Essential Jewellery-Making Tools for Beginners
So you’ve got the jewellery-making bug and want to keep making at home. You’re going to have a lot of fun!
Having the right tools is really important. Fortunately, there is a core set of essential tools for working with silver and gold that will serve you well for years to come.
To help you get started, we've put together this guide to essential jewellery-making tools.
If this list feels a little overwhelming, you can purchase all of these tools as a set from Jewellers Academy Brighton when you visit.
With these tools and a bit of practice, you’ll be making beautiful jewellery at home in no time.
Why You Need the Right Tools to Begin
The right tools make your process smoother, your designs more professional, and your journey into jewellery making more enjoyable.
By starting with high-quality equipment, you set yourself up for long-term success. These tools aren’t just for beginners—they form the foundation of every jeweller’s practice. With proper care, you’ll be using them for years to come.
The Toolkit Essentials
Sawing
The first step for jewellers is cutting out your pieces. There are a few tools that help you do this ready for filing and refining.
Jeweller’s Piercing Saw
This is your go-to tool for cutting out basic or intricate designs and shapes from your metal sheet.
Don’t worry if it feels tricky at first—it’s a skill that improves with practice, and we’ll show you how to use it in class.
Saw Blades 2/0
These fine saw blades fit into your jeweller’s saw and are ideal for precise cutting of metal sheets.
Beeswax
Beeswax is used to lubricate your saw blades, helping them glide through the metal more easily and reducing sawblade breakage.
Bench Peg
This small but mighty wooden block provides the support you need while you’re sawing.
You’ll soon see why it’s an essential addition to your workspace. And you can clamp this to any study table - a kitchen table or desk will do.
Soldering
Soldering is the process of joining metal elements together to form complete designs. Your soldering equipment will help you master this essential skill safely and effectively.
Small Hand Torch
This torch is essential for heating and soldering your metal pieces together. You will build your confidence with the torch during our workshops with the support of your tutor so you can feel confident using it from home.
Small Heatproof Brick
A heat-resistant brick creates a safe and effective workspace for soldering.
Brass Tweezers
Brass tweezers allow you to handle small pieces of metal and solder while resisting heat.
Liquid Flux
Flux is a liquid used to clean and prepare your metal surfaces for soldering, ensuring strong joins.
Flux Brush
A small brush used to apply flux precisely where needed.
Safety Pickle
This solution is used to clean your metal after soldering, removing any oxidation or flux residue.
Plastic Tweezers
Used for handling pieces in the pickle solution safely, as they won’t react with the chemicals.
Wire Mesh
A wire mesh provides a stable platform for heating pieces evenly during soldering. It enables you to direct heat under your pieces.
Solder Cutting Pliers
These pliers make it easy to cut small, precise pieces of solder for your joins.
Shaping Tools
Shaping tools are essential for bending, forming, and texturing your jewellery pieces. These tools allow you to bring your creative designs to life.
Set of Pliers (x5)
This set includes side cutters, chain nosed, flat nosed, round, and half-round pliers. Each type has a specific purpose, from cutting wire to shaping intricate details.
Ring Mandrel
A cone-shaped tool used to shape and size rings.
Chasing Hammer
This hammer is perfect for adding texture and shaping metal. It’s a versatile tool for creating unique finishes and designs.
Nylon Mallet
Ideal for shaping metal without leaving marks, the nylon mallet is great for delicate adjustments and forming smooth curves.
Stone Setting and Drilling Tools
Now to add gemstones! These tools are your essentials for creating beautiful settings and drilling holes precisely.
Square Pusher
A square pusher is used to push bezel edges around a gemstone, securing it in place.
Steel Curved Burnisher
This burnisher is perfect for smoothing and polishing bezels after the stone is set.
Drill Bit (0.9mm)
This small drill bit is ideal for creating precise holes in metal for adding design details or settings.
Pin Vice Hand Drill
A hand drill gives you precise control when drilling small holes, essential for delicate work.
Finishing Tools
Polishing and finishing your jewellery is the final step to make your pieces shine. These tools ensure your work is ready to wear and show off.
Large Half-Round File with 6" Wooden Handle
Used to shape and smooth the edges of your pieces, this file is a must for refining designs.
Set of Needle Files
These small files allow for precise detailing and finishing in hard-to-reach areas.
Emery Paper Folder
Emery papers are used for sanding and refining your metal and removing scratches.
Polishing Cloth
A polishing cloth removes tarnish and adds a brilliant shine to your finished pieces.
Polishing Pads
These pads are great for achieving a smooth finish on flat or slightly curved surfaces.
Nail Buffers
A simple but effective tool for giving your metal a polished, glossy finish.
Setting Up Your Home Workspace
Creating jewellery at home doesn’t require a fancy studio—just a small, dedicated space where you can work comfortably and get creative.
Here are some tips to set up your workspace:
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Choose a sturdy surface: A table or desk that can handle a bit of hammering and soldering is perfect.
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Stay organised: Keep your tools and materials tidy with small containers, trays or, even better, hang them on the wall.
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Prioritise safety: Make sure your space is well-ventilated, especially when soldering. Always wear safety goggles to protect your eyes while cutting, filing, or soldering.
During our workshops you will learn how to set up your equipment safely and effectively so you can be confident when you unpack your kit at home.
Why Choose Jewellers Academy Brighton?
At Jewellers Academy Brighton, we’re passionate about helping you discover your creative potential.
Our classes are designed to make jewellery-making approachable and enjoyable, even if you’re a complete beginner.
You’ll learn how to use these tools with confidence and create stunning pieces of jewellery.
We’re confident that you will want to continue at home. And to make this easy for you, we’ve created a beginner’s toolkit that you can purchase during your visit, so that you don’t have to research and buy each of these items individually. The kit contains all of the tools mentioned here, so you’ll have everything you need to continue making jewellery at home.
Our beginner-friendly classes include:
If you need any help choosing which class is right for you, please drop me an email at hello@jewellersacademybrighton.com
Each session is hands-on, and you’ll leave with a beautiful piece of jewellery to treasure or gift.
Take the First Step in Your Jewellery-Making Journey
We know starting something new can feel overwhelming, but at Jewellers Academy Brighton, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Book a class with us to gain hands-on experience using these tools.
Whether you’re crafting for fun or dreaming of starting your own business, you’ll walk away with skills, confidence, and a beautiful piece of jewellery.
Don’t forget to pick up your beginner’s toolkit when you visit—your future creations are waiting!
With love,
Jess xx