Jewelry (Jewellery) Lesson 1: Basic Tools

Posted by Mrs Imran on Oct 19, 2008
Filed Under Wire Wrapped Jewelry | 0 comments

I seldom update my blog on weekend. But today is bit different. I felt so bored and I think that maybe by writing something here might help me to kill the mundane feeling.

Welllll, hmmm I have been making handmade wire jewelry (jewellery) for about a year already. There’s still a lot of things that I need to learn to ace my skills. I am not that good yet but since I think that I am at a better position now to teach something about how to make handmade wire jewelry, I would like to share some basic knowledge on my blog on how to make handmade jewelry from time to time.

For now, it is best to start with the tools first. I don’t have many tools. I just own a handfull of basic tools. The best tool that you could have is your own FINGERS! The key tools besides your fingers is set of pliers and good cutters. There are many type of pliers but you will only need few of them to make a beautiful handcrafted jewelry. Each one of the pliers having a different application, hence that most wire artist will be proud ownders of an impressive range. I do only have 2 sets of pliers, both are the same only the size is different. I got medium and mini size pliers.

Here goes the basic pliers;
Flat nose – Broad, flat jaws used for gripping and holding wire and creating angular bends. Also great for opening and closing jump rings.

Round nose – Smooth, round jaws used for making loops and round bends in wire.

Chain nose – Pointed flat nose pliers, used for gripping and tucking in wire ends, and getting into tight places.

Bent chain nose – Chain nose pliers with a 45 degree bend for getting into tight places. Can also be used for picking up small parts, and opening and closing jump rings.

Cutters – I am using 3 types of wire cutters. Side cutters, flush cutters & cable cutters. The latter one is actually is not designed for jewelry tool for but I use it when I want to cut thick wires without damaging my cutter. The side and flush cutters main purpose is to cut wire, however flush cutter capable to cut wire without leaving burrs that could snag on clothing and scratch the skin. I am eyeing a good flush cutter from Wubbers. Am thinking of getting it one of these days, at the moment am using one from beadwire brand.

I source my pliers locally and internationally. You can get the pliers (but not in a full range) at the local hardware shop too. Some shop sell it at a very low price but becareful I also has found several shopa that sell the pliers triple it’s original price. Those who interested to buy the pliers, I can always help. Just shoot me an email ok at mrsimran[a]mrmrsimran[dot]com. The brand is vary and not the wubbers featured here ok.

I don’t sell tools, but I know someone who does

Till next lesson of making jewelry. Tah Tah.

Photo source : http://wiredupbeads.com/blog/?cat=7