Tool Guide for Beginning Jewelry Designers

Recently, I put together this "must-have" tool guide for new jewelry designers! This guide is for beginners, but we experienced folks have these same tools in our shops - they're that important.

If you don't like scrolling and commentary in between, skip to the video at the end. You'll be able to adjust the speed if needed - just use the settings button on the video.

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So glad you're here at the Heart of the Hive! I think this will be valuable information for new jewelry designers!

Nearly 20 years ago my friend open a bead store and helped me make a pair of earrings. I was hooked immediately, and knew as a maker and crafter, I had found my niche!

I started with very minimal tools and struggled to find my way. The whole landscape was new to me, and I was excited, but overwhelmed!

I really gave this guide some thought, in an effort to help YOU, the new jewelry designer (or perhaps even someone who has been stringing for a while), so you can ditch the overwhelm.

I wish I had had someone break it down for me, because I fumble-bumbled around for too long trying to figure out what I needed. I can promise you, if you stock your workbench with these tools, you will have pretty much everything to do basic jewelry-making.

So let's start with #1 - this is a trick, because there's actually two in #1. You can choose both or either - but you need one of 'em! But you'll need two of what you choose! (Confusing? Check the slides!)

The first is chain nose pliers. I've included pictures so there is no confusion when you decide to purchase.

Chain nose pliers are absolutely universal - for stringing, metal work, assemblage - yep! You gotta have 'em!

When I first began, I didn't realize how the design of tools would really help me work. Over the years, I came to learn that even slight adjustments in a design can be helpful. I say this, because you might like your universal pliers bendy, like I do.

Which brings me to the bent nose pliers. They have the same function as chain nose pliers, but there's a bit of engineering to their design.

I have two pair. One for each hand... they grip better and there's no slippy-slippy of a jump ring that could put somebody's eye out or be lost, and found with the Easter eggs.

I personally feel like I have more control using these, and they definitely let me see around the tool much better!

It truly is your choice - everyone has their own preference. I do recommend pliers for each hand for some applications, so if in doubt, maybe get one of each!

Ahhh. Now to the one that does the tricks! These type of pliers come in a variety of sizes as well. I do prefer ones that are very small at the end.

I have three or four pair of these and they all are just a little different sizing. About the same, but not quite. Any pair will do, and then as you begin your tool collection you can look at sizing based on what your niche is.

If tools had jobs besides being tools, this one would be an acrobat! It is fun and versatile and it has a lot of tricks up its sleeve with its looping capabilities - can you say wire design? Tiny coiler? Hole widener? Tiny mandrel? Double looper? Yes, quite the acrobat.

Next up are the holey guys: the hole punch plier and the helicopter. Both fabulous. If you can get both, do!

You can find hole punching pliers with different functionalities. They even make one to punch square holes. I have three different pair of hole punching pliers and use them at least once a week. I have a standard, a square, and a long-reach.

The long-reach is my latest purchase and I don't know why I didn't get one sooner. It allows you to really get to the middle of some components to punch a much-needed hole.

Pliers are best for thinner metals. When you purchase, check the package for the thickness it will work on to avoid tool damage.

The helicopter punch does the work of the big boys and will punch a hole into thicker metal. These are not meant for steel, however. so be cautious and know your metals.

Crimping pliers are made to double-secure beads on a string using crimping beads or tubes. They are handy for any strung jewelry that will be fastened with a clasp, or to help connect pieces of a necklace or bracelet together.

Some earring designs also rely on the security of a crimp bead, secured with a good crimping plier.

My newest crimping plier accommodates two sizes of crimps, 1.5 mm and 2 mm, and has three insert areas, instead of just two. If you can find one as versatile, I would recommend it!

Every jewelry designer needs a good pair of cutters. "Good pair" may be defined by the hands of the holder, but I personally like a cutter that has a pointy end.

I do a lot of wire wrapping when making earrings, and for me, it is essential to really "get in there" to clip the wire to have a nice finish.

This is a tool that will see wear and tear. I have to replace mine frequently. If you want to work with memory wire do not use these for cutting memory wire. You will need a special wire cutter in order to preserve the cutting agility of your standard cutters.

I didn't take this advice when someone gave it to me and promptly ruined my good cutters in an afternoon. (So if you want to do memory wire, maybe you should add a #8: memory wire cutter.)

My husband said, "Hmm, chasing hammer. Now what's that for?" Guess the name could be a little scary if you think you're going to be chased!

But seriously, I have a ton of hammers for a variety of uses, but this one is the one I started with and didn't really add to it for a couple of years. It served me well.

They come in a curved head and a flat head. Make sure you get the curved one, as the flat one will mar what you are making beyond recovery. (You can see the rounded head is visible in the photo.)

What can I say? This is just a great, all purpose hammer.

Hammers and bench blocks go together like cookies and milk. It will save your table top, prevent bounce, and give allow your metal to be manipulated quickly.

Using a bench block when hammering can be very loud. Some designers also purchase a rubber block for underneath it, and some bench blocks come with a rubber pad built in. It isn't necessary, but it does keep the noise down some and provides some stability when hammering.

I tried to include the starting prices for every tool, but you may find some variations depending on where you shop or order from.

If you decide you are going to pursue this as a full-time hobby or business venture, you may want to look at higher end tools. I have not found it necessary, but some people do feel there is a benefit.

So there you have it - the 7 must-have tools for new jewelry designers.

If you are new to this, where are you headed in this journey? In jewelry-making I found my happy place! How about you?

A glimpse into my living room studio:

A jewelry designer/maker needs resources. I think most importantly, if you have a local bead shop, support it. They are the ones who stock unusual items, offer artisan beads and components, and give very personal service.

I have to drive an hour to mine, but so glad I do! They were invaluable as I was getting started, and I always find something unusual there!

My local bead shop offered artisan classes. I learned lampworking, cold connections, and how to work with metal clay. What classes can you take at your local bead shop? What inspires you?