Making jewelry is a hobby that’s great for your brain and can be good for your wallet, too. Before you get started, though, you’ll need to stock up on a few basic tools and supplies. Whether you plan on making necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings or a little bit of everything, having the right equipment makes the process easier and enables you to create beautiful, high-quality pieces.

When you start shopping for supplies, it can all seem a bit overwhelming. There are all sorts of different tools, and figuring out which ones you really need to get started can be tricky. Before you spend a small fortune on tools and supplies that you may or may not keep, read this blog to discover some of the essential tools every jewelry maker needs.

Flat Nose Pliers

If you can only afford one quality piece of jewelry-making equipment, make it a good pair of flat nose pliers. Regardless of what type of jewelry you make, you will use this tool frequently for tasks like opening and closing jump rings, finishing the ends in wire-wrapped pieces and more. Look for a pair with ergonomic handles to ensure your comfort while using them.

Wire Cutters

A decent pair of wire cutters is a solid investment, too, especially if you plan on making wire-wrapped jewelry. This tool can also be used for cutting chains, headpins and eye pins, too. If you are able, pick up a quality pair instead of buying the cheapest you can find. Cheap cutters tend to wear out quickly, and they could end up costing you more in the long run if you need to replace them frequently. Save yourself money and frustration by buying the best pair you can afford.

Round Nose Pliers

Round nose pliers are used for making loops out of wire. They can also be used to attach clasps and open and close jump rings. This tool is a must-have for making wire-wrapped jewelry, too, because they enable you to make all of those beautiful loops and swirls that likely made you want to start wire wrapping jewelry in the first place.

Nylon Tipped Pliers

Nylon tipped pliers are extremely useful if you want to avoid scratching your pieces. They allow you to get a tight grip without damaging the metal. If you are dealing with kinked wire, you can also use nylon tipped pliers to remove the kinks. This tool is great when you are working with gemstone beads, too, because it can prevent you from scratching or otherwise damaging them.

Flush Cutters

Flush cutters are perfect for making wire-wrapped jewelry. They work just like wire cutters, but they don’t leave any loose ends. This is great when you are trying to keep things neat and tidy and minimize waste. Keep in mind, though, that there are limits to how thick of a piece of wire each pair can cut. Be sure not to go over the specified gauge unless you want to ruin your cutters.

Bead Organizer

If you plan on using beads in your creations, you will need a way to keep them organized. Trust us–few things are more frustrating to jewelry makers than having to sift through thousands of beads to find the one they need. Look for an organizer that is divided into separate sections that will stay separate, even if the case gets knocked over. This is especially important if you are working with tiny beads that can easily get mixed up.

Creativity

While it isn’t a physical “tool,” your creativity is the most important tool in your jewelry-making collection. Whether you are designing pieces for yourself or you would like to start your own business selling handmade jewelry, you need to create pieces that are unique and appealing. Copying someone else’s design is never a smart idea, and doing so could land you in a lot of legal hot water. If you want to be successful as a jewelry maker, you need to have a creative imagination and willingness to let it run wild.

Conclusion

When you are first getting started, all of the available jewelry-making tools can seem a bit overwhelming. Keep in mind, though, that many tools have specialized purposes and aren’t necessarily “must-have” tools for general jewelry-making. If you pick up the tools listed above–along with some beads and other jewelry supplies, of course–you’ll be able to start making all sorts of beautiful creations.
November 30, 2019 — Arun Yadav

Arun Yadav

Arun Yadav is a distinguished expert in the gemstone industry, with over 18 years of experience honed through his family's legacy in sourcing and manufacturing beads. As the CEO of Beads Of Cambay, Arun combines his deep knowledge of the bead market with innovative strategies to lead the company to new heights. Arun's background includes previous roles at UPS and a BA in Business and Economics from Stony Brook University, equipping him with a robust skill set in E-Commerce, B2B sales, online marketing, brand development, and more. 

Based in Lawrenceville, Arun is a prolific writer and thought leader, sharing his insights and experiences through engaging content that resonates with both industry professionals and consumers. His work not only sets new standards in the gemstone market but also inspires excellence and innovation.

To learn more about Arun Yadav's expertise and stay updated on his latest contributions to the gemstone market, connect with him on LinkedIn, and Facebook. His innovative approach and dedication make him a pivotal figure in the ongoing evolution of the bead and gemstone industry.

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