The Different Jewelry Making Tools
More and more people are now starting to get into jewelry making. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on a common jewelry piece, some women now prefer to create their own unique accessories – which usually cost them lesser. So if you are interested in this type of hobby, here are a few of the most important jewelry making tools that need to have before you begin.
Pliers
Pliers are one of the most important tools to have when making metal jewelry. There are actually different kinds of pliers used for different purposes. Round nose pliers are a special type of pliers with rounded ends. These are made to create loops in the wire for interconnecting different metal wires to each other. Chain nose pliers look a lot similar to round nose pliers but with a flattened inner edge. They are used more for griping metal wires and rings. Bent nose pliers have the same form as the chain nose pliers but are bent on a certain angle. And finally, there are the flat nose pliers which have a smooth flat surface used for straightening wires and for holding them in place.
Wire Cutters
Wire cutters are especially designed to cut through wire. They come in various sizes for cutting wires of different thickness. Before buying the tool, know the exact kind of wire you plan to work with. Different wire diameters may need a specific kind of wire cutter for cutting. Sharp cutters are a must for creating clean cuts so make sure that they are sharpened first before use. However, there are some wires that can easily be bent and cut by hand and will not require the use of cutters at all.
Chasing Hammer and Anvil
A chasing hammer is a hammer with a wide head used for flattening or hardening rounded edges of the wire. They are used together with an anvil, which can protect working surfaces from dents and damage during pounding.
Crafting Glue
Crafting glue is a special type of adhesive that is used to attach beads, stones and other decorative accessories to the wire or to each other. However, there are some types of adhesives that can react and tarnish metal. So if you are planning to work with wires, make sure that your crafting glue is specifically made for the type of material that you are planning to use.
Wire
Metal, silver or bronze wires are also the most basic tools for making jewelry. Jewelry wires can come in different shades and diameters so use them according to the design that you want. There are huge varieties of wires available in online shops so start looking for the perfect piece from there.
Beads and Decorative Accessories
Decorate your wires with beads, semi-precious stones and other kinds of accessories. There are plenty of beads and decorative accessories available in online stores and in actual craft shops. They come in solid colors, intricate hand painted designs and so many others.