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 […]
By Lorraine Sanderson Sliding clasps in precious metal have long been the elusive component for jewellery makers. They are seen on many designs in both the media and jewellery shops, ranging from the simple friendship/stacker bracelet to high end designer brands. However, to find the clasps to purchase individually has been like trying to find […]
The patination and colouring of metal is a wide and diverse subject which can involve the simplest of household ingredients. Conversely it can also require specialist equipment and highly toxic chemicals depending on the desired effect! Of course many metals form their own natural patina over time when exposed to oxygen or heat, and we […]
Have you ever wondered “what can aluminium be used for?” For a breakdown guide on the uses of aluminium and how aluminium was discovered, you’re in the right place. Read on to find out more about what aluminium is made of and how anodised aluminium jewellery could be a new addition to your jewellery making […]
If you’re exploring new materials for your designs, gold-filled jewellery is a fantastic choice. Whether you’re new to it or unsure how it compares to solid gold or gold plated options, you’re not alone—many jewellery makers find the term “gold filled” unfamiliar or even intimidating at first. That’s exactly why we’ve created this guide: to […]
If you are wondering what Mokume-Gane is or how it is made, we’ve got you covered with this guide all about the historic prosses behind the beautiful technique. The History of Mokume-Gane Mokume-Gane is a decorative metal working technique, originating from 17th century Japan, when it was used to decorate samurai swords. The term translates to […]
Enamel is essentially powdered glass, which is fused to metal using extreme heat to create decoration. It has been used in varying forms for thousands of years to embellish jewellery and decorative objects, and some of the earliest examples date from around 1400 BC. There are a number of different jewellery enamelling techniques, which all […]
by Jo Varney PMC Flex is a relatively new addition to the popular metal clay range produced by Mitsubishi and boasts some extremely useful qualities which will be to the benefit of most people working with the material. Most notably, PMC Flex has a much longer working time than the original formula making it ideal […]
In this post I will be showing you a simple little trick on how to use pearls in your jewellery! From elegant drop pearl earrings, to rings, brooches, anything you can think of. You could also use this trick in beaded jewellery as well as precious metal! If you’ve wanted to use pearls before, but […]
Our blogger, Jo talks you through how to make a stunning FIMO flower ring using our new jewellery blanks. Fimo is something I used to play with when I was a child, so I was really looking forward to doing this project. I decided to take inspiration from this season’s huge floral trend and used […]
Miyuki is the world’s premier manufacturer of seed beads and are considered a “world standard” for their high quality, brilliance, and uniform shape. They are known for their attractive and beautiful beads that come in various different colours, shapes and sizes. Here at Cooksongold.com, we stock Miyuki Delica Beads, Cube Beads, Tila Beads, Round Beads […]
A ‘How To’ guide by guest blogger Lydia Niziblian. A lady came to me with an antique heart-shaped amethyst that had been cut by a relative who was an amateur faceter. It was very unevenly cut, but of great sentimental value. It needed a handmade setting, and I thought a double gallery setting would be […]
A fantastic review of Crystal Clay by guest blogger Gillian Salisbury. I was very excited when I was given the opportunity to try out Crystal Clay. A relatively new crafting/jewellery making product which Cooksongold have recently started to supply. It appears to be quite big in the States and I can see it repeating that […]