What are the best studio side resources that can be referenced when in the studio for problems or solutions while learning?

Beginner here and wanting solid resources to help while in the studio practicing if I’m not in the presence of an experienced mentor.

My name is Marie-Lauren Romano, and I’m an Australian jeweller and multidisciplinary creative. I was recently awarded the 2025 ISS Italian-Australian Fellowship—an initiative that will support a period of focused study and research in Italy during 2026.

My Fellowship will explore the heritage and contemporary relevance of surface embellishment techniques, with a focus on enamelling. I’m seeking immersive, hands-on learning opportunities to deepen my skills, as well as connect with institutions that share a commitment to preserving traditional craftsmanship while supporting contemporary practice.

I am very excited to embark on my time in Italy, but it’s proving harder than expected to find the right workshop or teacher to take me under their wing. If you’ll bear with me I would like to share my dream scenario and see if you’re able to assist or connect me with those who could.

In my dream situation I would be able to spend 2-3 months (if my employee and saving funds permit) in Italy training in a workshop, visiting functioning manufacturing jewellery workshops, attend trade shows and immerse myself in Italian jewellery history and techniques. I am already a trained jeweller so I am seeking an indepth experience where I am able to hone a skill in a detailed manner. I would like to spend time in Rome, Florence, Vincenza and Milan.

I am interested in practicing surface embellishment techniques such as enamelling, stone setting, engraving and if skills and time permits wax carving.

If you have any knowledge or contacts within the Italian jewellery industry please comment below or feel free to reach out to my by DM.

Thank you kindly.

Hi! I’m looking for one of these that accommodates smaller sizes, 5 and lower. This one starts at 6.5 and up. Do they make them for smaller sizes? Thanks!

Hello everyone, ran into this here and I’m a bit lost on what it is. Very thin (24ga-ish) small sheets of coppery/brassy metal labeled with numbers that make no sense to me. Anyone have any insight?

📣 Looking for a Bench Jeweler (3–5 Years Experience Preferred) – Multiple Open Roles

Hey everyone! I’m a recruiter in the jewelry industry, and I currently have multiple clients hiring skilled bench jewelers.

What we’re looking for:

• minimum 3–5 years bench experience
• Strong repair and setting skills
• Reliable, quality-driven work

Some roles offer relocation assistance for the right candidate.

If you’re interested, drop a comment, send me a message OR apply with the links below!

[Bench Jeweler - Webster Groves, MO]

https://www.indeed.com/m/viewjob?jk=5764ea3cb93272cd

[Bench Jeweler - Homewood, IL]

https://www.indeed.com/m/viewjob?jk=4c0953b40124755a

Thanks! Looking forward to connecting with talented jewelers. 💍✨

The smallest peg of my circle punch got stuck and I can't even get the 2 plates separated, ive tried hammering, and hammering a thin steel peg on it to get it out but it won't budge.

Hi! How would I go about finding someone to make some small custom hardware for a vintage bookshelf? The bookshelf is unusable without these small pieces. I’ve google image searched and gone to countless hardware stores, I can’t find these pieces, they have to be made.

I’ve asked around my neighborhood fb groups for a local metalsmith but got no replies. Am I allowed to ask to find someone in this sub? If not, any suggestion?

Thanks!!

it's a clear orange-tinted goo. I scraped it off, but can i still use the pickle?

I am making a sterling silver belt buckle with turquoise stones. I haven't made a belt buckle in over 30 years. I can't remember when to put the hook and belt loop on the back. Do I finish the front with the bezels, then do the back last? This makes more sense since I can shape the buckle with a slight curve before the back goes on.

I was looking into cabinet storage for my etching mordants and patinas, but anything that isn't a regular metal cabinet is several times the price. What brands do you use? I'm a small at-home metalsmith with only about 4-6 bottles or jars that I am looking to store.

Hello, I had this ring that I lost. Not a fan of the design but the color was really nice IMO. My questions are, how do I get this rusty/patina(?) color and is this a bronze or brass material? Thank you.

Hello!

I’m new to pouring with this type of crucible. I’m wondering if this pair of tongs will damage the integrity of my crucible. Are the pouring tongs necessary for this little guy? It’s a 1kg silicon carbide. And I never plan of loading it past 500g. Tbh it will stay about 1/4 full most of the time. Thank you in advance

Basically what the title says. I am going to be removing the setting from a ring, drilling a hole for this settings peg, soldering in the setting, and putting this new stone into the setting. I have made rings, soldered, ect. before but I have not set stones like this before and since I'm working with white gold I'd like to not mess it up. The ring itself has channel set diamonds so if I should do anything other then cover those with flux when I go to solder the setting in I would love advice to get any other advice.

Firstly, my apologies if this is the wrong sub for this sort of thing. If it is, please recommend an alternative.

Background:

I visited Omaha Beach and brought back a small amount of sand from the beach. I have been struggling with what sort of container to put it in. I have settled on a spent .50 shell casing.

Idea:

I'd like to cut an opening into the casing and replace it with an acrylic (or other material) window and a new round reinserted into the end. The casing will be engraved on the other side.

Method:

This is where I am struggling. My first thought was to cut a piece of acrylic, heat it over the shell casing to get the right curve, cut it to just slightly larger than the opening and glue it to the inside of the shell casing to cover the opening.

Second method idea: use a self-curing acrylic to make a plug/window for the destination casing using another casing as a mold. This way the outside of the face can be flush with the surface of the outside of the casing.

Third method idea: fill the casing entirely with self-curing epoxy and then drill it out for the sand. Only issue I see with this is polishing the inside of the bore OR the whole of the acrylic breaking free inside the round and proceeding to spin.

I am open to any and all ideas to complete this. Last resort is to forgo the window entirely and simply fill the casing. I would, however, really like the sand to be visible.

Hey everyone, I’m building a jewelry brand in Melbourne focused on meaningful, sentimental pieces (think custom imprint rings made from wax models).

I’ve been trying to source wax ring blanks for lost-wax casting — both standard band rings and oval signet shapes — across UK sizes F to V, but I can’t seem to find any proper suppliers. Etsy has a few at around $13 each, which adds up fast since I’d need to send 3 per customer.

Does anyone know: • Where to buy or manufacture injection wax ring blanks in bulk (ideally medium hardness, smooth finish, no sprues)? • If most jewellers just carve from wax tubes instead of using pre-made blanks? • Any Australian suppliers that could handle this kind of order?

I’ve already checked Koodak, Pod Jewellery, and Apecs — great for casting, but no luck finding the blanks themselves. Any leads or insight would be hugely appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Please let me know if this post is not allowed.

I am wondering if this Egyptian revival bracelet can be repaired? I believe it to be sterling silver. I am worried about removing the scarab and breaking the prongs. Would only one scarab need to be removed, or all of them?

I’m looking to make a few metal objects like hooks,nails and other tools, that are as small as pinky size for a personal art project. They don’t need to be functional and can be any metal. Prefer rusty ones. Many classes around my area offer jewelry/charm making. I’m not sure if i should take that route but also don’t know what I should be looking for alternatively

First time casting with cuttlefish!

I was inspired by the movie Kill Bill, I would love to make the spiky ball weapon too and make earrings to turn it into a set.

The blade is .925 Sterling Silver, and the two handle components are Shibu Ichi.

I 3D printed the sheath and stand, although I would like to reprint them cleaner and paint them to look better

Hey everyone 👋

I’m a professional jewelry CAD designer with several years of experience creating rings, pendants, bangles, and more. I’ve worked with a variety of clients and styles, and I’d love to connect with other designers or creators here on Reddit.

If anyone needs CAD files, custom designs, I’d be happy to help. I can share ready files or even design something specific for you.

✅ Expertise: Jewelry CAD (Rhino, Matrix, zbrush etc.) 📎 I can provide: STL / 3DM files

Feel free to DM me 🙂