Working with precious metals is an exciting and rewarding process, but it can also be daunting if you’re just starting out. One of the most step is choosing the right tools. With so many options available, understanding what’s essential and what’s optional can save you both time and money. Here’s a guide to help you […]
Having already discussed burr materials in the first part of this blog series, parts two and three will focus on the varying shapes of Busch burrs and the jobs that they are intended for. We will cover shapes and cuts, and try to make some sense and order out of the vast selection out there. […]
FIMO Professional clay can be used to make all kinds of unique jewellery creations. To help you craft them just as you imagined, we want to show you how you can mix virtually any colour you desire. Using the FIMO colour wheel, you can create 176 colours from just five primary colour clays. What colours […]
By Jo Varney There are many different ways to solder two pieces of metal together, and in time you will undoubtedly develop your own preferred method. However, there are some basic rules which should always be adhered to – to demonstrate, here I will take you through a very simple way to solder a band […]
Are you interested in learning how to use jump rings for jewellery making? We can help you along the way. Jump rings are a jewellery-making essential, allowing you to attach everything from chains to clasps and pendants to charms. Whether you want to make earrings, necklaces or bracelets, learning how to use jump rings will […]
A textured metal finish can be achieved in a variety of different ways and can take a number of days, or a matter of minutes, to obtain – depending on the metal texturing techniques you use. Advances in materials and product development mean that it is now possible to achieve different metal textures using a […]
Do you frequently use polymer clay in your jewellery making? And find that you’re a little tired of the moulds you re-use time and time again? For a fresh take on your polymer clay pieces, consider learning how to make your own silicone moulds for polymer clay pieces at home. This will give you a […]
Whether you’re dreaming up delicate jewellery or piecing together bold metal designs, silver soldering is a game-changing skill every maker should have in their toolbox. It might sound technical, but once you get the hang of it, the creative possibilities are endless. What is silver solder used for? Silver soldering is all about permanently joining […]
In this article we cover the best tips and information on how to use a barrelling machine for polishing jewellery and precious metals. What is a tumble polisher/barrelling machine? Barrelling machines (regardless of size) consist of a container with a removable lid. This is then filled with a mixture of steel shot and water plus […]
Whether you regularly work with sheet metal or are you just discovering different metal forming techniques, this guide to using metal working hammers will give you all the details you need to start taking advantage of metal working hammers available for forming and forging metals such as sheet, wire and rod. Metal Shaping Techniques Before […]
Whether you’re crafting fine jewellery or just getting started with silversmithing, silver remains a timeless favourite. But did you know there’s more than one kind of silver used in jewellery making? Sterling silver may be the go-to, but Argentium is quickly growing in popularity for a very good reason. So, what exactly sets them apart? […]
Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) Welding process enables a wide variety of welding processes to be carried out easily and reproducibly. It enables you to weld noticeably better and faster, freeing up more time for you to be able to dedicate to creative design ideas. Here’s how investing and using a TIG welder could help improve […]
Enamelling is the technique of coating a metal surface with enamel. The enamel is a layer of melted glass that, once heated, will fuse to the metal surface, leaving you with a professional finish in a colour and effect of your choice. Most enamels come in powder form and, when heated and fused to the […]