Learn to run a 2/0 saw blade through a ring seam that is not flush so the ends close tightly before soldering.

A tip from @lucywalkerjewellery: color the seat with Sharpie to see where the stone touches and cut until it no longer rocks.

A tip from @laaracerman for backing sandpaper strips with duct tape for strength and writing the grit on the back for use in a saw.

A tip from @waxcarvers for sticking stones to wax with beeswax to trace around them before carving a stone seat.

My annual holiday gift guide for jewelry makers is live on the blog, alongside studio setup and refining guides.

A tip from @thenomadicpine for testing stone fit with folded, twisted floss whose loop gives better leverage to pull the stone out.

Learn the ring blank formula: inside diameter plus metal thickness in mm, times 3.14, to make a ring in the size you want.

A tip from @noracapodesign for collecting metal dust with a leather bench skin attached to her apron with snap fasteners.

Learn how the titanium Ti-Quad stand from @lionpunchforge lets you heat from below when soldering bezels or hollow forms.

A tip from @machi_jewellery on stretchy silicone finger protectors that can be cut into bands and fit over a bandage.

My directory of places to take in person jewelry classes and workshops, plus a lapidary class I took at @metalwerxstudio.

A tip from @willowandtwigg for keeping paste solder from drying out with an airtight container and a balled silver wire stopper.

2,368 Tips From The Community