Buying Guides
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Buying Guides
Jewellery Chain Repair: Everything You Need To Know
Read PostRepairing jewellery for your customers is often a large part of business that comes through your doors unexpectedly, and can be a good way of making some extra money alongside your jewellery designs. So it pays to know the ins and outs of jewellery chain repair. From basic repairs to soldering chain links, we’ve put […]
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Buying Guides
What is a Marcasite Gemstone?
Read PostFor the essentials you need to know about marcasite, including its origin, how it is used in jewellery and the different cuts of marcasite gemstones that are available, look no further than the below guide. Where does marcasite come from? Genuine marcasite comes from the mineral pyrite, which is a beautiful, metallised stone similar in […]
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Buying Guides
Top Wax Carving Tools For Beginners and Professionals
Read PostThe beauty of carving wax for casting is that you can start with as little or as many wax sculpting tools as you like, and still create something that is unique and completely handcrafted. Once you’ve meticulously shaped and filed a block of wax into the beginnings of a jewellery design, there’s nothing quite as […]
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Buying Guides
What is Gallery Strip?
Read PostGallery wire, or gallery strip, is a flat band of metal made up of a continuous pattern which is usually cut into a series of upright prongs or columns, as well as a number of other decorative designs. The term ‘gallery’ refers to the area directly beneath the stone, and often joins the base of […]
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Buying Guides
Rathburn Ring Stretcher: How To Resize A Ring
Read PostAs the name implies, a ring stretcher is a jewellery tool specifically used to enlarge the circumference of a plain ring band, simply by stretching it. They come in many different forms and prices vary enormously; however for the purposes of this article, we are focusing specifically on the Rathburn ring stretcher, which is ideal for both beginner […]
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Buying Guides
Your Guide To The Best Drill Bits For Metal
Read PostStarting out in the jewellery making industry can be challenging, but if you’re equipped with the right tools to create original, statement pieces, it becomes a whole lot easier. That’s why we’ve put together a simple guide to choosing the best drill bits for metal jewellery. There are different touches you can give your jewellery […]
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Buying Guides
What Is Onyx?
Read PostOnyx is a variety of gemstone that comes from Chalcedony – a silicate mineral, mostly made of calcite (similar to marble and granite), which usually features contrasting layers of colour. Its stunning layers give it a strikingly dramatic look, which has understandably made it a go-to choice in jewellery making. Black onyx, in particular, is […]
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Buying Guides
A Guide To Jewellery Tool Kits For Beginners
Read PostWondering what you need to make jewellery? Starting a new hobby can be pretty daunting at first, but buying a ready-made jewellery tool kit can be a great way to equip you with the basic tools needed to start making your own designs, or even replace some tools you may have had in your workshop […]
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Buying Guides
Different Types of Jewellery Metals
Read PostWith so many types of jewellery materials available, we thought we would go back to basics and examine some of the different types of metal used to make jewellery today, from metal alloys to gold filled metal. But what is gold filled metal? And what is a metal alloy? We’ll help you get to grips […]
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Buying Guides
What Are Classic Parallel Action Pliers?
Read PostClassic parallel pliers are an essential bench item, and are often part of even the most basic tool kit for jewellers. Quite different in appearance from other pliers, parallel action pliers hold their position thanks to a compound box joint system, which means they provide an extremely strong grip and won’t spring back once pressure […]
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Buying Guides
7 Different Types Of Ring Shanks And How To Identify Them
Read PostWhat is a ring shank? A ring shank is quite simply the band of the ring. They are often categorised by their appearance. Below are some of the most commonly seen types of ring shanks, and some of the more unusual ones too. Other ring elements you’ll need to know: Head (AKA setting) – This […]
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Buying Guides
Top 5 Metal Stamping Tools
Read PostIf you’re new to jewellery making and you’re interested in learning how to use metal stamping tools, you’re in the right place. Take a look at our video, where we explain our top five metal stamping tools and read on to find out some of our top tips when it comes to metal stamping techniques […]