live benchtips - getting started with silver jewellery making: your questions answered
We regularly run a a free Live Benchtips Session, a Q&A for you to ask an expert jewellery your questions. If you don't know your saw blade from your flex shaft then this one is for you as it is for all of the lovely makers getting started in Silver Jewellery Making.
In this session I was by jeweller Laura Jayne Grey who has lots of experience working with beginner jewellers. We chat to demystify the world of jewellery making and answer some of your questions.
There are three main skills to master when you are starting out with jewellery making - sawing, filing, soldering.
These are the questions that were asked in the session.
Tell us about the different types of materials you can work with to make jewellery
What is pickle? Does it have to be hot? How long should you leave the items in? How often do you replace it?
When I order chains, copper/ brass and they coated in rose gold colour its lower price point so its not real rose gold what is the alloy they use to colour the chains?
Tell us more about the different types of solder
What are the different types of silver e.g. 925, argentium, fine silver etc
What solder would you use when practicing on copper?
Can I make my spare room into my jewellery cave or whether I need ventilation for heat and soldering?
When should I wear a mask when jewellery making?
Which solder should you use when adding a small gold piece to a silver piece of jewellery?
What advice do you have about making jewellery while pregnant?
Here is a great resource for this:
https://metalsmithsociety.com/blogs/news/jewelry-studio-safety-while-pregnant
Any tips on sawing?
How should I care for my tools?
Is there a difference between working with white and yellow gold?
What is flux?
Which type of solder do you use for which project?
Do you keep the dust/shavings/scraps? What do you do with them?
FOUNDATION IN SILVER JEWELLERY
If you are a beginner then check out the Foundation in Silver Jewellery. Designed especially for you!
Learn to make professional jewellery from home in just 5 weeks with this exciting in-depth introductory programme for beginners.
Plus, to help make it even easier, an optional tool and/or materials kit is available containing everything you need.