Halstead Jewelry Articles

Halstead is passionate about supporting small jewelry businesses. Check out our huge archives of helpful articles for makers including technique tutorials, business advice, and connection to resources in our community. Craftsmen and designers alike trust Halstead for supplies and information. Our goal is to help you be successful. Subscribe to keep learning and growing in your profession.

Take your jewelry business to the next level by applying for a grant. Read our list of grant opportunities, as well as resources and tips.

by Sylvie Alusitz

Grant Opportunities for your Jewelry Business

Grants can be a great way to help your jewelry business get to the next level. Read on for a list of grants for your business, as well as some tips and resources of where to look for funding options.

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by Erica Stice

Glossary of Hammers Used in Jewelry Making

Read all about the types of hammers used in the jewelry studio & check out our Facebook LIVE videos for tips, techniques & more!

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by Erica Stice

Solders, Torches & Fuels Used in a Jewelry Studio

Picking a fuel type for your jewelry studio can be an arduous research session. We've narrowed it down with the pros and cons for each type, with additional information on torch tips included - updated February 2019.

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by Erica Stice

Jeweler's Guide to Types of Ready Made Settings

Interested in ready-made stone settings? We cover a wide range of pre-made jewelry settings and tools in this guide, which also include hints and favorite new tools.

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by Erica Stice

Setting a Cabochon Pendant Tutorial

Enjoy an afternoon in the studio creating beautiful cabochon pendants! This how-to guide will show you step-by-step how to make custom cabochon settings in a few short hours.

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by Katie Hacker

Xuron: Your New Favorite Jewelry Tools

People are passionate about their Xuron jewelry tools. Find out why these Made in the USA line of pliers and cutters will soon be your favorite new jewelry tools too.

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by Erica Stice

What Jewelry Wire Gauge & Hardness Do You Need?

Learn the ins and outs of sheet and wire gauges and metal tempers so you can make the right choices for your jewelry designs. This popular blog post was updated in 2019.

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by Ashley Maldonado

Jewelry Packaging Ideas & Inspiration

You’ve put a lot of thought into making your jewelry look beautiful and feel on brand. Make sure it makes the best first impression when it arrives to your customers. Check out these tips and inspiration for packaging your handmade jewelry. This blog was updated in September 2022.

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by Erica Stice

Essential Tools for Your New Jewelry Studio

Build your studio bench with Erica's top picks of essential tools for  metalsmiths.

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by Hilary Halstead Scott

How to Finish Beaded Jewelry

Watch Hilary and Katie Hacker finish beaded jewelry using crimp, crimp covers and cable thimbles!

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by Erica Stice

Jewelry Soldering 101: Firescale & Pickling

Firescale naturally occurs during the soldering process. Read on to learn what firescale is and how to pickle it off your jewelry.

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by Ashley Maldonado

Add Meaning to Your Jewelry with Birthstones

Birthstones have always had special meanings, though they haven’t always been the same. Learn about the history and meaning of birthstones in this article. This blog was updated in 2020.

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by Hilary Halstead Scott

Selecting the Right Beadalon Stringing Wire

Watch our Beadalon video with BB&J's Katie Hacker!

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by Bethany Blackshear

Building A Jewelry Photo Setup At Home

Building an at home jewelry photo setup is a great option for quick and basic jewelry photos. Read our tips and supply list!

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by Hilary Halstead Scott

6 Tips for Using Liver of Sulfur

From set-up to helpful tips, read why Liver of Sulfer makes such a great jewelry patina and is an essential product to have in your jewelry studio!

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by Hilary Halstead Scott

Jewelry Bench Set-up Video

Learn low-cost alternatives and organizational tips to set-up your jewelry bench at home or in your new studio work space. How to save money and build a functional space for your craft.

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by Hilary Halstead Scott

Butane Jewelry Torch Troubleshooting

Read our latest blog to learn safe handling tips and troubleshooting when using a portable butane jewelry torch. Check out the video too.

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by Hilary Halstead Scott

New Jeweler's Guide to the Bench Pin and Sawing

Bench pin 101 for new jewelers. Also learn tips and best practices for sawing, one of the bench pin’s primary uses.

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by Hilary Halstead Scott

Types of Jewelry Clasps & Closures

Read our guide on types of jewelry clasps and closures popular in today's modern day necklace and bracelet designs. Choose the best clasp for each design with this helpful glossary of terms.

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