Here is a tutorial on doing a flush/gypsy setting from @thediamondsetter “The only thing you need is an old bur that is transformed into a burnishing tool. Just cut off the head and use a diamond polishing wheel and form a cone with an angle of 90... more
Love this tip for creating an ornate setting from the talented @garyroejewelry - “I soldered a small sheet of sterling to the 18k gold setting with gold solder. This makes it easy to hold the setting while working on it. Once I’m finished, I just... more
When I saw @erincuffjewelry sharing organizational tips from her studio I asked if she would share this awesome tip. “I first had the epiphany of how great using trays is from working for @juliaturnerstudio, who used lunch trays to organize any... more
When I get firestain/firescale on my work I have found Luxor®polishing compounds are very effective. The pink Luxor® (6.5 micron) is incredible at removing scratches and firestain. The firestain in the first image was removed in under a minute on... more
Love this tip of using painter’s tape to not only secure your metal but also help align those letter stamps from @beaducation I have always struggled with stamping straight 🤪 and this definitely a tip worth saving! Thank you Lisa for letting me share,... more
Resharing this filing tip from @millathegoldsmith - “I like this method when several pieces need to be the same height. add 2 drills with the desired height, a little glue, then you can just file until you touch the drill bit 👍” This is a great tip... more
Here is a DIY mandrel holder from @dangbravegirl “ I got tired of trying to find secure ways to hold my mandrel while sizing, texturing or shaping. It’s hard to hold it in one hand and use the other to work with and vises never seem to hold it... more
Here is a tip to gently stretch a ring from @southkonasilver - “Sharing this for @metalsmithsociety ! Using a Swaging Tool / Pipe Tube Expander to size up ring bands can come in handy without breaking the bank, super nice for on the go too. Just... more
This month I am sharing this LIVE to my feed! @riogrande is offering 10% off all Swanstrom products with code SWANSTROM. In this video I show how to create an earring wire with the amazing Parallel Bail Forming Pliers and I’m GIVING AWAY A PAIR to one... more
This is one way of doing it ☺️ there are always many techniques that can be used for jewelry making which is why I love our community! I like this technique of using two charcoal blocks to balance your work inbetween because charcoal blocks are... more
Thank you @jakobthesilversmith for creating this helpful guide to sawing for the beginners in our community. “This $*%t right here” lol is bur life. It lubricates your saw as you work. If you have created a video showing a tip or technique, don’t be... more
Here is a tip for closing square stock, flat jump rings from @quenchmetalworks “In my book, there’s no better way to close jump rings. First I use a brass hammer to flatten the jump rings. Next I use a bezel setting punch that almost fits... more
I’m back after a week vacation 💪💪💪Thermoloc in a standard bench vise is a great option for work holding for stone setting, intricate filing, drilling and polishing. This gold pendant had delicate Sleeping Beauty Turquoise and I was able to secure it... more
I am taking the week off. The reason I feel the need to mention is because I’ve been running this wonderful community since 2018 and I’m always kind of afraid to not post, what will happen to engagement? Will it disrupt all the hard work I have put... more
I have been using this Titanium Solder Pick from @lionpunchforge for over six months and it’s official: I’m in love. Comment “LEARN MORE” to be sent a link. Here is what you are getting when you invest in a solder pick like this: Lightweight, but... more
Check out this adorable miniature @stanley_brand cup created by @meritmade 😍 A great soldering tip for our community is Kelly uses Kate Wolf Clay to position the handle of the cup for soldering. That clay is super versatile and handy in these types of... more
This is why I love this community! I checked my tip inbox and found this gem from @jennistuartjewelry on a DIY polishing wheel. “An easy way to make your own polishing wheel using cardboard! Wheels can be made to any size and experiment with types of... more
I mostly use my @sunstoneweldjewelry mPulse pulse arc welder for tacking components to solder, like this tube setting I added to this ring! I can quickly secure things and then soldering is a breeze! Happy to answer any questions!! Comment: “I am... more
A little tip I shared during my @riogrande LIVE this afternoon. If you use your flex shaft to polish, cut a little section of your polishing compound and place it in a little round plastic container. It will keep the compound from picking up dust and... more
Here is a tip for holding pieces that *can* be submerged in acetone. A few of my @grstools instructors advised me to save little blocks of wood for work holding. You then superglue your work. It holds really well and can withstand the heat of drilling... more
