Otherwise known as dapping, doming is a technique used to create a dome shaped piece of metal for a pendant. In most cases, jeweller’s dome a circular disc, but it can be used on oval designs too. Looking to take this technique a step further? You can also solder two pieces of domed metal together to make a spherical jewellery design, but this does make the process … [Read more...]
Diamonds: Most Popular, Cuts, Sizes and Grades
We all love them let’s be honest, but just what are the most popular, cuts, sizes and grades of diamonds? With so many to choose from I thought it would be interesting to find out. Cuts The cut of a diamond represents one of the famous four Cs on which they are assessed. Cut, Clarity, Carat and Colour. They each individually affect the quality and in turn, the value … [Read more...]
Tips for using your Borax Cone & Dish
Both Borax cones, or Borax bars, and dishes are brilliant soldering tools for building up your workshop, but what’s the best way to use them and how do you keep them clean? Discover our top tips on how to use a borax cone and dish to get started with the soldering process. What is Borax used for? Borax, also known as sodium tetraborate, is a powdery white mineral that is … [Read more...]
Time to Shine: New Swarovski Collection
Rose Water Opal Shimmer, Pacific Opal Shimmer and Iris AB – New Swarovski Colours for S/S 2021 The new Swarovski Innovations range for Spring/Summer 2021 is all about capturing moments in time. It aims to look forward, embracing all that is new whilst also celebrating and incorporating the past. Confused…well don’t be. In simple terms, Swarovski create new cuts and colours … [Read more...]
What is a Reamer Tool Used For?
A reamer tool, or bead reamer, is a great tool to add to your collection. But if you’ve never heard of it, you may be wondering: “what is a reamer tool used for?”. We’ve outlined some of the basics on reamer tools and how they can be used to benefit your jewellery making project below. What is a reamer tool? A reamer is a tool that is used to widen the size of a … [Read more...]
Top Tools and Accessories used in Beaded Jewellery
Beading requires quite a specific set of tools and accessories. None of them are particularly expensive thankfully, but there are many that you won’t want to be without once you have discovered them. Read on for my essential top picks. Bead Design Board Beadalon Bead Design Board - 998 424B Design boards have to be up there as one of the most useful beading accessories. In … [Read more...]
Top 5 Essential Stone Setting Tools
A go-to for many jewellers, stone setting is one of the most common techniques for jewellery makers. But what equipment do you need to do the job? From a pendant drill through to ring clamps, we’ll guide you through our top 5 essential tools needed for stone setting below. Your essential stone setting tool kit 1. A Dremel or pendant drill The first piece of equipment … [Read more...]
Fashion Week Jewellery Trends 2020
Fashion Week's around the world have now been and gone but what were the key jewellery trends? We delved into the archives to find out! Chain Chain looks set to be big for 2020 in every sense of the word! Chain has always been an integral part of jewellery design, but this year it will enjoy the limelight incorporating oversized links into strong, statement pieces … [Read more...]
Mother’s Day 2020
The key to a really good Mother’s Day present is to make it personal. Don’t just go for the generic flowers or chocolates this year, think of the things that make your mum smile; her hobbies, her passions, perhaps the thing she only gets to do when all the jobs she does for everyone else are done… Anyone who loves gardening understands the importance of bees and the vital … [Read more...]
Designer of the Month – Christine Pearson
Jewellery maker Christine Pearson has a very interesting history in jewellery making and specialises in colourful pieces that are mostly made with enamel. She likes to create unusual pieces that are bold and envision the personality of the wearer. View some of her work, read about where she gets her inspiration from and more in this month’s Designer of the Month … [Read more...]