Jewellery Making Supplies

Jewellery making is an engaging and rewarding art form that allows you to create personal, meaningful pieces. With the right jewellery making supplies, you can explore various techniques and bring your designs to life, whether you're crafting at home or working towards a professional business. In this guide by Ore Metals, we’ll cover everything you need to know about buying supplies, starting projects at home, and understanding what it takes to be a successful jeweller.

Where to Buy Jewellery Making Supplies

Finding the Right Supplier

Finding a reliable source for your jewellery making supplies is essential, as it directly impacts the quality and longevity of your pieces. Choosing a supplier like Ore Metals, which offers certified precious metals and ethically sourced materials, can make a difference, especially if you're aiming to create pieces with lasting value. Quality materials not only enhance your work's durability but also improve its appearance and increase its potential resale value.

Types of Jewellery Making Supplies

Depending on your style and technique, you’ll need different supplies to complete your jewellery projects. Here’s a breakdown of the essential materials and tools:

• Beads: Beads come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, including glass, wood, gemstones, and metal. Beading is versatile, allowing you to create necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and other accessories.
• Wire: Wire is crucial in many jewellery-making techniques, particularly wire wrapping. It’s available in different materials like copper, silver, and gold, and a range of thicknesses to suit various design needs.
• Metal Sheets: Metal sheets are used for advanced techniques, such as metal stamping and smithing, where you can shape and mould metals into intricate designs. Metal sheets are a foundation for cut-out shapes, engravings, and embossed patterns.
• Casting Grain: Casting grain consists of small metal pellets or grains used in metal casting. These grains are melted down to create new, custom designs in metals like gold, silver, or platinum.
• Solder: Solder is used to join metal pieces together, a process crucial in silver and goldsmithing. It comes in different melting points and forms (hard, medium, and easy) to suit various stages of assembly.
• Chain: Pre-made chains, available in different styles and finishes, provide a base for necklaces, bracelets, and other designs. Chains add structure to your pieces and come in a variety of link patterns, such as cable, curb, and rope chains.
• Jewellery Findings: Findings include all the small components that complete your jewellery pieces, such as clasps, earring hooks, jump rings, earring backs and more. These elements are essential for functionality and provide the finishing touches to your designs.
• Strips: Strips come in various forms, including bezel wire, cloisonné strip, gallery wire, and embossed strip, and are essential for adding intricate details or securing stones. Bezel wire is ideal for setting stones, while cloisonné and gallery wire are decorative and add unique textures and patterns to your designs.
• Jewellery Tools: Essential tools include round-nose pliers, flush cutters, chain-nose pliers, and files. These tools enable you to manipulate materials, bend wire, cut metals, and create intricate designs with precision.
• Precious Metals: Precious metals, like silver, gold, and platinum, are classic choices for high-quality jewellery making. They are versatile and ideal for various projects, from casting and metal clay to wire wrapping and soldering.

Buying Jewellery Supplies Online

Shopping online for jewellery supplies has its perks. Suppliers like Ore Metals provide a wide range of supplies, including both beginner kits and advanced tools. By purchasing online, you can browse reviews, check product specifications, and have everything delivered to your door, saving time and effort. Look for trusted online retailers or buy directly from reputable suppliers like Ore Metals.

Local Stores and Craft Shops

If you prefer to see materials in person, visiting local craft stores or jewellery supply shops can be beneficial. You can examine materials closely, feel their weight, and assess their quality, which can be particularly helpful when selecting stones, beads, and wires.

Can Jewellery Making Be Profitable?

Jewellery making can certainly be profitable, with many professional jewellers starting from humble beginnings. However, like any business, it requires time, investment, and strategy to succeed. Let’s take a closer look at what it takes to turn jewellery making into a profitable business.

Steps to Building a Profitable Jewellery Business

1. Learn the Craft: Start by learning the basics of jewellery making. Wire wrapping, beading, and metal clay are beginner-friendly techniques that require fewer tools and materials.
2. Develop a Unique Style: A unique style or technique can set your work apart. Experiment with designs, colours, and materials until you find a style that represents you and appeals to customers.
3. Build Your Portfolio: Showcase your best work through a portfolio, which can be as simple as an Instagram account or an online gallery. A portfolio helps potential customers see your expertise and style.
4. Market Your Jewellery: Social media platforms, online marketplaces, and local craft fairs are great ways to reach customers. Use professional photos to highlight your pieces, and share the story behind your designs to connect with buyers.
5. Invest in Quality Supplies: Using high-quality supplies enhances your work’s durability and appeal, making it easier to justify higher price points. Ore Metals offers certified precious metals and ethically sourced materials, ensuring you can trust the quality of your supplies.

Pricing Your Jewellery for Profit

Pricing your jewellery can be challenging, as it needs to reflect both your material costs and the time invested. Consider the following when pricing your pieces:

• Material Costs: Calculate the cost of beads, metals, and other supplies for each piece.
• Labour: Estimate the time spent creating each piece, and assign a reasonable hourly rate.
• Overheads: Include any extra costs, such as packaging, marketing, and shipping.

By pricing strategically and managing your expenses, jewellery making can become a profitable endeavour, whether you pursue it as a part-time hobby or a full-time business.

How to Get Into Jewellery Making

Jewellery making is more accessible than ever, with a range of online resources, youtube tutorials, and affordable tools available. If you’re interested in exploring this craft, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to start.

Step 1: Choose a Jewellery-Making Technique

There are many types of jewellery-making techniques, from basic beading and wire wrapping to advanced metalwork and casting. Some beginner-friendly techniques include:

• Beading: Stringing beads together on a wire or thread to create necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
• Wire Wrapping: Wrapping wire around gemstones or beads to create intricate designs. This technique requires few tools, making it ideal for beginners.
• Metal Clay: A type of clay made from metal particles, which hardens when fired in a kiln, creating a solid metal piece. Metal clay allows for detailed designs without extensive metalworking skills.

Step 2: Gather Your Basic Supplies

Start with essential tools and materials, and consider a beginner kit that includes everything you need for a specific technique. For wire wrapping, for example, you’ll need wire, pliers, and cutters.

Step 3: Find Inspiration and Sketch Your Designs

Explore platforms like Pinterest or Instagram for inspiration, and create a sketch of your piece. A simple drawing helps you visualise the final product and plan out materials. If you’re new to design, start with straightforward pieces, then gradually introduce more complexity as you gain confidence.

Step 4: Set Up a Dedicated Workspace

Having a designated space for jewellery making improves productivity and keeps your supplies organised. Ensure your workspace is well-lit, ventilated, and free of distractions. Safety is also important, so wear goggles and use a face mask if you’re working with materials that produce dust or fumes.

Step 5: Start with Simple Projects

Start with a basic project that doesn’t require specialised equipment, like wire-wrapped rings or beaded bracelets. Simple projects allow you to build skills and become comfortable with your tools before advancing to more complex techniques.

How to Start Making Jewellery at Home

Creating jewellery at home is rewarding, and with a few simple tools, you can start small projects on your kitchen table. Here’s how to get started with jewellery making from the comfort of your home.

Setting Up Your Home Workspace

A dedicated workspace is crucial, even if it’s just a corner of your living room. Make sure the area is clean, well-lit, and comfortable. As you expand your skills, you may want to invest in a sturdy workbench and additional storage for supplies.

Essential Tools for Home Jewellery Making

Starting out at home doesn’t require an extensive toolkit. Basic tools like pliers, wire cutters, and beading needles will suffice for beginners. If you plan to explore soldering or casting in the future, you can invest in a soldering torch, kiln, or casting equipment.

Selecting Materials for Home Projects

For beginners, focus on affordable materials, like copper or brass wire, to practice techniques. As you gain experience, you can invest in higher-end materials, such as sterling silver or gold wire, gemstones, or pearls.

Practising Techniques

There are countless resources for learning jewellery techniques, including video tutorials and beginner guides on youtube. Practicing wire wrapping, beading, and metalwork builds foundational skills and helps you find a technique you enjoy.

FAQs About Jewellery Supplies

What Supplies Do I Need to Start Jewellery Making?

To start jewellery making, you’ll need basic tools like round-nose pliers, cutters, and beading needles. Depending on the technique, you may also need materials such as beads, wires, and metal sheets. For metalwork, a jeweller’s saw and soldering equipment are essential.

How Much Does It Cost to Start Jewellery Making?

The initial cost of jewellery making depends on the technique. Beading and wire wrapping require fewer tools and can start as low as $50. Advanced techniques like metal casting require equipment, such as moulds, crucibles, safety equipment and more, which can increase start-up costs.

Where Can I Find Quality Jewellery Supplies?

Quality is essential in jewellery making. Ore Metals offers a range of certified precious metals, ethically sourced stones, and tools to support your creative projects. You can also find supplies in local craft stores or online.

What Types of Metal Are Best for Jewellery Making?

Popular metals include sterling silver, gold, and copper. Sterling silver is affordable and easy to work with, while gold adds luxury and durability. Copper is budget-friendly and great for practicing techniques.

Is Jewellery Making Safe to Do at Home?

Yes, jewellery making can be safe at home if you take precautions. Work in a well-ventilated area, wear safety goggles, and avoid loose clothing around machinery. If you use torches or chemicals, follow safety guidelines to prevent accidents.

FAQs About Ore Metals

What Types of Metals Does Ore Metals Offer?

Ore Metals provides a wide selection of certified precious metals, including recycled Australian metals. We specialise in materials that support sustainable and ethical practices, ideal for creating high-quality jewellery.

Does Ore Metals Offer Supplies for Beginners?

Yes, Ore Metals offers beginner-friendly kits and essential tools for techniques like wire wrapping, beading, and basic soldering. These kits are perfect for those just starting out and looking to build their skills.

Are Ore Metals’ Supplies Ethically Sourced?

Absolutely. Ore Metals is committed to ethical sourcing and quality assurance. Our materials support sustainable practices, giving you peace of mind when creating jewellery pieces.

Can I Buy Jewellery Making Supplies Online from Ore Metals?

Yes, Ore Metals has an online store where you can browse and purchase all your jewellery-making essentials, from metals to tools and equipment, making it easy to shop from the comfort of your home.

Starting jewellery making is an exciting journey, and with the right supplies and resources, you can bring your creative visions to life. Ore Metals is here to support you with quality materials and guidance, whether you’re exploring jewellery making as a hobby or a profession.