Jewellers Journal
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Discovering Amethyst: The Royally Sober Stone
The designated gemstone for February, this beautiful purple variety of quartz is the epitome of accessible luxury. Despite being a relatively common and inexpensive crystal, this most democratic of gemstones still manages to find itself equally at home at Royal Court or as everyday jewellery for all, while simultaneously vindicating those fond of wine-related overindulgence and placating the sobriety-favouring clergy.
Jewellery vs Jewelry: What’s the difference and does it even matter?
The subject of jewellery vs. jewelry often comes up on social media and in the workshop and has recently led to some surprisingly heated exchanges! So we thought we would take a look at these different spellings and pronunciations, where they come from, where they’re used, and ultimately answer the question of whether it really matters at all.
Bezel Setting Cabochon Gemstones: A Beginners Guide
The very most important thing to consider when setting a cabochon in a bezel setting is the height of the metal in comparison to the gemstone itself. In this journal entry we look at how to achieve the right height, how to set your cabochon gemstones using hand tools, and which tools to buy
The Durston Tools Bangle Forming Die Set: Unboxing and Making an Anticlastic Bangle
Today we’re looking at the latest tool to arrive in the Cognac Jewellery School workshop: The Bangle Forming Die Set from Durston Tools. It’s always exciting to receive a new tool, and as this is no exception. As always with Durston this tool is beautifully made and has a quality feel to it, combining versatility and quality with ease of use, making it a valuable addition to the jewellers studio.
Discovering Garnet: The Pomegranate Seed Stone
Named after the crimson jewel-like seeds of a pomegranate, Garnets are a group of minerals with a rich and varied history. Best known in modern times as the Birthstone for January, these semi-precious gemstones are also one of the oldest known gemstones, with links to Greek mythology, Ancient Egypt and even Noah’s Ark!
An Introduction to Anticlastic and Synclastic Metal Forming: Terms and Tools
Anticlastic raising is a metal forming technique used to create curved forms with sheets of metal. The process involves using a crosspein hammer and a metal forming stake to compress the centre of a sheet of metal and stretch the edges creating curves that bend in opposite directions to each other, forming a saddle shape. This technique can be used to create complex forms in both jewellery and silverware.
Get Started with Silver Clay: 8 Tool Essentials
Are you interested in getting started with Silver Clay but you don’t know where to begin? With so many products on the market knowing which ones to buy can seem completely daunting, so here I have put together a list of the materials that I use, as well as 8 absolutely essential tools that will get you started with creating Silver Clay Jewellery right away.
12 thoughtful gift ideas for the jeweller in your life (that aren’t tools!)
If you’re searching for a gift for someone who is making jewellery, and you want to buy them something to show you are supporting their endeavours but you don’t want to buy them just another tool. Then this is for you!
Discovering Tanzanite: The Lightning Stone
Designated as a birthstone for December by the American Gem Association in 2002, Tanzanite is a rare violet-blue gemstone of the zoisite family, found only in Tanzania in central Africa. Only discovered in 1967 by Maasai tribesmen, what this remarkable gemstone lacks in ancient history, it more than makes up for with an enchanting origin story and rapid popularity growth.
Discovering Citrine: The Merchant’s Stone
A rare and beautiful variety of quartz, Citrines can be found in a spectrum of yellow shades ranging from a pale lemon to golden-cognac colour (our favourite, of course!). Best known as the Birthstone for November, and often associated with positivity and abundance, this gemstone has a rich history and cultural significance that spans from ancient civilisations to modern times.
Celebrating Autumn: How to Create Nature-Inspired Jewellery with Blackberries
One of our very favourite autumn/fall activities is clambering into the hedgerow for handfuls of ripe blackberries while on country dog walks. Perfect for snacking, jams, and our all-time favourite blackberry and apple crumble, these little hedgerow jewels can also be used to create autumn-inspired silver jewellery. So this year we have foraged a few unripe ones from the hedgerow to eternalise into a Silver Clay Coin Necklace.
Do I need a Kiln for Silver Clay?
In most cases, Fine Silver Clay does not require the use of a kiln for the firing process. Instead, you can effectively achieve the right firing temperatures through the method of torch firing, which makes the overall process significantly more accessible and convenient, especially for those who are just starting out on their jewellery-making journey.
What is a Jewellers Saw and How do you use one?
A jewellers or piercing saw is a small, handheld tool used for cutting intricate shapes and designs in metal, It‘s made up of a frame that holds a thin, flexible blade and is an essential part of the jewellers toolbox. Learn all about the jewellers saw, which saw blade to use, and how to use it here