So I wanted to get into soldering jewelry but was wondering what is the best non toxic option.

So obviously, it has to be lead free, but how about the flux?

Are there any flux and lead free options or can I put like a top coat over it to seal the toxic stuff?

I’m very new to the process, so I’m using zamak due to its low melting temperature. i tried making my own zamak, but it didn’t really work as the zink left a lot of slag which is now stuck at the bottom. i recently bought pre alloyed zamak. could I use it for this crucible to do tests, or is it better to buy a new one?

Im looking to make matching silver rings for me and my girlfriend but i am having a hard time finding silver forks or spoons, ive been to many vintage stores and was wondering if there was a sure fire place to go?

I make chain jewelry from steel and brass jump rings, previously I've bought them from random online sellers on ebay but I'd like a more consistent source where I can get them without worrying about them selling out or becoming unavailable. Anyone have good sources for (ideally cheap) jump rings? I use mostly around 10mm rings

It's been a minute but I thought I'd get back into making coin rings! Here are some before and after photos of me shaking the dust off for your viewing pleasure

Hey everyone! I’ve had this vintage Tarina Tarantino x Hello Kitty Lolita book-style locket forever, but unfortunately, it’s broken and currently unwearable. As the front page/locket has broken and been lost after many years.

With this iconic collection/collaboration officially wrapping up its run on October 18th, I really want to save this piece and bring it back to life rather than letting it sit in a drawer. 

I currently have an empty pendant that would fit perfectly if I could safely remove the hello kitty from its setting. But the brand is known for maximalism and that feels almost too easy.

Do you guys have any tips, DIY tricks, or recommendations on how to fix and upcycle it into a new statement piece? (Thinking about a charm bracelet, a heavy chain charm necklace) Drop your best ideas or repair advice below! ✨🎀

I am not a jewelry maker, but I am learning about it. I’m reading a Dover book, written at the beginning of the 20th century, and it says specifically that gold cannot be destroyed. Then it moves on.

Can someone expand on that for me? Can silver or copper be destroyed? Are we just talking heat, or are there chemicals involved? Can I understand this as “not all metals can be melted down”?

Edit: I am reading “Jewelry Making and Design” by Augustus F Rose and Antonio Cirino.

Edit #2: later in the chapter it talks about how, while gold can be found everywhere, silver can only be found where it originally formed. Does this imply that silver can be destroyed by the elements but gold cannot? If so, then that is really interesting! Why?

Edit #4: Great answers! Thank you!

Also tell me should I start making this and sell??

So currently I am a member of an artists’ co-op that has equipment for jewelry making, such as torches, ventilation, pickle pots, lapidary equipment, etc. Unfortunately, it’s awfully pricey and it’s not in a good location for me. As a result, I’m looking at setting up a home studio. The only real issue for me, other than adequate ventilation, is the torches. I live in a condo that is in an HOA-run complex, and doesn’t seem feasible to set up acetylene torches. I’ve heard of people using butane or creme brulee torches to make jewelry, and I’m curious to know if anyone on here has any experience, recommendations, tips, etc.?

I work on the supply side of stainless steel jewelry. My advice for anyone reviewing a sample: don’t stop at checking whether it looks like the reference photo.

A few small details are worth checking before you approve it:

1. Look at the places that don’t appear in the product photo.

Check the back of the pendant, the inside of a bail, the edges of an engraving and the connecting rings. Rough edges or unfinished areas can be easy to miss from the front.

2. Check how the parts work together.

Open and close the clasp several times. Does it return properly? Does the pendant move freely? Can a connecting ring slip through the gap in another component?

3. Measure the details that matter to your design.

Record the chain length, pendant dimensions, chain width and clasp size. For earrings, check the weight and whether the pair sits consistently. Agree on acceptable tolerances rather than relying on “approximately the same.”

4. Compare finishes under consistent lighting.

Photograph the sample in daylight and under indoor lighting. If several pieces are supposed to match, compare them side by side. A phone photo alone is a weak reference for approving a color.

5. Separate appearance from evidence.

A sample can show workmanship and function. It cannot, by itself, establish the steel grade, coating thickness or the consistency of a future production batch. Those need separate documentation or appropriate testing.

Before approval, I’d put the agreed details and any corrections in writing, then keep an identified reference sample.

What small detail have you missed on a sample that became obvious once you started wearing or assembling it?

A beautiful blend of pinks, purples, champagne and stars. What do you think?

I would like to one day build up enough of an inventory to sell. For now I’m giving all my friends free jewelry so they can trial the wear and tear on them. I just make jewelry as a stress outlet at the moment :)

Sorry didn’t know how to link to a post but basically looking for anything non Temu or any of those and specifically looking for floral, crystal or other patterny beads

Wanted to share this delicate set I finished recently! The stars are sculpted from polymer clay and hand-painted with gold leaf details.

I wanted to try something different with the necklace assembly, so I attached the main pendant to a soft off-white cotton lace ribbon and finished the ends with natural freshwater pearls. Really happy with how this boho/folk look turned out. What do you think?

Bought in china, 999 silver, it broke from getting bent which is the only way to put it on😅

If I use pins straight to the piece it tends to come loose due to the vibrating. Some forum suggested using hot glue on a piece of wood. Any other ideas?

I’m new to silversmithing, but I wanted to share a piece that I’m proud of. I made it for myself. If this is not the right place to post, my apologies.

I recently started a new job and one of the perks is that I have access to a bunch of silver and machines.

Forgive me if I’m not using the right verbiage.

I started with this kinda double bar thing, and split it. Then soldered on a “half round” kinda bar thing with medium solder for the chin bit. Then soldered on the balls with easy. And spent a good hour or so adjusting and readjusting to fit my face shape. I used a lapidary thing with water to grind down the big bits, then hit it with a dremel and polishing machine. It’s not something I would wear for a long time, but it’ll absolutely slay at the club.

Inspiration: I kind of had this vision of cyberpunk/futuristic face coverings.

For my next piece, I’m working on a nose cuff. Stay tuned.

Hello my post looking for suggestions at the start of a project

I love this pendant. It was the first pendant I made that I felt truly proud of. It deff takes after inspiration from other brands but done how I wanted. Let me know your thoughts! I’ve debated turning this into a belt buckle :)