I’ve been testing these new mini ceramic stones from @gesswein.jewelry At only 0.5 mm wide, they can really get into tiny details and little crevices that bigger tools just can’t reach. They’re also perfect for that moment when you spot one tiny... more
Sanding in between the split shank ring with @malachitesilverco “If you have a million tiny crevices to sand in, cut thin strips of sand paper and load that baby right into your saw. Give your hands that little break they so desperately need and... more
@sunstoneweldjewelry sent me their newest Orion 200x pulse arc welder a few months ago to test, and I’ve been in full mad scientist mode ever since. Pulse arc welders are such a game changer at the bench. Clean tacks, way less heat, way more control,... more
Monday Mail Time replay is up 📬 I don’t always have a big mail pile, but when I do it’s honestly so fun to share. In this live I’m opening a mix of tools you’ve sent me (thank you, truly) + a few things I ordered for the studio, and chatting bench... more
Cribbage board jewelry tool organizer 🤯@prairiepigeonmetalworks “My tool storage tip is that I use my grandparents old crib board for my most used rotary tool attachments. It works well and is a nice little nod to my family that makes me smile at... more
𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐬 while metal prices are high 👇 (aka: how to keep creating and keep your prices feeling sane) 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨 💖 1️⃣: Work in bronze/brass - Perfect when you want to keep practicing stone setting + engraving without sweating... more
Circling back to this clever, inexpensive DIY plier stand idea. Created by @stephanienorrisws! She wasn’t into the wood plier racks out there, so she made her own: an old shoebox cut into pieces, taped together, and covered with sticky cork. The... more
Love this frustration free set up for soldering a split ring shank from @jen_surine “I’ve been loving @reneefordmetals Hold-it. It’s a clay that can be used to hold and position a piece for soldering. After using it, I get it a little wet, knead it,... more
Argentium VS. Sterling Silver? Comment below 👇 which you use! This is SUCH a helpful breakdown from @jen_surine “With Argentium, there was a bit of a learning curve at first, because Argentium acts differently when it’s heated compared to sterling.... more
I absolutely love this thrumming technique from @jinyijewelry_factory . Taking a simple nail and holding a wider strip of fine polishing abrasive that’s been cut into smaller strips to thrum — which is a technique of polishing inside small details —... more
Using a sewing needle 🪡 to sand AND polish hard to reach spots! From @martindenoch “Inventing your own tools is part of the job as a Goldsmith. In my last video, there was a sequence where I used a sewing needle with a bit of sandpaper to clean... more
Storing your gemstones with one of these methods shared by @trailfolkdesigns Important considerations with stone inventory: - Writing down the stone, mine, supplier, cost - Storing so the stones are safe from scratching -Categorizing will save time... more
Love how @susanfauman displays and stores her hammers on a wall by using simple screws. Thank you Susan for sharing with us. If you have a jewelry tool storage tip or images of your studio you’d like to share with our community please email me... more
🚨 SAFETY TIP 🚨shared by @theschoolofjewellery.ie “I’m always very safety conscious – ask any of my students. I’ve heard too many stories (some of them more myth than fact) about accidents in jewellery workshops to take chances. One of my biggest... more
Congrats to @foragedsmith Stuller has reached out and shipped your prize 🥳✨ GIVEAWAY TIME ✨ Want to win your own copy? 📘 Basics of Jewelry by Stuller I love this book for the beautiful diagrams and clear visuals — it’s an incredible reference... more
“DIY washable sanding sticks” made me laugh… but honestly, it’s kind of true. Earlier this week I shared a sanding board I made using 3M adhesive-backed micro finishing film, and someone in this community suggested turning it into sanding sticks. I... more
Happy New Year, friends ✨ Quick studio tip I’ve been using for years: when I’m cleaning up, I spray down my sanding board (adhesive-backed 3M microfinishing film stuck to a plastic board). A little water unclogs it and it’s basically brand new again... more
If you’ve noticed I’ve been quieter… you’re not wrong. This live is a real check-in — what I’ve been up to, why things shifted, and what’s coming next for Metalsmith Society. I’m so grateful for this community. Please give it a watch.
THE ELECTRIC BLOWER 🤯 @foxtailjewelry shared some of her favorite small electric tools. Analog tools work fine, but MAN I’ve been happy to have upgraded to electronic versions of a few devices! (This is not an ad, it’s just some tools that I... more
Create your own custom soldering supports using titanium strips — such a smart bench upgrade. 🔥 This tip was shared by @theresapplegatejewelry, and I love how adaptable it is. Titanium sheet can be cut to whatever height you need, solder won’t flow... more
