle... more
Here is a tip for when you are working in gold from @quittingquincejewellery - “To separate gold sawdust from silver, I use tissue paper to catch the gold dust. I then make little packets of gold filing and melt it easily into nuggets for further... more
Here is a 🤯method of cutting tubing from @andrewberryuk - “Easiest way to cut tubing nice and square on the ends. Put tubing into Jacobs chuck hand piece on your flex shaft. Spin the tubing and use your piercing saw to gently saw it. To stop the piece... more
Today’s tip is about safety! @ghosttownmetalworks reached out to share a recent experience in her studio (and share what she wears while working!) -“I had a little safety scare awhile back - involving my amazing Dura-Bull Double-Wheel... more
Here is a tip for holding your piece while soldering a hinge (or a multitude of other tricky situations) from @elmharris - “These honeycomb blocks and pins are AMAZING for holding work in place for soldering hinges! They’ve changed my whole hinging... more
For this #tooltalktuesday we are discussing diamond abrasives! Thank you @fromsam_nz for sharing this tool with us! - “I have diamond polishing compound that I use to polish my stones. Sometimes I buy rough stones to cut myself or I buy a few stones... more
Here is a technique for securing your work while stone setting from @alwaysaleda - “The t-plate from GRS is a Godsend. I haven’t got a ball-vise, (or the room for one at the moment!) so I use this in their ring clamp for setting stones in flat or... more
Here is a fabulous production tip from @danaantoniadesigns when managing multiple bezels - "Today I had an ah-ha moment as I’m working my way through what I call a “Bezel Marathon” - I always find myself in this position the week before I have a... more
Here is a tip for making your bezel rocker extra special from @anna.maria.designs - “I cut the leather (from a pair of gloves) and hold it tight over the rocker and tape around the bottom to hold it on. I use painters tape so it’s easy to remove when... more
Here is a great sanding tip from @jewelryinstructor - “when trying to make sure a ring shank is completely flat along the edges, color it with a sharpie marker before sanding. Sand flat on a bench block, alternating circular and figure 8 motions and... more
Here is a natural way to pickle your work from @simplecommebonjour - “We work green, so instead of using acids after soldering we use alum! Most people know alum as something that is used after shaving for stopping the blood, and it’s also used for... more
Here is a tip for when you have teeny tiny things in your ultrasonic from @lyzz_gold_jewelry - “I use a tea strainer for little gemstones or other stuff. I put it in and it's super easy to clean and take out!” This is awesome! Will definitely be using... more
This #tooltalktuesday is actually about two different tools that you can use to create your own burnishers, sharpen your gravers and shape tools! Thank you to @piecesofstarrjewelry who recommended them months ago when I was making my own tools for... more
Here is some solid advice on setting bezels from @annperryjeweller - If you're hammer setting start on the "North" side of the stone and, holding the tool as shown in your non-dominant hand, gently tap the end of it with your hammer in a series of... more
Here is an awesome tip for using your polishing machine safely if bolting down isn’t an option from @cobraqueen - “Use grip shelf liner underneath your equipment to prevent them from moving during use 👍It’s cheap, lightweight and you can easily cut it... more
if you are polishing a piece with a chain and want to prevent the chain from accidentally getting wrapped around the flexshaft or sucked into the polishing machine 😵 use this tip from @deehebarddesigns - “If you need to polish something that has a... more
