Blog Author
Halstead Jewelry Author Erica
Articles by Erica
A Jeweler's Guide to Essential Beading Findings
Learn about beading findings in our educational jewelry guide! When you are beginning beading, the lingo can be overwhelming. Learn the essential vocabulary and common components you will need. Choose the right beading wire, clasps, headpins, and more for your next beading design.
Read More5 Unisex Designs to Expand Your Jewelry Collection
Trying to find a way to bring in new clientele? Incorporate these 5 unisex designs into your existing jewelry line to expand your collection.
Read MoreJewelry Materials: Guide to Gauges, Tempers, and Annealing -
This blog outlines a few basics in jewelry making – tempers, gauges and annealing. Knowing about tempers and gauges will help you purchase the best sheet and wire for your jewelry.
Read MoreWhy Jewelry Chains Break & How You Can Prevent It
Let's look at why jewelry chains break and ways to prevent it. From common causes to less known culprits, I'll share some helpful tips to extend the life of your favorite jewelry chain.
Read MoreHow-to Make Simple Wire Hoop Earrings
Create simple wire hoops using 20-22 gauge sterling silver wire! Hoops are a staple in earring collections and these can be made in a large variety of sizes. Have fun adding hoops to your jewelry designs!
Read MoreJewelry Design Competitions - Entering, Submitting & Helpful Tips -
Are you considering entering your first jewelry design competition? Having entered my first contest here's my experience on the matter. From process steps and submitting your work to helpful tips I learned during my experience, read all about the process here.
Read MorePracticing Responsible & Sustainable Jewelry Making
Lessen your impact on the environment by learning about recycled & sustainable jewelry! Learn how to become more eco-friendly by making small, but important changes around your studio.
Read MoreFabricated Wire Clasps - Simple Wire Hook Clasps
Fabricating jewelry clasps opens up a world of jewelry making opportunities! Learn how to create simple s-hook clasps with our step-by-step guide & video.
Read MoreReady-to-Wear Sterling Silver Jewelry for Your Retail Store
Bulk up your retail store with ready-to-wear jewelry pieces! Ready to wear items are great for low price point impulse purchase items making them quick upsells yet easy to stock.
Read MoreTexturing Metal for Jewelry
Texturing is a lot of fun! Discover popular ways to texture on jewelry metals. Watch the video below for even more information on this popular jewelry-making technique.
Read MoreWhy You Need a Jewelry Tumbler in Your Studio -
If you love mirror finishes a jewelry bench polisher is the ideal tool for you. But did you also know that it's an excellent tool to work harden your findings, too? In my opinion, this is one tool that every jewelry studio can benefit from.
Read MoreCreating Jewelry Finishing Effects - A Sampler of Tool Attachments & Results
Understanding jewelry tools and what each one does can be overwhelming. In this article, we help you navigate through the popular jewelry finishes and the tool attachments you'll need to create them.
Read MoreJewelry Bench Polisher & Attachments -
A bench polisher is indispensable in a jewelry studio! Find out why, with this guide to jewelry bench polishing and attachments.
Read MoreTips to Save Money Buying Bulk Jewelry Wire -
Save money buying bulk jewelry wire. Check out these money saving tips which cover tarnishing, tangling, and how to avoid waste. Learn how to use a rolling mill to keep your costs down, too.
Read MoreBest Beading Tools Used for Making Jewelry
Learn what you need to start beading! We've gathered up a list of the beading tools, components, and supplies you'll want to have ready. We also have a video on finishing your beaded jewelry ends along with lots of helpful tips.
Read MoreSetting Up Your Wire Wrapping Jewelry Studio
Ready to wire wrap? Get prepared with this article! We've covered the studio area, gauges of wire, beginner tools and some materials that you can use when wire wrapping.
Read More5 Creative Uses for Jump Rings in Jewelry Making
Play around with jump rings! I had a fun day playing in the studio with a few extra jump rings I had. Just laying them out on the bench and moving them around brought up a few ideas. These are quick assembly and soldering pieces that are perfect for beginners.
Read MoreTop 5 Reasons Silver Solder Doesn't Flow
Solder not flowing? Find out the reasons why. Jewelry soldering can be frustrating at times, but with the right knowledge, you can quickly troubleshoot the problems.
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