Jewelry making is a craft that requires a lot of time and patience. The process of making jewelry is not just about creating the design, but it also involves the process of cutting, grinding and polishing.
What is jewelry making?
Jewelry making is the process of creating jewelry from raw materials. The process often starts with a design idea, which is then turned into a piece of finished jewelry.
The term “jewelry making” can refer to both the art and craft of creating jewelry. It usually involves metalworking, gemstones, and other materials that are fashioned together to produce personal adornments. Jewelry making is an ancient craft which may date back as early as 20,000 BC.
How to learn jewelry making
There are many different types of jewelry that can be made at home or by a professional jeweler. Some examples include necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings.
Materials used in this process include metal such as gold or silver; gemstones such as pearls or diamonds; natural materials such as wood or bone; polymer clay; glass beads; and precious metals such as platinum or gold alloys like 14K gold filled wire, 14K gold vermeil wire, 18K
But, if you’re just a beginner, there is no need to pressure yourself into learning how to make and be comfortable with some of these pricey materials. Let’s learn from the basics. Here are tips and tricks in starting to learn jewelry making.
Tip and Trick #1: Know the type of jewelry you would want to learn how to make
It’s best to focus on one medium at a time, while exploring others is always an option. In fact, the skills you develop from mastering this certain material may even build upon one another, making it easier for you to acquire a new technique when you jump onto the next project.
It’s unreasonable to try to handle every sort of jewelry making when you’re first starting out, just as you wouldn’t expect to learn to crochet, knit, hand-sew, quilt, and embroider all at the same time. Instead, focus on a single type before branching out.
Tip and Trick #2: Find inspiration
Motivate yourself! Proof that the sky’s the limit in finding inspirational designs that even a one-clicked internet search, a sit back with Pinterest, or a stroll through any number of jewelry stores will get you pumped up.
Get creative and decide what materials you want to use, such as metal clay or glass, before you begin. Then you may plan your project and figure out what kinds of supplies, equipment, and tools you’ll need.
Tip and Trick #3: Invest in good quality tool set
At first it may seem like buying tools is pricey, but I guarantee you! If you buy tools that are worth it, long lasting and durable, you wouldn’t have to worry about buying them over and over again just because your tools were broken. That is why it’s called “investing”.
Tip and Trick #4: Master a few basic skills
In any jewelry materials, a jeweler must enhance its basic mastery in skills that will serve well in any jewelry-making endeavor. For example, the most basic step you’ll need to know is how to open and shut a jump ring and how to make a simple wire loop in order to complete most projects. When you’ve mastered certain techniques, applying them like a pro and learning how to do the next steps are made easier.
Tip and Trick #5: Set up a designated workplace
Having a designated workplace helps you focus. Prepare a clean and organized table in a bright place. The work involved in producing jewelry is typically done on a much smaller scale, therefore it is important to have lots of light and a magnifying glass at your disposal. A stable workbench is essential for the safe hammering, stamping, and working of jewelry. As a jeweler, you may spend long periods of time sitting, therefore it’s important to have a supportive chair.
How to care for your own-made jewelries
The most important thing for jewelry makers is to know how to care for their creations. It’s important to keep in mind that different metals need different care. For example, sterling silver needs less care than gold or platinum.
Jewelry makers should always use a soft cloth and mild soap when cleaning their pieces. Avoid using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners as they can ruin the finish on your jewelry pieces.
Learn more:
Seed Bead Earrings — Step 1 in Knowing The Basics
Getting To Know Jewelry Making Tools 101