What Jewellery tools do I need ?
Thinking of getting some jewellery tools?
If you are thinking about making jewellery then here is some information about jewellery lessons and what jewellery tools you need. I hope you find it useful.
With the inclination, almost anyone can teach themselves simple wire and bead jewellery at home but if you are considering doing silversmithing and jewellery i.e. metal work at a workbench then I’d say you will definitely need some lessons.
Beginner’s lessons in silversmithing and jewellery can be sought in several ways. Either look for a short evening course in jewellery and silversmithing at a local college or find a local jewellery designer who will teach you at their studio. Evening classes are usually in a larger group and therefore less expensive and give you a good taste of what jewellery making is all about. If you can afford a bit more I’d highly recommend arranging private or small group lessons with a jewellery teacher at their studio. You learn the basic skills of jewellery making , how to use jewellery tools and so much more. Often it’s the hints and tips you can only get from your tutor in an intimate situation that you find most useful and never forget. My first jewellery lessons were with a group of 4 students taught by Jackie Jones. It was here I fell in love with working in silver.
What you should have in your tool box:
You can continue to learn silversmithing and jewellery all your life and there are countless jewellery tools for the job so once you’ve established that you want to continue learning jewellery making, either as a hobby or more seriously, you need to get yourself tooled up. Here is the list of jewellery tools for beginner’s and some photos. These are the first jewellery tools I purchased in 2002 and there still very much in working order. Ask the tool supplier if they will offer a discount for tools if you are buying a beginners set. As you progress you can add to your tools as and when you need them.
- Tool box
- Safety goggles
- Scriber
- Parallel pliers smooth jaw 5 inches
- Half round pliers
- Round nose pliers
- Flat pliers
- Shears for cutting solder
- Needle files (three-square, square round, flat, crossing, barrette)
- Hand files (half round (cut 2), sage leaf/crossing (cut 2), flat (cut 2)) and handles
- Soldering block
- Borax brush/cone/dish (or auflux liquid and dish)
- Eclipse saw frame
- Saw blades (2/0 for beginners)
- Pair of dividers
- Steel ruler
- Spring gauge or vernier gauge
- Steel tweezers
- Emery paper (one sheet of each 240, 500, 1200, 2000)
Photos courtesy of HSWalsh
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parallel pliers
saw frame
dividers
My recommended suppliers of quality jewellery tools:
Being able to work with precious metals and make beautiful things is very satisfying. If you have any questions about what tools to get please get in contact with me here or read about the jewellery making courses we offer here.
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This is a very useful post. Just wondering, which specific place did you get your tools from? Or did you get them from all different places?
Hi there in Australia ! I usually get my tools from suppliers in Hatton Garden, London like Cookson Gold or Walsh and sons. They do mail order. I’m afraid I don’t know any tool suppliers in Australia.