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Halstead Jewelry Articles in How To
by Erica Stice
Soldering Wire Embellishments to the Surface of your Jewelry Designs
Soldered wire accents allow you to create geometric designs with a line drawing feel. But, soldering thin wires onto sheet metal is a challenge. Our very own Studio Coordinator, Erica Stice, has some tips and a video.
Read Moreby Erica Stice
How to Sweat Solder 14kt Gold to Sterling Silver
Use 14kt gold solder ornaments on sterling silver jewelry blanks to create unique mixed metal jewelry pieces. Erica Stice is breaking down the sweat soldering process so you can add this great technique to your jewelry making skills.
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 MoreGet Creative With Pre-Made Jewelry Components!
Get inspired to look at findings in a whole new way! Paulette Werger ran a workshop "Creative uses for Premade Components" and you'll love some of the ideas she and her students came up with.
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.
Read MoreRiveting Techniques from Gwen Youngblood -
Gwen Youngblood's jewelry riveting cold connection techniques make it easier than ever for everyone to master a basic wire rivet and ball rivet as well as riveting to set bezel cups.
Read Moreby Erica Stice
How to Set Geodes & Slabs
Setting geodes and slabs can be challenging at times but this blog will cover the two basic settings to get you started. Both require basic soldering skills.
Read Moreby Erica Stice
3 Ways to Set Raw Crystal Points using Sterling Silver Findings
Use gallery end caps and bead cones to create simple, striking drop earrings or challenge yourself with a center banded technique. The star of each piece is the raw crystal adorning each one.
Read Moreby Erica Stice
How to Size a Ring in the Jewelry Studio
Having the skills to size rings can be very handy for your jewelry studio business, especially if you don't have the right size for a customer in stock. Learn sizing to capture more sales and offer superior service to your clients.
Read Moreby Erica Stice
How to Buy Ring Making Material
Check out our handy jewelry ring material conversion chart and learn how to calculate the right material length for each finger ring size with this tutorial.
Read Moreby Erica Stice
Soldering Half Round Wire & Pattern Wire for Rings
We love to make silver rings in the Halstead Studio. These simple stackers are a low price-point crowd pleaser. If you're preparing for a show, a holiday is around the corner or you just want to bulk up inventory, ring bands can be a great addition to your collection.
Read Moreby Katie Hacker
Eva Sherman's Spectacular Soldered Jump Rings
Make whimsical jewelry designs with silver jump rings and stone settings. Practice your soldering skills and flex your creativity with this inspiring technique from Eva Sherman.
Read Moreby Erica Stice
Rock Salt Casting as Seen in Belle Armoire Jewelry
Get a sneak peek at rock salt casting: it's easier than you think! Watch a quick video demo and preview some of the designs that appear in the Spring 2018 issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry.
Read Moreby Katie Hacker
Turning Your Art Glass Beads into Jewelry
Learn a few easy ways to turn your stash of lampwork art glass beads into beautiful, marketable jewelry. Sterling ear wires, basic tools and a few other jewelry supplies are all you need to get started. Plus, tips for selling your jewelry.
Read Moreby Erica Stice
How to Make Standout Glass Cabochon Pendant Necklaces
We take the guess work out of making jewelry with your lampwork or art glass cabochons in this tutorial. Choose the best adhesive and findings to make high quality silver pendant necklaces with your glass focal pieces.
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Simple Chain Necklace for Interchangeable Art Glass Beads
Learn how to make bestselling interchangeable bead necklaces with your dichroic or lampwork art glass beads. Customers love this simple concept.
Read Moreby Erica Stice
How to Buy Bezel Strip Wire
If you make custom cabochon settings on a regular basis, it makes sense to buy basic bezel strip by the troy ounce coil so you always have material on hand. But, if you need just a little fancy gallery bezel for a special project or you rarely set custom...
Read Moreby Erica Stice
Two Ways to Create Sterling Silver Tassels
Create your own silver jewelry tassels! In this step-by-step guide, we show you how to wire-wrap or solder chain tassels for your jewelry making.
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