Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 15

Thread: What do I need????

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Posts
    6

    Default What do I need????

    I'm new to the exciting world of jewellery making, wondering if anyone had any general advice for me regarding what I should be doing; what should i read, what basic tools I need, essential bits/findings/bullion, should i attend a course, buy a dvd, visit any specific sites?

    I'm a little stuck - any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Posts
    397

    Default

    I'd say it very much depended on what you wanted to make jewellery wise?

    For instance I could say a Bangle Mandrel is essential (for me) but you may not want to make bangles.

    There's a very basic kit on Cooksons website for all you need to get you soldering which I will be ordering when I get paid. It looks ideal for getting started in basic silver jewellery.

    If you're making rings a mandrel is always essential and start out with some sheet, some wire and some simple things like D wire to make simple rings and bangles perhaps.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    West London
    Posts
    174

    Smile

    Hi Adele

    Like the other person said it does really depend on the kind of jewellery you hope to make....ie silver, beaded, metal clay etc as they would all need pretty much a whole different set of tools and skills.

    A great general book that I would recommend for is 'Jewellery Making Manual' by Sylvia Wicks. There is also the Lark books '500' series which are really good for inspiration.

    There are loads of courses available at local colleges etc or you could try one to one with an experienced jeweller (this is what I chose to do and found it perfect for me). You can find out details of course through 'floodlight'.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Posts
    108

    Default

    Hi it does depend on what type of jewellery you want to make. I started about 20 years ago. I went to the local electricians and got old electrical cable striped off the plastic started making spirals etc. As for tools you really don't need a lot not to begin with anyway. Even after 20 years I really do not have a lot of specialized tools. I am totally self-taught and probably bend all rules of jewelry making, in my book there is no right or wrong just go for what you like and feels right for you. Good luck just be creative.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Posts
    1,293

    Thumbs up

    I like your philosophy Myke...it makes me feel a whole lot better about some of the unconventional things I get up to - in the jewellery making line!!
    I have bought very few tools and try to improvise and/or make what I can - following Tim Mccreight's example in his 'Working with Precious Metal Clay' book!!

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Posts
    322

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Solunar Silver Studio View Post
    I like your philosophy Myke...

    Me too. My old jewellery school were all "Do it our way or you'll never amount to anything"

    Swines

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Posts
    276

    Default

    When i bought my tools from cookson i remember seeing a "Student Starter Kit" ???

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    In a little village south of Bath
    Posts
    43

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by adele View Post
    I'm new to the exciting world of jewellery making, wondering if anyone had any general advice for me regarding what I should be doing; what should i read, what basic tools I need, essential bits/findings/bullion, should i attend a course, buy a dvd, visit any specific sites?

    I'm a little stuck - any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
    "You tube" have loads of tutorials. I learned a lot from watching someone else do it.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Fowey, Cornwall
    Posts
    39

    Default What have you got already ?

    Blokes tend to have tools galore lying around unused, and if they (the tools!) are in good nick and clean they may be pressed into service for jewellery making.

    You'll probably need to bend stuff - there are lots of pliers out there
    You may need to cut stuff - side cutters ( a bit like pliers again) will come in useful.You may need to hold things while you work on them - I have a variety of clamps, vices and engineers hand vices that I use.
    Drills and Saws come in handy - but the ones for Jewellery work tend to be a bit specialised. Sharp knives can remove metal, but small files are perhaps better. For heating stuff up I often use a Cooks Torch.

    But as there are so many different types of jewellery, go to any craft fayre and show an interest to the stall holders. Most will be more than happy to chat about what they do and how they do it.
    Neil

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Solihull
    Posts
    159

    Default

    Hi Adele

    I am a newbie too I posted a thread last week similiar to yours and received some great advice, so thought I would post the links for you to see if they are helpful to you

    http://www.cooksongold.com/forum/new...ce-please.html

    http://www.cooksongold.com/forum/new...ls-thread.html

    Also in the beginners tool thread is a couple of lists of what tools are required, and also info on the Cooksons student starter kit and solder kit, they do look very good value for money

    Hope that helps.

    Mich xxx

Tags for this Thread

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •