Have you just started jewellery making? Making jewellery is such an exciting skill to have and once you’ve understood the basics, have started to get to grips with terminology and have some understanding on what certain components are used for you’ll probably be ready to making your own jewellery.
With jewellery making, there really is no limit to what you can create. It takes time and practice but with the right help and of course the right tools, you can easily get to work on making your own designs come to life.
The right tools are essential for any jewellers workshop. Here we have compiled a list of what we think are some of the basic tools you will need to get started…
Pliers set
For a first time jewellery maker a pliers set is a great starting point. There are a huge range of pliers to choose from, from flat nose to snipe nose pliers, each serving their own purpose. A good pliers set will include some of these essential basics.
We sell hundreds of jewellers pliers but our sets are always a great starting point.
Saw Frame and Saw Blades
A saw blade and frame is a tool you will need if you want to cut silver and gold? wire and sheet. Whether you’re cutting simple shapes or makinng intricate pierced designs, a good quality saw frame and blades are a workshop essential.
Always support the silver and gold you are cutting on a secure and stable bench peg
We supply the perfect saw frame starter set but most saw frames and blades are sold separately.
Bow Drill
Bow drills can be used to drill holes in metal without having to invest in a pendant motor..
Triblet
Another essential tool for forming and shaping is a triblet. Often referred to as a mandrel, you can buy a range of steel triblets that can be used for forming, shaping and reforming rings and bracelets.
Hammers & Mallets
There are a lot of hammers suitable for a range of different projects. There are texturing hammers that can be used to add textures and patterns to metal. Repousse hammers that are used when forming metal into complex designs, nylon hammers or leather mallets are used for forming and bending metal.
We sell a hammer and block set which is a great starting tool for all beginners.
Double Ended Vice
A double ended pin vice is a great tool, for holding small items. Double ended pin vices have different sized double ended collets at each end which can hold drill bits and screws securely.
Files
When working with sheet and wire, files are an important tool to have. Remove excess material and file down rough edges. Files are available in a range of sizes, each suitable for a different purpose.
We stock a range of file sets including needle file sets that are suitable for smaller scale filing.
Soldering Torch
Once you start working with silver sheet and wire, you’ll need a gas torch to solder. Our hand small gas soldering torches are great for those still fairly new to soldering.
it is important to note that soldering torches can either be sold with or without fuel so you may need to purchase a separate can of butane.
Soldering Block
An essential for soldering, a soldering block provides you with additional support and helps to solder small components safely. Soldering blocks provide essential protection to your work area.
Borax Cone and Borax Dish
Borax cones are made up of a dried flux which, when mixed with water, in your borax dish, can create a paste that is suitable for soldering.
Don’t forget that when soldering, safety pickle is also required.
Emery Paper & Emery sticks
Polishing is an important part of the jewellery making process which is why most jewellery makers will ensure they have a stock of emery paper. Used after filing and before the final polishing, emery paper is available in a range of grades starting from 60 which is the coarsest to 7000 which is very fine.
Tweezers
You may find this hard to believe but tweezers are an incredibly handy tool to have in the workshop. Ideal for use when soldering or when picking and placing gemstones and small components, tweezers are a jewellery making essential.
Stock up on the tools you need to build the perfect beginner jewellery making kit. Don’t forget that you can find all of the jewellery tools you need right here. We also provide a range of essential jewellery making supplies including precious metal sheet, wire, gemstones, chain and more.
Cooksongold