Jewellry Making

Although contemporary jewelry making has moved beyond the level of hand craftsmanship. The first way of working metal is cut or shape the metal when it is  “cold”. The metal can be cut, sawed, bent, filed, hammered, stamped, forged, pressed, or drawn into the desired shape. The second method is to heat the metal until it is molten, and then cast it into a mold. The mold can be made of a higher melting metal, rubber, sand clay a refractory investment, or a cuttle fish. The third method involves the addition, or joining, of metal to metal by means of solder, granulation, fusing, rivets, links, or chains. Most of the more complex pieces are constructed by using combinations of the above processes. After the metal has been fabricate, it may be decorated by chasing, engraving, inlaying, etching, enamelling, reticulating, plating or electro-forming; set with gemstones; or combined with other meals and materials.

Regardless of the processes and techniques used to make jewellery, the design is of utmost importance. Before attempting to construct a piece of jewellery, a sketch should be made, and all of the processes needed to complete the piece should be studied, understood and practised. 

I will write a blog on some basic jewellery making techniques in my next blog.