Q: I am new to making jewellery, what tools will I need to start?
A: This depends on the type of jewellery that you want to make. For example, the tools that you will
need for creating beaded projects will be very different from tools needed to do silverwork. Have a look
at our projects to see the area that you are interested in and see the recommended tools used for the
project to get an idea of the items you might need.
Q: I want to order a ring, but how do I measure my ring size?
A: It is important that you measure your ring size accurately - we sell ring gauges which you can
use to determine you or your customer’s ring size. Be aware of the temperature of your hands when
measuring your finger size if your fingers are cold they will be at their smallest. Take the knuckle into
consideration when sizing, as the base of your finger may be smaller then your knuckle. If you are using a
plastic fan ring gauge make sure that you are not distorting the shape when you slip it onto your finger as
this will give you an incorrect size, but also remember that you do not want the ring to be too loose. If you
are uncertain of your ring size we can send you a free ring sizer so you can determine which size to order.
Alternatively most jewellery stores will be happy to measure your ring size free of charge.
Q: I want to set some rings to sell at craft fairs but don’t know what size to order - what is
an average size?
A: As a guideline M, N, O, P are fairly average sizes. Although if you are making a ring for a specific person, we would always recommend accurately measuring their ring size to avoid disappointment.
Q: Can I solder Sterling Silver with a soldering iron?
A: No, this will not be suitable for soldering Sterling Silver. You will need to use a gas torch to achieve
the correct temperature.
Q: Can I solder plated findings?
A: Plated items are not suitable for soldering. The plating would be damaged by the heat and it is likely that the base metal would not get hot enough to solder, so definitely not advised!
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Q: What solder should I use? - extra easy, easy, medium or hard?
A: This depends on how many times you are going to solder the item you are making. Each of the grades of solder flow at a different temperature allowing multiple solders to be carried out on one piece of
work. The hard solder flows at the highest temperature, so would be used first and the medium, easy and
extra easy would flow at a decreasing temperatures accordingly. We would not recommend more than
2 solder joins with each grade on one piece.
Q: Why should I use solder paste?
A: You can use either solder strips or solder paste to solder Sterling Silver but the solder paste is much easier to use as you do not need to use separate flux. We would recommend keeping it in an airtight
bag when not in use and keeping the cap on to prevent it drying out. The solder strips have a longer shelf life.
Q: How do I use the Borax Cone and dish?
A: Grind the borax cone in the dish and mix with water to achieve a creamy paste. This can be
used with all solder and will make the solder flow. You can put your solder pallions into the paste and then
put the coated solder onto the item for soldering using the brush.
Q: Do I need both Argotect and Tenacity Flux to do my soldering?
A: You will only need to choose one or the other as they are both fluxes. The advantage of Argotect is that it is usable with all grades of solder and helps to protect against fire stain (oxides raised in the metal
when soldering). Both are used by mixing to a single cream consistency but Tenacity flux can only be
used with the higher temperature fluxes i.e.: medium and hard.
Q: What is Mokume Gane?
A: Mokume Gane was first made in Japan and is a mixed metal laminate which has been worked
to reveal distinctive layered patterns. This is a really interesting metal to use for jewellery making and you
can get some amazing effects using it.
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