Blog Category
Halstead Jewelry Articles in Educational
by Erica Stice
Top 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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Pattern & Gallery Wire Guide: The 411
Explore pattern wire and gallery wire used in the jewelry studio in this overview guide on essential materials for your design practice.
Read MoreLearn Sawing From Our 2019 Featured Metalsmith, Julie Sanford -
We are proud to present Julie Sanford as the 2019 Halstead Catalog featured metalsmith. Learn more about Julie, check out her tips for using the jeweler's saw, and watch her demo video in this article.
Read Moreby Erica Stice
Types of Silver Solder Used in Jewelry
Many jewelers remember falling in love with metalsmithing at their first torch soldering experience. That mercurial silver flash when solder starts to flow is magical. But, what is actually happening at that moment? What is the science behind soldering?
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5 Ways to Use a Rolling Mill in your Jewelry Studio and Maintenance Primer -
Rolling mills and jewelry studios go hand in hand. Some jewelers use their rolling mills to imprint patterns on an annealed metal sheet. Others use a rolling mill as the raw material workhorse of their studios. See these and more uses in action.
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3 Types of Necklace Chain Extenders
Don't get stuck with a too-short necklace! Whether it's by a customer's need or desire, longer necklaces are a must to carry. Necklace extenders can help take any pre-made design and add length. Learn about some of the most popular types of extenders Halstead offers.
Read MoreHalstead Lab Testing for Quality Control: A Jewelry Quality Assurance Program
We understand you only want to give your customers the best. That’s why we take great care in our jewelry quality assurance so all items we sell are up to standards. In addition to only buying from reputable vendors, we send items for quality control lab testing. Read more about our quality control procedures.
Read More5 Reasons to Choose Laboratory-Grown Diamonds and Colored Stones
Laboratory-grown diamonds and gemstones are an ethical, affordable way for jewelers to add sparkle to their jewelry collections. Find out why these stones make the perfect alternative to natural mined stones.
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Necklace Lengths Guide - How to Measure & Choose a Necklace Length
Our necklace length guide can help you and our customers quickly make jewelry decisions based on the neckline style you're wearing. Read the article, watch the video and save the infographic. Print it today!
Read Moreby Erica Stice
Untangling Jewelry Chain: Tips, Tricks & More
Read Tips & Tricks from the Halstead team on untangling chain plus how to properly store chain to prevent further tangles from happening. We've added a few tangled horror chain stories as well.
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Fancy Jewelry Wires: Shaping & Soldering Wire Links
Fancy wires are versatile jewelry studio materials. Check out this week's blog to see design ideas and learn how to shape and solder fancy wire links.
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Metal Alloys Used in Jewelry
Learn how the structure of metal and the properties of different alloys impact common materials in jewelry creation. As a jeweler, there is nothing more rewarding than learning how to take your designs from paper to metal form.
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9 Types of Gold Metal Used in Jewelry
Gold is seductive. The luminous metal has inspired artists and wearers throughout human history. This reference article will explore different golden materials used in the jewelry arts.
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Jewelry Ring Design Tips & Ideas
Fast & Fabulous! What better way to explain our seven ring tips & trends that are featured below. Summer is the perfect time to show off silver rings for stacking, pattern wire bands or embellished charm rings. At Halstead we offer ring making materials and simple ready-to-wear rings in sterling silver, gold-filled and rose gold-filled.
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Add Value with Adjustable Slider Clasps
Learn how to use slider beads to create adjustable tassel bracelets and lariat necklaces. These clever jewelry findings open up new design possibilities.
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Flex Shaft Maintenance
Keeping your flex shaft in peak condition is a must for any jeweler. Follow these 14 easy steps to maintaining your jewelry making flex shaft.
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Claw Pendant Setting: Highlights & Headaches
Erica Stice shares her insights on using a claw setting for a complicated stone specimen... here are her headaches and highlights that she encountered with this marvelous, fragile stone.
Read MoreJewelry Studio Insights: Practice Makes Perfect
Michael David Sturlin talks about the necessity of repetition for optimal results in your jewelry studio practice as you build metalsmithing skills at the bench.
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