Solder comes in a few different forms. Wire, sheet, and pallions (pre-cut squares) are the ones everyone knows about. However, paste seems to be the one everyone has questions about. In this post I’ll clarify what solder paste is, what the advantages are, and how to use it. What Is Solder Paste? Solder paste is … Continue reading Soldering Paste
There are many different types of soldering boards, blocks, and surfaces. How do you know which one to start out with, and which one to use for each soldering task? Each type has its own purpose and function while soldering. There are two main categories of soldering board: ones that reflect heat back into your … Continue reading Different Types of Soldering Boards
This is a guest post from a valued member of the Seattle Findings family. Hammers are not a commonly reviewed item - which I really don't understand. Like most metal workers I am a hammer junkie and have a collection of them. I recently added our new goldsmith hammer to my arsenal and it has … Continue reading Goldsmith Hammer Review: You Need One!
What is one of the causes of a “rippling or jagged” effect around an inside cutting edge in a Gypsy or Flush setting? How can this be avoided? When an edge of a cutting tool (of any shape) glances over or hits a facet it will ride above that face. In turn, it will transfer … Continue reading Quick tip: Avoid jagged cutting edge look in a gypsy or flush setting
Here are some new innovative gemstone setting tips developed from old setting methods: ◾resharpen the high-speed steel setting burr ◾create a diamond receptacle for benches and desktops ◾use the half-round burr for Cabochon bezel frames ◾ remove excess gold beside claws in engagement four-claw settings ◾clean customer’s diamonds with embedded dirt ◾place an oil receptacle … Continue reading Almost Forgotten Gemstone Setting Tips for Everyone
Talented artisans often make fine jewelry to sell at online or brick-and-mortar stores. Specialists create expensive bracelets, earrings and necklaces from rare gemstones including emeralds, rubies and diamonds. Jewelry designers fasten gemstones in attractive settings made of precious metals such as silver, platinum and gold. Many individuals study jewelry making at universities or training schools. … Continue reading Precious Gemstones
Jewelry pliers come in a great variety of shapes and sizes. Each set of pliers has been designed to accomplish a different job. Chain Nose, Flat Nose, Round Nose, Bent nose . . . what's the difference anyway? Well first the basics, there are four main types of pliers, each designed for specific tasks. Chain … Continue reading Jewelry Pliers: What’s the Difference Anyway?
Many people are under the impression that soldering gold filled wire is either very difficult or impossible. After reading the following tips, you'll realize that's simply not true. What You Need to Know About Gold Filled Wire First of all, what is gold filled wire exactly? Basically, it is a layer of solid gold at … Continue reading Soldering Gold Filled Wire? Simple.
Nancy Megan Corwin, Megan to her friends, is an artist in the truest sense of the word. She has worked as a bench jeweler with her own line. She has also taught in Arts centers, colleges and universities for over 30 years. She was an adjunct instructor at Cabrillo College and Monterey Peninsula College in … Continue reading Nancy Megan Corwin on her passion for chasing and repousse.
Gordon K. Uyehara is a freelance artist/designer and writer. He is also an Art Clay Silver Senior Instructor. Born and raised in Hawaii, Gordon received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. After working thirteen years in the information technology field, he decided to take some time off for artistic … Continue reading Gordon Uyehara
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