Are you interested in jewellery-making? You’re in the right place! It doesn’t matter whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a complete beginner – creating beautiful jewellery is easy with the right supplies, tools, and set-up.
You don’t need to be a professional with a workshop to make jewellery successfully. Making jewellery at home is possible whether in your bedroom, kitchen or a small corner in the attic. Whether you want to create pieces with silver or explore beadwork, we’re here to help you get started.
This guide reviews the different jewellery-making techniques, which tools are best for beginners, and how to set up an effective workspace.
Top techniques for jewellery-making
Before you start, consider what type of jewellery you would like to make. There are many areas of jewellery-making to consider, so you’ll never run out of new methods to try!
Some of the most popular jewellery-making techniques include:
- Beading – This beginner-friendly technique involves stringing beads onto a wire or thread to create jewellery pieces like necklaces, bracelets and earrings.
- Silver clay – Silver clay is made of silver particles, clay, and water and can be used to shape intricate, unique jewellery designs. Once fired, the clay burns away, leaving a solid silver piece.
- Metal stamping – Metal stamping involves imprinting designs, letters or patterns onto a metal surface using metal stamps and a hammer. This allows you to create personalised, decorative jewellery.
- Silver jewellery-making – Silver jewellery-making encompasses various techniques, including cutting, shaping, soldering, and filing silver to create jewellery pieces. These methods require tools to create professional-looking results.
- Stone setting – This method involves mounting gemstones onto jewellery pieces to enhance the design and add a touch of sparkle. It is achieved using techniques like bezel, prong, or claw settings.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, we recommend starting with a simple technique such as beading. Your confidence will grow as you make more pieces and practice with basic tools. When you feel comfortable, you can move on to other areas, like working with silver clay and creating wire-wrapped jewellery.
For more information, check out our helpful blog sections to learn more about each technique. We also have a YouTube channel that features video tutorials on these jewellery-making techniques, which will help you better understand what you think you would enjoy.
Choosing the right materials for your first jewellery project
Once you’ve decided which type of project to approach, you can start sourcing the materials. Starting with the right materials is important for a smooth, hassle-free jewellery-making experience.
For beginners, check out affordable yet versatile materials like copper or brass for metal projects. They’re more malleable, easier to work with, and allow room for mistakes.
Start with glass beads or semi-precious stones paired with durable beading wire or elastic if you’re beading. Silver clay is great for crafting more intricate designs, while pre-cut metal blanks work best when taking on metal stamping or engraving projects.
Always choose materials that suit your tools and techniques, and don’t forget to stock up on findings like jump rings and clasps to complete your designs.
Creating the ideal jewellery-making workspace
A dedicated space in your house to make jewellery will make the process much easier. To work effectively without straining, you need a flat surface with a reasonable amount of space, such as a table or desk.
You’ll have a lot of tools and jewellery-making components, and it may be frustrating to constantly move things around, so some storage is also advised.
If you’re using your kitchen table or shared space, consider investing in a tool kit with a box for easy storage. This makes it easy to pack and store your mini workshop away.
Clear bags or containers work well for small findings and beads. Utilise tool holders and organisers to keep everything safe and secure, especially in limited space.
Essential jewellery making tools for beginners
Having the right tools is crucial for developing your jewellery-making skills. The proper set is essential for learning and honing your craft, from beading kits to starter workbench kits.
This doesn’t mean that you need to start by spending hundreds of pounds—nobody wants to overspend on a new hobby! Many basic-level tools are a good starting point for new jewellery makers.
Beading kits can be purchased for less than £20, with beads themselves starting as little as 50p. For other areas of jewellery-making, you can purchase essential tools at low price costs. When first starting, we recommend purchasing:
- Pliers, cutters, and shears – These tools are designed to cut, shape, and manipulate wire and metal. Pliers are used for bending or crimping, whereas cutters and shears can cut through materials precisely.
- Needle files – Needle files are compact tools that smooth rough edges, refine shapes, and add fine details to jewellery pieces.
- Saw frames and blades – Saw frames and blades cut intricate shapes and patterns in metal sheets or wire.
- Copper sheet and/or wire – Popular materials with beginners and professionals alike, copper sheet and wire are easy to shape, cut, and texture, making them ideal for various projects.
Once you’re comfortable and confident with these, you can start investing in professional tools from leading brands such as Durston, Foredom, GRS and more.
As you enhance your skills and the complexity of your projects increases, you may require more space for larger tools and machinery. A starter workbench is a fantastic investment for developing your skills. Simple and easy to assemble, these are a great option if you have space in your house or garage.
Online jewellery making tutorials for beginners
Practice is always key in any craft; having the right resources can make a significant difference. Read guides and watch video tutorials to grasp various techniques, whether basic video tutorials or specific instructions for creating a piece. Making mistakes is part of learning, so don’t be disheartened. Keep practicing, and you’ll find that everything falls into place!
Discover a world of jewellery-making with Cooksongold
We hope this guide has helped you start your journey to making jewellery. Contact us today if you need further advice; our experts will happily answer any questions about our products!
Maria Hussain