Hi Mel,

Do not buy the chain book in eformat. There is no way you’ll be able to navigate it that way! It’s expensive, yes. Think of it as a textbook rather than much of the other books out there, and the price makes a bit more sense. It’s big & heavy – ton of stuff!

Washington’s book has a blend of “here’s what you need to do” and “this is…

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Huh! They were there last night…..

This has happened to me too! But it did actually post. Sometimes it does whatever it wants, no matter what it tells you! 😆

I also keep forgetting to answer your question about the direction of the stones. They all face up!

No apologies necessary Vivienne. You are always super helpful! I figured, based on your response that I had not been very clear about what I was looking for.

Thanks much for the great advice!

Gosh! I hope I can do better than a shitty drawing 😆.

Here’s the sketch and some of the pieces. The tiny sapphires will be bezel set with tube. The ammolite, in a bezel that is currently too tall, is made with bezel strip. Thicker than some, but not as thick as using sheet. Two sapphires and one ammolite per link.

Hi Vivienne! Thanks much. I know how to do it, I’m really trying to sort out why one way over the other. For example, if I do the hinges first, then for subsequent steps I have a piece that sits up on the hinges. This could be good in that a bit of air under the link while soldering. But it’s possible the hinges could move while soldering the…

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I’m making a bracelet with large, flat, shaped & textured links (from sheet) joined with knuckle hinges (Gustavos class). Each link will have 3 bezel set stones on it (one bezel strip, two tubes). I keep going back and forth in my head as to whether I should solder the bezels first or the hinge parts first. Pros and cons for both! Any input…

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Yeah!! I love both of those!….Can you tell I like making chains? 😜

I also really like, but don’t love, Classical Loop in Loop Chains by Jean Stark and Professional Jewelry Making by Alan Revere. I like them because they have SO much. I don’t love them because it always feels like there’s a step or small bit of info missing each time I…

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I rarely use bezel strip because of the height limitations. I decided to use it this time, in part to get rid of it. I prefer to make my bezels with 22g or tubes. That said, I have cut 22g bezels in half before. However, the bezel strip cutting was a serious pain! I did both a larger rectangular bezel and a smaller round one. The smaller one…

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Beautiful cuff!

I’ve had Renaissance wax for years, but it’s long term value is really only for things you won’t touch often. I have some fold form cuffs in copper that I used it on, years ago, and they still look great!….I never touch them. If I did, the wax would wear off and they would tarnish.

The other thing to think about is do you…

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I’m working on a bracelet with multiple stones. I decided to use bezel strip for one of the stone types but they aren’t vey tall, so I had the idea that I could make one bezel and then cut it in half to save myself time & materials! Then I realized that the stones (ammolite doublets) may not be exactly the same size and I would need to find…

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Hi Polina,

I think you’ve gotten some good advice already, so I won’t add.

I will however talk about the term “crystal” that you use, here and in your IG. Moldavite is a very cool gemstone! It’s beautiful and so visually interesting. How it’s formed is also super cool. I happen love the color too. The one thing it’s not is a crystal.…

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Hi Kayla, my website is also using Squarespace. If you haven’t found it yet, spend an afternoon going through all the help & support articles! They are really awesome. You won’t remember everything, but when you get to the point of needing something, you’ll remember there was an article about it.

I will also suggest using AI to help with…

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Hey Laura, I had a client that I spent a lot of time with getting her an engagement ring. We started out going to store to see what styles she liked. I swear I kept thing I’m going to lose this one because I can’t get her excited about any of this! Turns out, she loved the whole process and absolutely loves her ring….she just is…

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Just wanted to share an account on IG that I find really interesting. Sure, he covers things you can find on other, more famous, accounts. BUT, I really like that he often goes into WHY. Makes the science side of me happy!

@sailorsandseekers

That’s a lot of circles! But you did great!

It’s lovely! Nice job!

But the expensive saw won’t make it any better or easier. Breaking saw blades usually has to do with poor blade quality, or you’re trying to push the saw/holding on too tight, or the blade tension is too low. When my blades start breaking, I check one of the last two (because I already bought good blades). Might one of…

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Yes! I agree with Laura & Lucy. The easiest, and best way forward fr you is to make a new ring, assuming you still have more of these stones. (I typically don’t have multiples)

I’m currently building a house and the builder once said * “To make a change to something I’ve already completed is going to cost time, labor, and materials. I should…

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Hi Sarah,

I don’t do casting, but I sometimes help another jeweler who does (vacuum not centrifugal). Just want to provide some day-to-day learnings. It’s incredibly messy! Mixing the investment puts dust everywhere!! And he refuses to wear a mask. Me…mask, goggles, and old clothes! Now I don’t help in that stage anymore. The burnout process…

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So getting “approval” does not actually require getting a deposit, although the deposit does provide an additional level of protection. If she saw where the side stones were to be and agreed to it, then that is approval. I typically do a sketch (to scale) prior to making the item. Then give them a price based on that sketch. They approve the…

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Yeah, totally with Lucy here! Your options are dependent on what happened before you made the ring. If she approved the design before you started making it, then she’s asking for a new ring. If she had gone to a jewelry store and approved a design, then wanted it changed, they would charge her for two rings.

If you didn’t go through the design…

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Mahnee, all the classes have materials listed. You’ll need to scroll down on the page to Tools and Materials section or check the handout. For the prong set pendant it’s 18 gauge.

https://metalsmithacademy.com/tools/prong-set-pendant/

Hey, so I finally had some time to go through the class. Firstly, I love that the sections are bite sized!! I didn’t need to set an hour aside to go through each, and that really helped a lot. Actually, I probably could have started sooner had I realized it was set up this way 🤦‍♀️!

@Claire.Tasker you did a great job!! This was well done…

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It’s actually supposed to be worn! He is buying the pendant and one of my hand woven chains for his wife’s 60th birthday. She’s a photography artist that focuses on injustices towards women. Her most recent project/series was inspired by how poorly doctors treated women going through menopause during the Victorian Era and how women’s…

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Thanks Travis! BUT, I have an update – he came back! He said he preferred I made it and we came to an agreement on a design that works for both of us! Totally crazy!

Thanks Jill! I appreciate the support!

But I have a happy twist to the saga. He came back! Said he preferred it be made by me and that the design need not be so graphic. We are moving forward with a design that works for both of us!

That’s very interesting, thanks for sharing! Yes, I guess it is a possibility even in jewelry. BUT, I have a happy twist to share.

After I explained that I was uncomfortable making such a graphic piece, turned down the job, and suggested other types of jewelers (casting rather than hand fabrication) he came back! It took a few days, but…

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I recently got an ad email from Wayfair that had a Jewelers Bench advertised. I thought, no way! Went to look and, although they call them Jewelry Workbench, or Jewelry Maker Workbench, they do actually have them. Tend to run in the $400-$600 range. I haven’t tried one, so I’m not recommending them – just thought it was unexpected and…

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Deanna,

To be clear, my response was a general, how the process is approached answer. Not specifically one example. “Filing down” an area can be done via a number of tools including burs, rubber wheels, sandpaper rolls, etc. It can be done with needle files in some cases. And, yeah, it can be in an inconvenient location! 🥴

Best of luck! Don’t…

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Hello Deanna,

It depends on the texturing technique. The easiest way, and best for getting a good fit of bezel and backplate is to texture the backplate after you solder the bezel on. Many of the examples that Lucy shows are done this way. Typically these textures are created with burs, punches, or other small tools that you can use…

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In a previous post I talked about getting a request for a custom pendant & chain that I accepted, then came to realize he wanted it to evoke female private parts. I went ahead with it in the design phase. He sent me inspiration images that started with medieval mandorlas, then Hungarian tulips (folk art that represents female fertility). So,…

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I have unfortunately been completely swamped and haven’t been able to watch the class. It’s high up on the to do list once I get some time! Really important subject!!!!

And a finger in the photo…to show it’s not AI generated!! 🤣

Glad y’all are having a good time! Best of luck to you both!

Oh Jill!…..if it only were more secret!

I’m glad you have confidence in me! Unfortunately, all I keep thinking is that this will be a commission I never show to anyone else. And I hope they don’t send me any referrals!🤣

Good news is they do like my chains.

The problem is, he wants the shape! Ugh!

Hi Tammy, yes I already checked them. I need a single stone, not melee. Thanks anyway!

One of the definitions of original is: not dependent on other people’s ideas. Using that definition, there is virtually nothing that is original. Doesn’t mean it’s not creative, imaginative, clever, etc.

The video you won’t watch actually goes into his thoughts on learning vs copying. Or inspiration vs copying. Like him or not, I think his take on this is worth considering/musing about. The impetus for the video was apparently the nasty comments that appear when people put pieces they’ve done out there.

Stumbled across this video as I was searching for something else. It’s an important message by Andrew Berry on originality.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6zY23dH1Z0

I was approached late last year by a former colleague who wanted to commission a piece for his wife’s birthday. Of course, I said sure. He recently got back in touch, a little later than expected, but I said no problem, he’s a friend. I really should learn to keep my mouth shut until I understand the full scope of what I’m agreeing to!

She’s…

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I have a client that wants a bracelet with a natural Alexandrite. Doesn’t have to be big, 0.5ct is about her budget. But I’ve been looking for months and can’t find any that aren’t either trash or require a LOT of trust on my side 🤨 So, now I’m asking for help.

She wants the green or blueish green to purple color change. She wanted pear, but…

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Yep, you are thinking through it correctly!

If you want a hammer texture, then you will need to apply it before making the rings. You can do so before you form the rings, while the wire is straight. Then, you can anneal the wire before making the rings.

You could also do something like give half of them a satin texture and half polished. You…

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Hi Sarah,

That sort of depends on the type of texturing. What are you thinking of?

Hi Sarah,

It’s really not a pick one question. It really depends on what you need it for as they each have things they are best at and things they don’t work as well at.

As a jeweler, one should have a hand loupe. It’s a great tool, and extremely portable. But, it isn’t suitable for magnification while you’re working – ’cause you’re hands are…

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Hey Clayton,

Many hotels don’t open their schedules for that period until August/September. That’s a good time to do your trip planning. You could potentially share accommodations, like Airb&b with someone with a similar schedule as you.

Ah, disappointing for sure! But, what you are saying isn’t all bad news. Profit down due to costs, but with fundamental metrics still up, it means things can turn around. You guys do such a good job!

I’ve pulled back and won’t go outside my immediate area for shows right now. Unfortunately, I got waitlisted for the one in April. Now I need to…

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So sorry Travis! Been hearing a lot of shows not going well this year. Also noticing several shows are extending their application deadlines. Not good overall. Sending you good thoughts & lots of hugs!

No, the quick form press. It’s relatively small, for a Potter tool. Doesn’t weigh as much as I thought it would either. I believe it has a different lever mechanism. Didn’t take very much effort on the big wire cuff I worked on. I was really considering it, but it will need to wait until I move.