How to Choose Jewelry-Making Tools

Perplexed by pliers and flustered by flush cutters? Jewelry-making tools serve specific functions.

Step 1: Bend with plier Determine whether your jewelry-making will involve bending. Round-nose pliers are used to bend curves and make loops and chain-nose pliers form right angles. Choose pliers with thin tips.
Step 2: Add wire cutters Add wire cutters if you will be working with metal wire. Flush cutters are precise wire cutters designed specifically for jewelry work.
TIP: Buy pliers and wire cutters with rubber handles for comfort.
Step 3: Include a ruler Include a ruler to measure wire. Your ruler should be metal with markings in both American and metric units.
Step 4: Look for tweezers with a scoop Find a pair of tweezers with a bead scoop on one end. Tweezers can be used to tie knots in silk cords or to scoop and organize beads and gems.
Step 5: Keep an eye out for cylinders Keep an eye out for various sized cylinders, from pencils to copper tubing, to do your wire wraps.
Step 6: Purchase an engraver Purchase an engraver to personalize the jewelry you make with inscriptions.
FACT: According to a 2006 survey, there are more than 52,000 jewelers and precious stone and metal workers in the United States.