Metalsmith Society Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tips

Here is a tip for securing components during soldering from @mdtc_handmade_jewelry Alex uses clay. That is the green material you can see in this video that is used to secure the individual prongs of the setting. Then plaster is poured over that. The... more

This is a little soldering tip I put together this morning for you! Many of my stud earrings will not sit flat on a file ring surface so I like to press them into my Kaiser Lee Board (shared by @thewildpine awhile back 🙌) this is also a useful... more

Here is a flex shaft bit organizing tip from @jewelryinstructor - “Some months ago, @therealtonyadavidson posted about how she organizes her flexshaft accessories and I was instantly envious. So while I was in Tucson, I suggested that getting my stuff... more

I have a little promo for you all! Use code REPRESENT10 to save 10% off in the Society Shop. Wearing a shirt helps spread the word about our community and sparks conversations with strangers about jewelry making! I’ll be out and about and people are... more

Have you ever bent an earring post while hammer setting a piece in thermoloc?? 🙋‍♀️ This was happening to me because I wasn’t using enough thermoloc and I didn’t have my post fully supported. @marquisjewelryacademy stopped by my studio and showed me... more

Here is a soldering tip from @allieperrydesigns - ““I love using a third hand to support small findings for soldering, because it not only frees up both of my hands for torch and pick work, it keeps the jewelry up off of my soldering pad. This creates... more

Here is a jump ring making tip from @lierreworks - ““Nylon jaw pliers are a great tool to have around the studio. One of my favorite things to use them for is to help me get really smooth, and tight coils with my @pepetools_usa jumpring maker. I get... more

Here is a tip from @marquisjewelryacademy @emilymarquisdesigns for when you are done using your @grstools thermoloc. Spread it thin so it will reheat more quickly the next time you need it 🙌

For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I am showing the AGILO Diamond Grinding Wheel from our friends @ottofrei1930 (part 110.101) this is a really handy wheel to use with your flex shaft that lets you grind and shape all types of carbide, HSS and steel... more

Here is a bezel wire storage tip from @blueskyblackbird - “A creative hack to keep your bezel wire in place and untangled while you are using it to wrap stones.  Take your used floss container, pop out or cut the metal tab, remove the flip lid and now... more

Here is a flex shaft bit organization tip from @isis_taki_ve_aksesuar - Line a drawer with foam, you can recycle it from shipping materials or packing and it creates a nice surface to stick your bits inside a drawer! I love this because it also... more

Here is a Moleskin tip from @sterling_perch - “I loooove Moleskin!! It keeps my jewelry from getting scratched and gives a little padding to my tools. Here are just some of the ways I use it in my studio… Moleskin vice to keep items secure Moleskin... more

Here is a tumbling tip from @theresaapplegatejewelry - “This method for tumbling chain is similar to other suggestions I found on the tip search page at metalsmith society. I used medicine cups from my junk drawer but you could use a sturdy plastic... more

Here is a tip for making multiple bezel pieces from @kaivijewelry - “When i’m working on a handful of pieces at one time I label each stone with a number and set it aside. Then I take a small ball burr and etch the according number on the inside of... more

Today’s video is from @gerardi_setting_school showing an engraving technique. - “This technique is a traditional setting technique, revisited with the pneumatic burin, I used a carbide ongellette n.4, to a neophyte i suggest to draw a cross, pierce... more

I’m really excited because the 50th annual @snagmetalsmith conference is here in Rhode Island this year!! It’s from June 1-4th and it’s going to be an awesome event! There is a schedule full of presenters, experienced jewelers who will be sharing... more

This is a simple technique for making multiple ring bands at once. Great for stacking rings or production work! I secure my ring mandrel in my vise and then coil my annealed wire around it. Making a coil in the same way you would for jump ring making.... more

Represent with us! Shop unisex shirts, sweatshirts and tanks with the 2022 Society design or the original logo! I am so glad you are a part of this community of jewelers, students and those interested in jewelry making! Hope everyone enjoys the end of... more

Hammering tip from @macksonstudio - “So if you're working with two small pieces of metal that you need to hammer flat you know they can tend to fly everywhere so try this instead: Take a piece of clear packing tape and tape your pieces down to your... 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