Megan Coward, Graduate Jeweler Gemologist, GIA, Graduate Gemologist
Megan Coward is a graduate of the GIA with Graduate Jeweler Gemologist and Graduate Gemologist accreditations. She has 20+ years in the retail jewelry industry in various roles including as a diamond buyer and gemstone appraiser.
Articles by Megan Coward, Graduate Jeweler Gemologist, GIA, Graduate Gemologist
Flex Shaft Options for Jewelry Making
The flex shaft is designed to assist with drilling, cutting, carving, and polishing jewelry. Learn about the basic options and...
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A Guide to Late Victorian Aesthetic Period Jewelry
Late Victorian Aesthetic Period jewelry marked a turn from weighty opulence to more delicate designs. Learn more about this popular...
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What Kinds of Solder are Used in Jewelry Making?
Jewelers need to use different types of solder. Learn about the various metals, grades, and forms of solder you’ll need...
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A Guide to Mid-Victorian Grand Period Jewelry
The Mid-Victorian Period saw many changes in society and fashion. Learn what distinguishes Grand Period jewelry, particularly its opulent style...
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What Kinds of Soldering Surfaces are Used in Jewelry Making?
Soldering surfaces will hold your jewelry work pieces securely and protect your workbench. Learn the Pros and Cons of different...
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A Guide to Early Victorian Romantic Period Jewelry
The Romantic Period marked the start of the Victorian Era. Learn about the typical qualities of Romantic Period jewelry, including...
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Jewelry Torches: A Beginner's Guide
Jewelry torches are essential for jewelry making. Learn about different fuel sources and types of torches and how to choose...
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A Guide to Antique Georgian Jewelry
Authentic Georgian jewelry is rare. Before you buy, learn about the notable pieces and qualities of this antique style, including...
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Antique Engagement Rings
You can find many amazing antique engagement rings from a variety of time periods. Before you shop, learn more about...
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A Guide to Belle Époque Jewelry
Belle Époque jewelry combined opulent but graceful metalwork with a variety of gems. Learn more about this style and how...
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How is Flux Used in Jewelry Making?
Jewelers use flux during soldering to prevent oxidation and help the solder flow. Learn about different types of flux and...
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Exposing Diamond Overgrading at EGL Labs
The effects of the 2014 scandal over diamond overgrading at EGL labs are still emerging. Learn what gemologists and retailers...
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What are Jeweler’s Bench Pins?
Jewelry makers use bench pins to steady their hands, tools, and pieces for intricate work. Learn which type of bench...
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Jeweler’s Workbench Buying Guide
Every jewelry maker needs a place to work. Before investing in a jeweler’s workbench, learn about the features, models, and...
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Bench Vise
If you need both hands to work, then you need a bench vise for your jewelry making needs.
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Which Polishing Machine Do I Buy?
Polishing machines are the final tool needed to complete your jewelry manufacturing venture. We assist you with purchasing one.
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Ring Clamp
Ring clamps are essential holders for polishing jewelry and mounting gems. We explain them and tell you where to purchase...
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Sandpaper
Sanding is an important step in making jewelry. Be sure you know about and purchase the correct sandpaper.
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How are Pliers Used in Jewelry Making?
Learn which pairs of pliers you'll need to make jewelry. Flat nose, round nose, chain nose, etc. We review the...
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What is a Ring Mandrel? Which One Should I Buy?
Mandrels are cylindrical tools used to round out wire and metal. Mandrels can be made of wood or aluminum and...
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How are Hammers Used in Jewelry Making?
Hammers are needed to shape and manipulate metal. The main hammers needed are the chasing hammer and the rawhide or...
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How Are Calipers Used in Jewelry Making?
Calipers assist with measuring metals. They can be locked in place at a certain measurement (in inches or in millimeters)....
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How Are Needle Files Used in Jewelry Making?
Needle files are small files used to finish and shape metal. They come in various shapes - round, half round,...
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Saw Frames and Saw Blades in Jewelry Making
A jeweler's saw frame and blades is essential for cutting metal. Learn more about things to consider when purchasing a...
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How Are Wire Cutters Used in Jewelry Making?
Wire cutters are needed to cut wire. Get cutters that have a flush or flat side. Cutting wire with a...
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What Are Shears Used for in Jewelry Making?
Shears are extremely useful for trimming smaller pieces of solder from large sheets of solder. The blades should be stainless...
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What Are Tweezers Used for in Jewelry Making?
Pointed tweezers are indispensable for picking up tiny pieces of solder from your work bench. Placing the solder on the...
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What Are Tongs Used for in Jewelry Making?
Tongs are needed to remove soldered items from the pickle. Copper tongs are needed if your pickle solution is sodium...
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What Is Pickle Used for in Jewelry Making?
Pickle is a liquid compound used to remove oxidation and flux from newly soldered jewelry. It is what you put...
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What Is a Third Hand Used for in Jewelry Making?
The third hand is an indispensable tool for securing items while they are soldered. The weighted base serves as an...
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What Is a Pickle Pot Used for in Jewelry Making?
You need a container with a lid for the pickle solution. Pickle works best when it's heated, so a small...
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What Magnification Tools Are Used for Jewelry Making?
Working with tiny pieces of solder and tiny pieces of jewelry is a strain on a jeweler's eyes. Magnification is...
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How Is a Solder Pick Used in Jewelry Making?
A solder pick is a small, pointed instrument designed to help you move solder into place. Be careful not to...
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