This is the Metalartz Center Finder, and it is available from our sponsor @gesswein.jewelry This jig is made in the USA and designed by professional jeweler and educator, David Baird. He created this layout jig over a decade ago to help his students... more
Here is a tip I shared in my book, you can find it in the Stacking Rings Project - I use a miter jig to file a small flat spot onto a ring prior to soldering a decorative component or stone setting. It makes for a quick and easy solder seam! This is... more
Here is a tip for finishing chain from @dangbravegirl - “I use this ultra fine #0000 steel wool to remove the excess patina on my sterling chains. It leaves just the right amount of patina highlights and contrast in the recessed areas while shiny up... more
Comment “I want to learn” and I’ll send you a link to pre-order The New Silversmith: Innovative, Sustainable Techniques for Creating Nature-Inspired Jewelry (Mastering the Art of Jewelry Making) by Nicole Ringgold. Amazing artist and teacher. Can’t... more
Here is a sanding tip from @sundazedsilver - “I use Dura Gold sanding discs with adhesive backs to sand my metal perfectly flat so I can insure it’s ready to solder! These sanding discs stick to your work bench and you don’t have to worry about... more
It’s incorporated right into this year’s design “KINDNESS, COMMUNITY + EDUCATION” these are the pillars of Metalsmith Society. I would love to feature a tip from you, and as I mention in the video it does not need to be groundbreaking to be helpful to... more
Barrette files are a tool I invested in later on in my jewelry making journey but they are a necessity! The “safe side” (side with no cut) is helpful whenever you have an area which would be damaged if the file hit it. I was reminded during my... more
Creating the perfect ball with @thewildpine - “To create the perfect ball without imperfections & pitting on either side of a hinge, I highly recommend using Fine Silver or Argentium Silver. Either type balls up cleanly and perfectly without the... more
Refining this silver scrap with @garfieldrefining I received a check for $390.88 Congrats to @stemplantsco for guessing $388 which was the closest guess! That was fun seeing everyone’s guesses. My check also came with a prepaid shipping label for the... more
Giovanni has over 60 years of experience as a goldsmith. I am so grateful to have been able to learn from him this week in Florence, Italy with @metalsmithsinflorence while these are basics they are a good reminder of how to always stabilize your... more
Here is a soldering tip from our class in Florence, Italy (see my past post ☺️) whether you are working in gold or silver, roll (or hammer) your sheet solder super thin. This allows you to have greater precision and less mess. 👆This project I’m... more
I am out of office this week 😆🇮🇹 taking a class with @metalsmithsinflorence the project is an 18k yellow gold ring with a hollow tube band and a prong set cabochon. I learned so much from Giovanni and Marghe from @officinenora today! This is the... more
