QuestionDear Thomas,
I've been working with wire and jump rings to make jewelry for my wife and some of her friends. I'd like to try something with more of a challenge. When I was in school in DC I took a shop class and we made a ring by cutting a piece from round bar stock. drilling a hole and then using various files and sandpapers fashioned a very nice looking ring for our moms. I'd like to try my hand at making some simple rings with some patterens I've come up with. What I need to know is where to find the supplies and tools to do this. Can you help me? John
AnswerJohn, here are two primary resources. One is a supplier and the other is a magazine in which you may fine many suppliers of various sorts. While you are at it, consider getting a good basic book on jewelry making. If possible look for a book with lots of how-to stuff. The books mean much more with expanded experience in the work, allowing what the author says to come to life and be more meaningful.
http://www.riogrande.com
Rio Grande is an established leader and old timer in the jewelry crafts circles. Visit the site and check out the on-line catalogs. The "tools" catalog will have most of what you could need and the "The Gems %26 Findings" catalog will have metals, etc. At the top of the home page is a link to request catalogs, the real sort you can get and flip through and study better than on the net.
www.lapidaryjournal.com
This magazine is well known among gem cutters and jewelers. With a transition to the new name "The Jewelry Artist", emphasis is more on jewelry with many how-to articles done in fine fashion. The real value to you is the advertising, both classified and display ads from many suppliers of all sorts of jewelry item, metals, tools, etc. Try to find a real copy and if you cannot, try ads which are in the website.
John, these resources should provide essentially all you need for now and for a long time to come. Certainly if you look you will find other jewelry items suppliers, some of which sell tools and supplies and not metals. Some will sell it all. Study the tools and you might discover that local suppliers have similar items which will do. Pliers for jewelry work are generally smooth jaws and those are difficult to find in local businesses. Sandpapers are available in a great variety at auto supply stores and prices may be better than from a specialty jewelry supplier. I suppose I am saying you may get it all from one supplier or shop around for some items locally and perhaps do better.
Best wishes with your new entrance into jewelry work. I hope you do well to create what now exists in your minds eye.
God Bless and Peace. Thomas.
