Everyday household items that can be used in Jewellery Making

The ubiquitous slow cooker is likely to be found in more metals studios than in kitchens. It’s a perfect example of a purpose-specific device being used in a different environment for a different reason. (A family cooks a meal in one and a jeweller uses it to heat pickle for cleaning metal). I use many such repurposed objects and tools in my studio. I’ve found that when you shop outside the box, you avoid the word jewellers in front of an item’s name, and that usually means it is less expensive. For example, think of the price tag for a generic slow cooker versus a fictitious Jeweller Pro 3000 deflux deluxe.

                I’ve always enjoyed lost wax casting but when I started hunting for a steam dewaxer, I found that commercial units cost upwards of £300. While shopping for unrelated items I found an electric deep fryer on sale for £30. All that was required was to use a pair of hand shears to trim the steel fryer basket and I had a low-tech steam de-waxer. The upside-down basket can support three 10.2 x 7.6cm flasks and does a terrific job melting most waxes.

                Hardware shops are treasure troves. Rather than buying expensive tool steel to make your own punches, stamps and chasing tools, just get some large flat nails, like those used for masonry. They’re designed to be driven into a concrete block and are very tough. And, enamellists, you can use a mason’s trowel to lift hot pieces from your kiln.

                When I need good quality straight, round files for fractional diameters, I buy chainsaw sharpening files. They’re sturdy and inexpensive, and there’s now waiting for the delivery to arrive.

                Lacking a personal ring mandrel while still at university, I found a substitute in the form of a tapered centre punch. The larger end is equal to a size V ring. It still sees service as a jump ring mandrel all these years later.

                I struggle for years cutting steel cable with mixed results until I bicycle cable cutters online from a bike supply company. What a difference; no more frayed ends! These cutters don’t care if you’re cutting jeweller’s stainless steel or a brake cable; they’re up to the task.

                Has the striker for lighting your torch stopped working? The pound shop beckons with butane barbeque lighters in designer colours. When the gas is empty you can carefully pry open the lighter like an oyster to yield a piezo crystal. This crystal is enclosed in a little plastic unit with a push button at one end and a wire sticking out of the other. Press the button and a good sized spark of electricity will jump off the wire.

                I hope these tips come in handy whilst making your Handmade Jewellery.