@elizaschmuck hammers small bezels through a wire drawing plate to make them perfectly round and close the joint for soldering.

@umyajewelry carves snug grooves in a soft charcoal block to hold jump rings and bails in place for soldering.

Learn why flush cutters are an everyday tool for cutting bezels and solder, and why to keep a cheap pair for steel binding wire.

@la_soucique_studio saws double half round wire down the middle and flares the ends for symmetrical split shank rings.

Learn to replace and solder a chain's jump ring with heat protectant on the chain, then clean it up safely on a flex shaft.

@betycampuzanojoyeria color codes drill bits and burs for each stone size with nail polish, plus common seat cutting bur sequences.

@amandabrittin sands a bezel's curve on a taped ring mandrel with the stone inside on a scrap wire base so the bezel holds its shape.

A showcase of Memento Mori pieces created for the October metalsmith challenge by members of the community.

@blackcoyotejewelry turns drawn designs into repositionable stickers with a Xyron sticker machine to use as sawing templates.

Learn how hinged square and round sandpaper holders work for corners, flat edges and ring seams, with rubber bands to mark grits.

@jill.herlands wears thin Gloveworks gloves, over 4mm thick, to prevent calluses, cuts and abrasions without getting in the way.

@studiojulessilversmith melts silver into a charcoal block drilled with 2mm holes for evenly sized balls. Wear a mask when drilling.

2,368 Tips From The Community