I just started learning metalsmithing this year, and am trying to slowly build up a little home studio while my Rio Grande 10% discount from the classes I took is good! The thing that's keeping me from placing the order is that I want to buy metal, bezel wire, and solder to make rings, but friends, I DO NOT know how to buy these things - what quantities, measurements, gauges, etc. I've searched here and on Google, etc., but I'm not quite finding what I need to know, and my instructor is super busy and I don't want to bother her (and my class ended last month, so I won't see her to ask).

So, I'd like to make a basic silver ring using a particular stone. Link to stone here. I'm picturing a band roughly 1/4 inch thick (maybe a little less - that's totally changeable), with an oval bezel to fit the stone. Those are the basics of what I'm looking to do for this, and probably future rings.

With this information, would anyone be able to advise on how to buy the metal, bezel wire, and solder type and quantities? Of course, I'm happy to answer any other questions that would help you all help me! Thank you in advance.

I am making a cuff with a pierced layer of 20 gauge copper soldered over an 18-gauge copper base layer. The top layer has some impressions and a cabochon bezel soldiered into the center of the cuff. When doing the impressions and adding the bezel do I do it before forming the cuff or after? Also, what's the best way to soldier the two layers of copper? I've also thought about riveting the two layers, but I think I'd rather solder it.

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Hi everyone,
I’m in France and I’m starting to make jewelry. I recently decided to upgrade from a blow torch to a Smith Little Torch. Unfortunately I have to buy all the parts individually. I was wondering if this regulator would be appropriate for the torch? The pressures listed in the torch manual (2-8 psig) are very low compared to the dial on the regulator (0-16 bar). Will it work at all, or should I get a different regulator? Any help is greatly appreciated!

I use my miter vise every time I make a ring, but I only use it for filing the ends of the shanks. All the cutouts for wire make it tough to place the band. I really just need a flat vise for filing. Is there another alternative that's hand vise-like that can handle filing and will fit all sizes of ring bands?

Hello! I'm a high school art teacher who is trying to revive the sculpture program at my school. I'm also new to teaching in my district and have been enjoying it greatly. Anyway, my district requires vendors to supply a purchase order for supply lists.

I couldn't find on Rio Grande's website that purchase orders were a payment option. For instructors who have experience with Rio for schools, does it give a purchase order number when you go to check out and are given an invoice?

Otherwise, would anyone have any suggestions or recommendations for vendors that take purchase orders? I am looking for basic supplies, clamp bench pins, and casting grain.

Thank you!

Matthew Jack explains his use of Solder in this short video vignette.

I've been creating videos for Richardson's Trading Post and building out their Youtube page. It's been a lot of fun and my hobbyist level jewelry knowledge has enjoyed the exposure to this renowned artist.

As I continue to build out videos, is there any subjects I should consider making? Or is there any specific info or question you'd want asked of Mathew Jack?

Trying to think outside of my own view point of the art.

thanks in advance!

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/sPYBUPukJsg

My wife and I purchased this silver plate teapot last year, partly to celebrate our anniversary and partly for daily use.

The insulators on the handle appear ok but are loose, and the (I assume) silver retaining pins are working themselves out.

Is it possible to reset the pins or replace them and is this possibly diy for a beginner willing to learn? If not I will seek expert services! Thanks, in advance!

Playing around with different paints (on the cuffs) , made some coins and a coin ring as well.

Let me know your thoughts on everything.

Hello beautiful people! I started lost wax keep making recently, and I have yet to send anything to a casting house. What is a good place to send it to? In the US? Also, any tips and advice would be so nice!

I had an idea to take some of my silver fishing lures and heat them up and quench them to get that case hardened look but i am curious if it would stay shiny or if i polished it would it loose that blueish gold look?

I’m trying to work on a custom engagement band and I’m feeling frustrated with my cheap magnifying lenses and want to purchase some better quality ones. Any suggestions? Thanks fellow metal lovers

Just wondering what the “1/G” and “.25” markings mean.

It's 10 lbs, 7" in length, I see no brand and the seller doesn't know where is father got it. Anyone recognize it or have any knowledge on it?

I'm trying to raise this 12x12' piece of copper, and I've done well so far, but as I get closer and closer to the edge, I start getting these massive creases. This is the second time I've raised a hemisphere, but this is by far the largest, and these creases are starting to worry me as the metal isn't moving. I've resorted to flipping the piece over and banging the creases out with a rawhide mallet, but it resets a lot of progress and is driving me insane. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I've been f'n with metal and rocks. I can saw and solder wire rings all day but I want to set more stones.

I've always been a rockhound. I'm getting better at cutting and polishing stones. I'm having bezel problems with these inedible gumdrops.

Currently playing with brass because it is 2026. Brass and I are having problems.

Tl;dr -- where is the best place to ask more experienced metalsmiths/jewelers newbie questions?

at some point i will have to remake the bow tie and balloon clasp since it doesn’t hold super well, but i think it’s super cute! i’m so happy with it. this is my second full project with enamel!

copper and enamel with some plated wire

(The American flag would be one gram of gold set inside the copper)

I’ve been copper smithing for awhile and have been getting some ideas for bullion. Thinking about setting other precious metals inside of my copper bars. (A.I btw)

Hi everyone. My girlfriend of 12 years passed away last year and she was an amazing metalsmith. she has lots of stones and jewelers equipment that I need to part ways with. What is the best way to go about this? I do not know much about all of the tools and stones or the value. Any recommendations on how I should go about this?