Erica Stice details a claw stone setting project that stretched her metalsmithing skillset in the jewelry studio. Read how she overcame the challenge.

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.

Improve your jewelry studio practice with metalsmithing skills tips from Michael David Sturlin. Consider the benefits of repetition and honing your craft.

by Michael David Sturlin

Jewelry 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.

Make your own custom jewelry chain from bulk wire in this how-to guide from artist Jill Mackay. Get inspired to hone your soldering and wirework skillset.

by Katie Hacker

Making Chain from Wire with Jill MacKay

Here at Halstead, we sell a lot of finished and footage chain in a huge variety of styles. But, sometimes, you just want to make your own jewelry chain. We sent jewelry designer Jill MacKay a coil of sterling silver wire and she turned it into this shimmering chain.

Richard Salley explores a recent jewelry design that incorporated a broken stone that might have otherwise been discarded, a trash to treasure inspiration.

by Katie Hacker

Richard Salley: How the Light Gets In Jewelry Interview

This week, read our interview with jewelry artist Richard Salley about a beautiful example of bezel-setting a cracked stone that might otherwise have been discarded.

In this instructional video, Casey Sheppart demonstrates a basic line fold forming technique for metalsmithing. Explore tools and materials in this guide.

by Hilary Halstead Scott

Metalsmithing Fold Forming with Casey Sheppard

In this Halstead video, Casey Sheppard demonstrates fold forming metalmsithing techniques and tools in the jewelry studio.

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!

Need a new jewelry soldering station? Read Erica's article to learn how to choose the right soldering fuel and torch tips for your home studio.

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.

Xuron made in the USA jewelry pliers and cutters will quickly become your favorite jewelry tools. Check out some of Halstead's favorite Xuron Tools.

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.

Use metalsmithing stakes in your jewelry making for fold forming techniques. This tutorial shows how to make leaf earrings using these tools and skills.

by Erica Stice

Intro to Jewelry Stakes: Fold Forming Leaf Earrings

Learn how to make fold formed leaf earrings with jewelry stakes. Improve your metalsmithing skills with this tutorial on the tools, supplies and techniques you will need.

This quick list gives great advice on things to watch for when you learn jewelry sawing and piercing techniques. Prevent mishaps and sharpen your skills.

by Hilary Halstead Scott

Top 6 Jewelry Sawing Tips

Here are some helpful tips to implement when sawing in the studio.

by Hilary Halstead Scott

Guide to Jewelry Finishing Sandpapers

A breakdown comparing different grits and micron rated sandpapers used to finish jewelry items. This popular blog post was updated in July 2019.

A jeweler's flex shaft is a rotary tool with attachment heads that can perform many tasks. Learn all about this indispensable tool for your jeweler's bench.

by Hilary Halstead Scott

What is a Flex Shaft - Why Jewelers Can't Work Without This Tool

Learn about the amazing jeweler's flex shaft and all the things it can do in your studio.

Understand why the price of sterling silver wire, sheet and metals is not the same as the silver market price per ounce you hear on the news.

by Hilary Halstead Scott

Why does sterling wire cost more than the daily silver market price you hear on the news?

Hilary is breaking down why the cost of sterling silver wire is higher than the daily silver market price everyone sees. There are a few factors that go into the price of this versatile supply.

Halstead Jewelry Articles tagged with metalsmithing