How Does One Learn To Craft Jewelry .
I'm a custom knifemaker who has recently gotten addicted to
making silver jewelry i.e.: fabricated rings, ear rings, etc. I'm enjoying
this greatly because the craft allows me to be creative (maybe a little
artistic), yet I can finish the piece within a few hours, unlike making a
knife, which takes many hours from start to finish. (instant gratification)
I have the tools and equipment to allow me to make settings from shell,
turquoise, and other relatively easy-to-work materials and I have a small
supply of these things. I don't have any lapidary equipment.
I realize there is more value in a gold or other precious metal piece than
in silver, but I don't intend to make anything for profit. This is for my
own enjoyment and maybe I can please my wife and relatives once in awhile.
I'd like to find a good instructional manual or book of designs suitable for
a rank beginner to teach himself the silver craft. I intend to do silver
fabrication only. I don't want to go to the expense of trying casting or
lapidary, though I'm sure I'd enjoy that if I had the equipment. I also lack
the spare time to do more.
I currently have Rio Grande's catalogs from which I've ordered supplies. Are
there other suppliers who would be helpful?
Well, there are two ways to get started. The first way is to take a
class. Many schools offer evening courses in jewelry making.
The second way is to pick up a couple of books, go to your local
rock shop to pick up some supplies, and teach yourself. I learned
the second way. It's not difficult to teach yourself. How started
was I had just finished off a sword and wanted to make a silver
pommel for it, so I went to the local rock shop bought a couple
of stones, some basic tools, and supplies; and taught myself.
The whole thing cost me a mere $80 CDN. As practice, I started
by making silver rings and before I knew it, I was hooked.
And since, you want to start with earings. You have lots of
options. You can make earing out of just about anything:
gold, silver, plastic, beads, seashells, ceramic. The
possilblities are endless.
Jewelry making is a very addicting hobby. If you don't want to
make the second earing, don't make the first. You've been
warned.