Jewellery Making Tube

Jewellery making tubes are hollow cylindrical pieces of metal used in various jewellery designs. They are versatile components that can be used for creating connections, hinges, settings, spacers, and structural elements in pieces like necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings. They are generally available in round and square shapes.

The best materials for jewellery making tubes include sterling silver, gold (both 9ct and 18ct), brass and copper. Each material offers different properties, such as durability, colour, and ease of workability, making them suitable for different types of jewellery.

Choosing the right tube size depends on the design and function of the piece. For delicate designs, smaller diameter tubes (1-2mm) are ideal, while larger tubes (4mm and above) are better for structural components or bold, statement pieces. Consider the tube’s wall thickness for strength and durability.

Yes, jewellery making tubes can be used for ring designs. They can serve as bezel settings for stones or as decorative elements. Tubes deploy the strength and durability needed to withstand the daily wear and tear they encounter within ring designs.

Gold tubes offer several advantages, including a luxurious appearance, durability, and resistance to tarnishing. They add value and prestige to jewellery designs and are ideal for high-end, heirloom-quality pieces.

To solder jewellery tubes, clean the tube and the joining surfaces thoroughly. Apply flux to assist with solder flow, and use a soldering torch to heat the area evenly. Place the solder at the joint and allow it to flow, creating a strong bond. Use appropriate solder depending on the metal type (e.g., 9ct for 9ct tubes, 18ct for 18ct tubes).

We offer a diverse range of jewellery making tubes to fit every artisan's needs, including round tubes available in 9ct yellow gold, 9ct white gold, 18ct yellow gold, 18ct white gold, sterling silver, brass, and copper, as well as square tubes in sterling silver.

The best type for your project depends on the design and functionality. For classic elegance, our 9ct & 18ct gold tubes are perfect. If you're looking for malleability and a bright finish, sterling silver is ideal.

Brass and copper tubes are great for vintage-inspired pieces, while sterling silver square tubes offer a modern twist for contemporary designs. Our expert team is always on hand to advise on the best fit for your jewellery making supplies in Australia.

In the craft of jewellery making, tubes, particularly round tubes, are a fundamental element with multifaceted applications that extend far beyond mere decoration. These cylindrical components are masterfully transformed into functional technical parts such as hinges for lockets or clasps, ensuring that beauty meets practicality in every creation. Round tubes also lend themselves to becoming sleeves for movable parts, or even the core structure in articulated jewellery pieces, allowing for smooth movement and a sophisticated look.

Beyond their technical use, tubes are ingeniously manipulated by jewellers to craft custom settings for stones and gems. By cutting them into precise lengths, artisans can create bezels that are seamlessly soldered onto rings, pendants, and earrings, securing precious stones with elegance and strength. The versatility of tube allows it to be shaped, curved, and even flattened to complement the gem it encases, ensuring that each setting is as unique as the stone itself.

Additionally, tubes can be artistically cut down and integrated into designs as spacers, connectors, or as the main body of a piece that can be intricately engraved or textured. With the ability to be crafted into various lengths and thicknesses, tubes provide an essential base for jewellers to explore a breadth of creative possibilities, from the structural foundations to the delicate finishing touches of jewellery making.

Whether it's forming the backbone of a sophisticated necklace in Sydney or creating the delicate joints of a bracelet in Melbourne, tubes are indispensable to jewellers. These components underscore the harmony between form and function, making them a staple in the jewellery supplies across Australia and indispensable in the creation of bespoke, handcrafted jewels.

Jewellery making tubes primarily come in two shapes: round and square. These shapes are available in a wide variety of sizes and wall thicknesses, allowing for flexibility in design and application. Round tubes are versatile and commonly used for various designs, while square tubes offer a modern, structured aesthetic, perfect for contemporary jewellery pieces.

Yes, our sterling silver and gold tubes are perfect for custom engraving and personalisation. These materials are of high quality, ensuring a clean and precise finish for engraved patterns or text.

Our jewellery making tubes are designed to be a blank canvas for your creativity, whether you're in need of jewellery supplies in Brisbane, Perth, or any other part of Australia. For those looking for unique pieces, our tubes are an excellent starting point for creating custom, handcrafted jewellery.

To cut jewellery making tubes without damaging them, use a jeweller’s saw with a fine-tooth blade for precision. Alternatively, a tube-cutting jig can be used to ensure straight, clean cuts. Always support the tube properly to prevent deformation during cutting.

To polish and finish jewellery making tubes, start by smoothing any rough edges with a fine file. Then, use progressively finer sandpapers or polishing wheels to achieve a smooth finish. For a high shine, use polishing compounds like rouge.

Absolutely! Our jewellery making tubes are incredibly versatile and can be the foundation for a variety of jewellery pieces, including earrings and necklaces.

The round tubes are perfect for creating delicate charms or bold statement pieces, while the square sterling silver tubes add a modern geometric flair.

With our jewellery supplies, Melbourne crafters, Sydney artisans, and creators across Australia can elevate their jewellery designs to new heights.

Yes, sterling silver tubes are excellent for jewellery making. They offer a balance of durability, workability, and aesthetic appeal. Sterling silver is versatile, easy to solder, and has a bright finish that complements various designs.

The primary difference between round and square jewellery making tubes is their shape. Round tubes are more traditional and versatile, while square tubes offer a modern, structured look, making them ideal for contemporary designs. Square tubes provide flat surfaces that are easier to solder, set stones or use as a canvas for engraving or etching.

Custom shapes can be created by forming or manipulating the tubes with tools like mandrels, hammers, and pliers. You can also use techniques like annealing (heating the metal) to soften the tubes for more complex shaping. A jeweller's saw can also be utilised for intricate cuts and shapes. For more precise custom shapes, consider laser cutting or engraving.

After soldering, clean jewellery making tubes by quenching them in a pickle solution to remove oxidation. Rinse thoroughly and polish with a soft cloth or a polishing wheel to restore shine.

The most durable materials for jewellery making tubes include sterling silver, solid gold, brass and copper. These materials are resistant to wear, corrosion, and tarnishing, making them ideal for long-lasting jewellery.

You can buy jewellery tubes from various suppliers, including online retailers and specialized jewellery supply stores. However, Ore Metals stands out as the premier choice due to our superior quality and extensive range of options.

The best method for joining jewellery making tubes is soldering, which creates a strong, permanent bond. For a less permanent option, you can also use cold connections like rivets or screws, depending on the design.

Jewellery making tubes can be used as spacers, connectors, or even as the focal point in beaded jewellery. Thread the beads and tubes onto the wire or string, alternating them to create a balanced design. Ensure the tube’s internal diameter is large enough to accommodate the stringing material.

For bracelets, tubes with a wall thickness of 1mm to 1.5mm are generally best. This thickness provides durability while still being easy to work with during the forming process.

Yes, brass tubes are suitable for jewellery making. Brass is a durable, affordable metal that offers a warm, golden hue, making it an excellent choice for vintage-style and statement jewellery. It’s easy to work with and can be soldered, polished, and textured.

Yes, jewellery making tubes can be used to create necklace chains. Tubes can be cut into small segments and linked together or used as spacers between beads or other chain links. They add a sleek, modern element to necklace designs.

In wire wrapping, jewellery making tubes can be used as structural elements or decorative components. They can be threaded onto the wire and incorporated into the design, adding stability and interest. Tubes can also be wrapped with wire to create unique textures and patterns.

Common issues include:
Deformation: Tubes can deform if not supported properly during cutting or forming.
Tarnishing: Metals like copper and silver may tarnish over time.
Misalignment: Solder joints may misalign if not held securely during soldering.
Cracking: Thin-walled tubes may crack if overworked or not annealed properly.

Yes, jewellery making tubes can be resized by cutting them to the desired length. However, resizing the internal or external diameter is more challenging and typically requires specialised tools, such as a tube expander or reducer, to adjust the size without damaging the tube.

Best practices include:

Clean Surfaces: Ensure all surfaces are clean and free from oxidation.
Use Appropriate Flux: Apply flux to prevent oxidation and assist with solder flow during soldering.
Even Heating: Heat the entire area evenly

Jewellery making tubes can be incorporated into modern designs by using them to create clean lines, geometric shapes, and minimalist styles. Square tubes, in particular, are excellent for achieving a contemporary look. You can use tubes as structural elements, spacers, or focal points in necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Combining different metals, such as mixing silver and gold tubes, adds contrast and sophistication to modern pieces. Additionally, tubes can be used in layered designs, where varying lengths and diameters create depth and interest.

The best tool for cutting jewellery making tubes is a jeweller’s saw with a fine-tooth blade, which allows for precise, clean cuts without deforming the tube. A tube-cutting jig can also be used to hold the tube steady and ensure straight cuts.

To form jewellery making tubes into complex shapes, use tools like mandrels, forming pliers, and hammers. Heat the metal (annealing) to make it more pliable, allowing you to bend and shape the tubes without cracking or breaking. For intricate shapes, use specialised jigs or custom-made tools.

To measure the internal diameter of a jewellery making tube, use a calliper or a set of small drill bits that fit snugly inside the tube. The largest bit that fits will give you an accurate measurement of the internal diameter.

Liver of sulfur is a classic and effective way to create a beautiful patina on silver tubes. This chemical compound reacts with silver to produce a dark, antique-like finish.

The patina process can be especially beautiful when used in combination with stamped or embossed designs on your silver tubes. The darkened patina will settle into the recessed areas of the design, creating a striking contrast with the original silver colour. To further enhance this contrast, you can carefully buff the raised surfaces of the tube using a polishing cloth or wheel. This will remove some of the patina from the high points, highlighting the design details even more.

The best way to store jewellery making tubes is in a dry, airtight container to prevent tarnishing, especially for metals like silver and copper. Organise them by material and size, and keep them in a cool, dark place to avoid exposure to light and humidity.

Yes, jewellery making tubes can be used with gemstones. Tubes are often used as bezels or settings for small stones, where the stone is inserted into the tube, and the edges are pushed over the stone to secure it. Ensure the tube's diameter matches the stone's size for a snug fit.

The main difference between seamless and seamed jewellery making tubes lies in their construction:
Seamless Tubes: These are drawn from a solid piece of metal, resulting in a tube with no visible seam. Seamless tubes are generally stronger and more aesthetically pleasing because they don’t have a seam that might be visible or weak.
Seamed Tubes: These are made by rolling a flat strip of metal into a tube shape and then welding or soldering the edges together. While seamed tubes can be more affordable, the seam may be slightly visible and could be a potential weak point, especially under stress.

Setting a stone in a jewellery making tube typically involves a bezel or tube setting technique:
Choose a Tube: Select a tube with an internal diameter slightly larger than the stone.
Prepare the Tube: Cut the tube to the desired height, ensuring it's tall enough to hold the stone securely.
Create a Seat: Use a bur or drill bit to carve out a seat inside the tube where the stone will rest. The seat should be just deep enough for the stone to sit flush with or slightly below the top edge.
Set the Stone: Place the stone into the tube. Use a bezel pusher or burnisher to gently push the edges of the tube over the stone, securing it in place. Ensure the pressure is even around the stone to avoid damaging it.
Finish: Polish the setting to smooth any rough edges and enhance the finish.

The most popular shape for jewellery making tubes is the round tube. Round tubes are versatile and widely used in various designs, from classic to contemporary styles. They are commonly used in creating bezels, spacers, and structural elements in jewellery. Their smooth, cylindrical shape makes them ideal for numerous applications, including settings for stones, forming rings, and as components in necklaces and bracelets.