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Repair jewelers are frequently called upon to solder close in to a set gemstone. Besides the normal dangers of heating a gem in these days of glass infills and other challenges it behooves a jeweler to keep a gemstone cool during soldering if at all possible. Remember Some 'Old-time' repair goldsmiths pride themselves on their speed using a mini-torch and they hold the set gem on a ring being sized in their fingers, going in very rapidly on the shank solder join with a pinpoint flame, so fast and hot that 'if your fingers get hot you were too slow'. While this method works with the right mini-torch and has a certain macho charm it does not fit every circumstance - and may lead to singed fingers..... (2002) Complete Story
The first questions to ask yourself when preparing a resume are: For whom is it intended? What do I want it to represent? Applying for a zoo keepers job you might put down your experience carrying llamas across the Andes but you would probably leave it out when apply for a position as a hair stylist. For galleries you should have information they will be interested in: previous exhibitions; articles on your work and so on that serve to establish you as a serious artist/craftsperson in their eyes.... (2002) Complete Story
Reticulation produces lovely textured surfaces that appear very 'natural' and can be controlled to produce specific patterns with practice. Used extensively by craft and art jewelers in the 1960's and early 70's in North America it lost fashionability in the 80's. It provides textured sheet metal that can be used as a component part of an object.... (1997) Complete Story
While it is clearly impossible to give a set of rules for each tool and procedure that goldsmiths use, this section gives some examples of the kinds of rules that may be helpful to review when using powered equipment. hand tools and processes have been left out, primarily because their dangers tend to be of the "don't put your hands in the way of things that might snap or slip" kind. Many specific hints associated with hand tools can be found in the procedures section.... (1997) Complete Story
After writing my recent safety book something unexpected happened. I had a number of calls from lawyers about safety issues. These guys were suing jewelry store owners in different places in the US. The litigation was on behalf of the store's goldsmiths, when working conditions, storage of chemicals and so on had injured them.... (2000) Complete Story
