Megan Coward

The effects of the 2014 scandal over diamond overgrading at EGL labs are still emerging. Learn what gemologists and retailers can do to prevent…

Jewelry makers use bench pins to steady their hands, tools, and pieces for intricate work. Learn which type of bench pin will best meet your needs.…

Every jewelry maker needs a place to work. Before investing in a jeweler’s workbench, learn about the features, models, and accessories you…

Belle Époque jewelry combined opulent but graceful metalwork with a variety of gems. Learn more about this style and how it inspires modern jewelry…

Late Victorian Aesthetic Period jewelry marked a turn from weighty opulence to more delicate designs. Learn more about this popular antique style.…

The Mid-Victorian Period saw many changes in society and fashion. Learn what distinguishes Grand Period jewelry, particularly its opulent style…

The Romantic Period marked the start of the Victorian Era. Learn about the typical qualities of Romantic Period jewelry, including its sentimental…

Authentic Georgian jewelry is rare. Before you buy, learn about the notable pieces and qualities of this antique style, including its intricate…

You can find many amazing antique engagement rings from a variety of time periods. Before you shop, learn more about these styles and how to identify…

If you need both hands to work, then you need a bench vise for your jewelry making needs.

Polishing machines are the final tool needed to complete your jewelry manufacturing venture. We assist you with purchasing one.

Ring clamps are essential holders for polishing jewelry and mounting gems. We explain them and tell you where to purchase the top models.

Sanding is an important step in making jewelry. Be sure you know about and purchase the correct sandpaper.

Learn which pairs of pliers you’ll need to make jewelry. Flat nose, round nose, chain nose, etc. We review the pros and cons of each type.

Mandrels are cylindrical tools used to round out wire and metal. Mandrels can be made of wood or aluminum and steel.

Hammers are needed to shape and manipulate metal. The main hammers needed are the chasing hammer and the rawhide or rubber mallet.

Calipers assist with measuring metals. They can be locked in place at a certain measurement (in inches or in millimeters).

Needle files are small files used to finish and shape metal. They come in various shapes – round, half round, square, triangle, flat and barrett.…

A jeweler’s saw frame and blades is essential for cutting metal. Learn more about things to consider when purchasing a saw frame and blades.

Wire cutters are needed to cut wire. Get cutters that have a flush or flat side. Cutting wire with a nice, flush end cuts down on finishing time. Only…

Shears are extremely useful for trimming smaller pieces of solder from large sheets of solder. The blades should be stainless steel. Amazon offers…

Pointed tweezers are indispensible for picking up tiny pieces of solder from your work bench. Placing the solder on the jewelry is much easier too…

The flex shaft is a motorized machine designed to assist with drilling, cutting, carving, and polishing jewelry. The tool includes a motor,…

Tongs are needed to remove soldered items from the pickle. Copper tongs are needed if your pickle solution is sodium bicarbonate based (Sparex…

Pickle is a liquid compound used to remove oxidation and flux from newly soldered jewelry. It is what you put your pieces in to clean them after…

Silver and gold are joined by soldering, which requires a heat source. In olden days an apprentice was assigned to watch a special oven used for soldering…

The third hand is an indispensable tool for securing items while they are soldered. The weighted base serves as an anchor while the hinged joint…

You need a container with a lid for the pickle solution. Pickle works best when it’s heated, so a small crock pot is the ideal container. Keep…

Working with tiny pieces of solder and tiny pieces of jewelry is a strain on a jeweler’s eyes. Magnification is essential for precision.…

Solder is the small piece of alloyed metal that is melted in order to fuse two other pieces of metal together. The place where the metals are fused…

A solder pick is a small, pointed instrument designed to help you move solder into place. Be careful not to get the metal too near the flame, or it will…

When using a torch, you need to protect the surface upon which you are working and also protect the area directly under the item you are soldering.…

Flux is a soldering compound that keeps the soldering joints clean by blocking oxygen, which causes oxidation. Flux cleans, coats, and protects…