Starter tool kit for jewelry making

You can start with few tools. This basic kit lets you make simple rings, pendants and earrings.

The essentials #

• Pliers: flat-nose, round-nose and flush cutters.
• Saw and blades.
• Needle files.
• Hammer and steel block.
• Ring mandrel.
• Caliper and ruler.

For soldering #

A mini torch, firebrick, flux, solder and a pickle bath.

Materials #

Copper or silver wire and sheet to practice.

Safety first #

Glasses, natural-fiber apron, good ventilation and an extinguisher. See workshop safety.

Indicative budget #

A mid-quality basic kit costs less than it seems if you buy individual tools and avoid low-quality “all-in-one” kits: in each category one good tool beats three mediocre ones. Prices vary greatly by country and supplier; compare first.

Order of purchase #

1. Pliers, saw and files.
2. Mandrel, caliper and ruler.
3. Torch and soldering supplies.
4. Flex shaft and polishing.
5. Stone-setting tools.

What metal to practice with #

Start with copper or brass and silver wire; they are cheap and behave almost like silver. When you master soldering and filing, move on to sterling silver (925 silver).

Learning #

A short in-person course or an open workshop teaches you postures, safety and mistakes that books do not show. See jewelry techniques.

See also #

• Jewelry pliers and tweezers: types and uses
• Jeweler's saw and saw blades
• Jeweler's torches: gas, oxygen and mini torch
• Mandrels and ring sizers