Jewelry Making

7 Responses

1. Edg1

   2010 Mar 01 1

   The library is a good place to start unless you want to pay for lessons. Another (and better) place to learn is by joining your local rock and gem society. Most of them have a club room with equipment and some old genius that will be more than happy to help you in whatever way they can. The old rockhounds are just full of information from mining to silversmithing to faceting.Another easy thing to get started with is twisted wire jewelry. There are several good books out on the subject. Go to a gem show when they come to your area and buy one there. Usually there is someone to demonstrate the method for free.
   All it takes is patience and a steady hand and some Imagination.
   Later as you get more adept you can invest in the better equipment.
   You will need a kiln, torch, bench, files, a foredom flex shaft motor tool, pickle pot and a centrifugal casting unit as you get more experience. Get a subscription to Rock and Gem magazine. the monthly tips are a great help.
   References :

2. Josephine

   2010 Mar 01 2

   Here is a lovely site.

   http://jewelrymaking.about.com/od/beginnerscorner/Beginners_Corner.htm

   Click on thr blue line above

   have a browse around when you get to the page.

   There is a list of projects for you to click on.
   References :

3. mike1942f

   2010 Mar 01 3

   It sounds like you want to cast metal shapes, in which case you need to learn to carve wax to do lost wax casting. The techniques are pretty much the same for most metals look for silversmithing on the internet and in your public library.
   References :

4. heart o' gold

   2010 Mar 01 4

   It’s not hard…but it is time consuming and somewhat expensive for tools and materials.

   Check with your local adult ed or community college for classes. A class will give you exposure to the media without a huge investment in tools so you can decide if you like it before you spend too much money.
   References :

5. Lyn B

   2010 Mar 01 5

   You are talking about a wide area. Like someone else advised check out the library and also go to some art shows and some galleries and supply stores. Look an see what inspires you.
   1) you can string beads you buy. Fun, creative and can be profitable
   2) make your own beads, from wood, paper, glass, enamel, clay, more fun, moe equipment, more learning,
   3) do Silver construction. You work with formed silver and using tools, an heat your create, and solder you pieces. You can also use the silverClay and make your pieces with the clay and then fire them.
   4) you can sculpt your jewelry from wax and then cast them or have someone cast them for you. I like the was work but I do not like the casting.
   And you probably have a Rock/Gen club somewhere in your area and you can also check with local College to see if they have any classes.

   lots of luck.
   References :

6. Dig

   2010 Mar 02 6

   It’s not hard at all! Try http://digsart.com for all of your "how to" handmade beaded jewelry making needs! I show you how to make a lot of different pieces. You could be making your own jewelry right now! Don’t worry, joining is FREE and you’ll even get in on my handmade beaded jewelry Giveaway Contests! I just picked our first winner and am waiting on their response to create their own choice of what I make! It’s a lot of fun and a lot of learning! So, please visit soon, OK? Thanks! I hope this helped you.
   <3 Dig OXOXO
   References :
   http://digsart.com

7. Steve M

   2010 Mar 02 7

   Most jewelers have apprentised with a qualified jeweler. Find a local jeweler who does custom jewelry and repairs and ask for a job. You will likely start as a polisher and pick up new skills as time passes.

   You can go to school for this craft. GIA in california teaches. You can also contact Bench Jeweler, Brad Simon and he can tell you some schools in your area. There is a school in Quincy Illinois I think it is Quincy College.

   Good Luck it is a good trade and qualified jewelers will alway find employment and if your good you can start your own business.
   This is a difficult skill to learn on your own.
   References :
   moregems.com