This style of hooked fastener was very popular during the early Tudor era. (1500 – 1575). As there is no soldering, it is a good first project for new jewelers. The process used here can be easily used to make other items.
Category: Jewelry
A Basic Tool Set for Jewelers
I have seen that many online educational videos tend to assume that you have some experience with bench work. Many also assume that you have access to tools. Lots of tools. Very expensive tools. This was a pet peeve of mine when I was just starting in the 80’s and it seems that nothing has really changed.
Safety in the Jewelry Shop
Before starting and sitting down at your bench or workspace look around. Just because everything seems ok at first glance, do not become compliant.
Making a sanding stick
This video shows how to make a basic, but often used tool at the jewelers bench. The sanding stick. You should make several of these in different grits of paper.
Unclaimed Property
There are very few things that can be said that are the same for every jewelry store out there, but one of them is that if you ask and dig around at the very back of the safe, you will find a box.
Artisans, the SCA, Regalia, and RFP’s
As an artisan, when asked to create a proposal for regalia, I normally have a conversation similar to the following.
Buying Scarcity
When I was in college taking an “Economics 101” class, I remember having this one point hammered over and over again: “The law of supply and demand states that a low supply and high demand for any product or service will typically increase its price”. That brings me to the title of this post. “Buying Scarcity”. After some basic info, I will tie it into the jewelry trade.
Jerry’s Gemstone and Jewelry Cleaning Guide
Now I have nothing against selling jewelry. I did it for many years. I just do not want to mislead others into thinking that they cannot adequately clean their own jewelry, and I do not like using gimmicks to get you back into a store to sell you something.
What is the weight of potential?
What is the weight of potential? A hard question to answer. How does one weigh an idea? A thought? A nebulous concept that has not fully formed?
Your first and most important tool as a jeweler
Lon Putman handed this to me over 30 years ago and told me it was going to be the most important tool I would ever use. And he was 100% correct. I use it every time I go into my shop. Many times when I am not even in my shop. When people visit my shop to learn, I start by telling them that this is the most important tool they can ever have as well