Instructions
- Step 1: Bend with plier Determine whether your jewelry-making will involve bending. Round-nose pliers are used to bend curves and make loops and chain-nose pliers form right angles. Choose pliers with thin tips.
- Step 2: Add wire cutters Add wire cutters if you will be working with metal wire. Flush cutters are precise wire cutters designed specifically for jewelry work.
- TIP: Buy pliers and wire cutters with rubber handles for comfort.
- Step 3: Include a ruler Include a ruler to measure wire. Your ruler should be metal with markings in both American and metric units.
- Step 4: Look for tweezers with a scoop Find a pair of tweezers with a bead scoop on one end. Tweezers can be used to tie knots in silk cords or to scoop and organize beads and gems.
- Step 5: Keep an eye out for cylinders Keep an eye out for various sized cylinders, from pencils to copper tubing, to do your wire wraps.
- Step 6: Purchase an engraver Purchase an engraver to personalize the jewelry you make with inscriptions.
- FACT: According to a 2006 survey, there are more than 52,000 jewelers and precious stone and metal workers in the United States.
You Will Need
- Round-nose pliers
- Chain-nose pliers
- Wire cutters
- Metal ruler
- Tweezers with a scoop
- Cylinders
- Engraver
- Rubber handles (optional)
