Fine Jewelry Tools & Workbench - For Beginners! | How-To | HD

THESE DAYS I MAKE STAINED GLASS! Come check out what I'm up to over on my Etsy & Instagram!
www.etsy.com/shop/birchglass
/ birchglass
- A jeweler in training & Twitch TV live streamer & partner, sharing what I love and what I learn! -
Welcome! Here is my list of beginner jewelers tools! The bits and pieces you need to start creating silver, gold, base metal and even platinum jewelry! If you enjoyed the video and perhaps found it useful, don't forget to hit that thumbs up & subscribe button!
THE TOOLS YOU'LL NEED...
University Student Set | goo.gl/LtfVF8
Includes - Tool box, steel hammer, mallet, shears, ruler, pliers set, bench pin, soldering block, sawframe, vernier gauge, tweezers, reverse-action tweezers, half round and flat files, parallel pliers, needle files, iron binding wire, dividers, center punch, borax (flux), scriber, honeycomb board, side cutters.
Buff Sticks | goo.gl/FVxff9
Hand Torch | goo.gl/dyxzLL
Mandrel Set | goo.gl/7j4Ksw
Marked Ring Mandrel | goo.gl/wTsQq1
Tripoli Polish | goo.gl/8IqDNq
Sanding Pads | goo.gl/hseknv
Steel Block | goo.gl/SP0V0r
Hard Solder | goo.gl/86EqRa
Ring Clamp | goo.gl/yGDmoL
Pickle | goo.gl/Ssfh2r
YOU CAN ALSO BUY ALL YOUR WIRE, SHEET AND FINDINGS FROM THIS WEBSITE.
If you have any questions... feel free to ask away! I'd love to help.
I am by no means a professional jeweler and am still learning myself, any kind suggestions are welcome!
Thanks so much for watching!

[@lindajanke6194]

Love your enthusiasm! I am 74 and want to learn basic jewelry making. I love designing my own pieces and would love to execute some of my own designs rather than taking them to a goldsmith to finish. I do lots of other craft work and beading and have many of the tools you mentioned already.

[@gisella1350]

Thank you so much, No one else that I have seen has explained the A's to Z's when it comes to tools like you. I am just starting out after retiring from the work force. Always listen to the young ones, they are smart, ( not always, some of them choose to be non starters ).

[@BirchGlass]

I'm so glad you found it helpful! Thank you so much for watching! 🥰

[@fungirl809]

Just found you. Im a beginner and i need all the education i can get. i love metal jewelry and ive bought everything but the kitchen sink thinking i needed all this stuff over a period o 3 years. Now im like now what. 😅Thank you.

[@BirchGlass]

Omg it's a bit overwhelming at first right?! I hope you absolutely LOVE making jewellery! 😍 Thank you so much for watching!! There's great Facebook groups with lots of helpful people around too, if ever you need help I'm sure they'd be great too! I haven't done jewellery in a while now but I'd be happy to help if I can 🥰

[@fungirl809]

@@BirchGlass thank you

[@debraphillips8921]

Absolutely phenomenally educational and you have done an amazing job exactly what I was looking for in the information of the basics. Thank you for your sharing and enthusiasm

[@BirchGlass]

Thank you so much for your extremely kind comment!! I'm so glad it was helpful for you! All the best on your jewellery adventure :D

[@sunshinem3958]

Love your accent! Thank u for all the info

[@TigerBlastXL]

I'm never even gonna need any of this information, but I just can't turn of the video... You're born to do this!

[@tantaluss68]

Holy god is that nice bench

[@CthePrez]

Thank you for making this. My father was a silversmith and never taught me his trade, however I've inherited his tools and have always been interested. Watching this has helped me understand what everything is and its general purpose.

[@BirchGlass]

Thank you so much for your comment! I'm so so glad it could help you 😁 Best of luck!

[@saltymemesmith]

How's it going?

[@jameswambugu5527]

What a beautiful teacher, very informative.

[@jameswambugu5527]

Very organized.

[@sofalvarez1366]

Thank you so very much for this, you are very knowledgeable, very articulate and to the point! I was born into and grew up in a family of jewelers and learned everything about this beautiful art and business at a young age, but after high school I decided to do my own thing. Now at 48 and after watching this video I'm reminded and inspired to start this lovely trade even if just as a hubby. thank you kindly for your time and inspiration .

[@BirchGlass]

This is the sweetest comment ever thank you so very much, it really means a lot and I appreciate your time to not only watch, but to comment something so kind! 😁 That's so great you're inspired to pick it up! I'm sure you'll do great things, if you haven't already take a look at Pinterest also for jewellery making tips and designs, it's helped inspire me sooo much! All the best.

[@Isaj2407]

Pleas make more Videos thats fantastic!!

[@EditorThunderBay]

Beautifully done !

[@rjsgoldpoint5621]

Thank you so much for new helping

[@stalehansen3302]

we need more "how too" vids! i am a maker my self, and i love to watch you do your thing! nice setup btw! quite simmelar to mine actually :D we need mooore! :D

[@EmmaMorgan09]

I can’t recommend a dremel enough! I use mine for all sorts of things including filing the dogs’ nails!! If you’re into craft or DIY a Dremel is a MUST! X

[@MikaelKjell]

First of all, you're totally adorable😃 That sparkling personality makes me happy inside😃👌 Thank you for this video. I make jewelry of wood, and sometimes forge iron jewelry. But now I want to try silver, and your video is the first one of SO many actually making my mind set on this😊 I will follow you and learn👌👍 Once again, thank you🙏🙏🙏🌿

[@BirchGlass]

Mikael Kjell Thank you so very much that's really sweet of you!! I'm glad you enjoyed the video! :) If you want any help or want to see the jewelry made live, I live stream on Twitch TV every other day from 5pm GMT including today, that can be a great opportunity to ask questions! Take care! x

[@notyou119]

I've been faceting gemstones for many years. Love your videos. I'm learning to cast rings with silver and gold.

[@BirchGlass]

That's awesome! Such a talent, you must have a great eye. Thank you so much, all the best with learning how to cast! There's a lot of Jewellery facebook groups where people can recommend places/equipment etc for such things, those groups are fab!

[@Ranuwi]

Your way of explanation is adorable. I love to start one. Thanks

[@BirchGlass]

Thank you so much! Best of luck!

[@xXHinataXx0105]

Love this video! Please do more of them! :)

[@ldavis5734]

Thank you,This was very helpful..I love the work bench.

[@BirchGlass]

You're very welcome! :D Thank you!!

[@sharonwaller6716]

Great video thanks I'm getting al, my tools together I've been makjng wirework jewellery and seaglass for a few years. But not had much time lately. I've signed up to silversmithing classes and can't wait to learn to solder and casting. Thanks that bench is amazing I'm going to make one

[@xxpinayheartsxx]

Yaaay!!! You look SoO Cute with your overalls! Your video is very informative and great! Thanks for sharing with us your tools and workspace Aimee! 😘❤

[@Dharlanna]

Your finishing compound looks like Menzerna SF. Really good stuff.

[@vin17flores72]

enjoyed your clip. Very informative and well presented. Thanks.

[@rollingstone2832]

Loved your all those equipment😍😍😍

[@spapepow6251]

Thanks I am gonna start with custom jewelry design

[@nknayakmedia2170]

Nice video, thank you so much.

[@CreativeGalina]

Love it !!! so awesome to see working space or artist

[@artphillips1113]

Great video, thanks for all the information.

[@TheCerberus86]

Awesome set up! Very informative. I've been wanting to know what tools I should start buying for starting my workshop. Now I just need to watch some of your tutorials!

[@BirchGlass]

Thank you so much I'm glad you liked it and that it was helpful! :D If you need a hand at all you're very welcome to contact me through any of my social media profiles!

[@amccaffrey1443]

Great video! So thorough and informative! Quite helpful!! I wondered where you got your actual work bench? Or did you make it? Thank you for this great video.

[@BirchGlass]

Thank you so much!! A friend made the bench, sorry I can't be of more help!

[@MrAde1b]

Very nice informative video, good job

[@austinvickymoore3656]

great video! just starting to Get into jewelry and I'm kinda excited to make my wife a necklace thanks for the help will be watching on twitch!!!

[@stevengordon9365]

Loving your work!!!!

[@Michaelebills]

I watched this video and can not believe that people gave her thumbs down... WTF, she has a very well put together video!

[@MrHaider1983]

Thank you very much beautiful diamond

[@rizwan25128]

I'm also gold jewellery maker I like your work

[@TheDistur]

Good intro video! You know your stuff. Subscribed! Also I like how y'all say solder.

[@zoelouise6208]

Way to go chick 100% loved it and definitely think im gonna give it ago.

[@haiderbubber5479]

It is so helpful .

[@delcopeland]

Really informative video! Fit a lot into a short space of time! No BS! :)

[@BirchGlass]

Thank you very much! :D

[@philcris69]

Daaaamn, that video takes me far back

[@glennbuchanan1944]

I'm just starting out and came across your video..your beautiful with such a happy disposition and that cute accent..you make me smile,

[@jazmyneharley1854]

You're the best. Hope the site ships to u.s

[@flyingcheff]

Dear happy fabulous jeweler, how is it possible that you have that many amazing tools, THAT big a bench (wow!) and don't have a "proper" torch? I am going to keep my eye on you, lots of energy and I can't wait to learn!

[@recur9245]

The bench probably set her back so couldn't afford a good torch xD yet :)

[@fbrodeur44]

i saw the video of the making of the saphir cocktail ring, you have talent let me say, youl'd like to see more of your working, more complete video, keep the video turning while you are working, ... again, as a jeweler myself, i need to say that you are talented

[@knottreel]

Great information here and clearly presented. The thing I like most about your videos is you get to the point without adding a lot of B.S.

[@ranndyblackstone3025]

I need one like that

[@BladeRunner.43]

You can get a small dremel at harbor freight or home depot for 20 bucks might not be the best motor but its a start.

[@samijo3135]

Go Aimee!! England's answer to Tiffany's lol xxx

[@TheRaven-WingGaming]

Appreciate the assistance and actually going over small things like why you don't want Steel in the pickle compound, and the exact purpose of the large cutout in a Jeweler's Bench. I was actually going to go for a metal standard work events that you would find in a garage with a pegboard where I would hang up my tools, because I didn't understand why a bench like that was needed. Now that I've actually seen how it functions, I understand a bit more now. I also Now understand that I don't exactly need a borax cone to get flux, I can just get pre-made flux. Thank you for that. I do have a question though in regards to the table, where did you get yours from? Also how much did it cost you? And the reason why I'm asking is because I'm looking to order one myself for a space I'm actually cleaning out so I can start doing this kind of thing at home with no issues, but every single one I seem to find on Amazon or Ebay is easily over $600 to $700...

[@mahk4374]

Your hair is stunning 😍

[@squeakyweasel]

Hey, thanks Aimee, that's most Inspiring & Informative! - Would you mind, what are the dimensions of your work bench including the semi circle cut out for peg etc. shown in this video. Kind Regards, John x

[@echeveria1229]

I picked up a Foredom today after years of pining for one. In class I never used any dust or particle collector's like the manual suggests. Do you have anything you use when you're drilling and polishing?

[@desiree8687]

thanks for the video. how do you maintain beautiful nails. I'm a very new metalsmith, and my nails were the first casualty of this new endeavor.

[@travismcgee9333]

if you are going to work with other metals and need to make them soft to shape you'll need a gas and air torch. Most use Acetaline and just ambient air. The tool you are talking about at the end of the video is called a caliper

[@Linstantdescopeaux]

Very interesting ! I will try to make some wooden jeweltry very soon ! Nice lives on Twitch, I'm glad to have discovered you ! :)

[@BirchGlass]

Merci boucoup! :D I've just had a look at your channel, very impressive work! :D

[@Linstantdescopeaux]

Hihi, thank's ! My channel is all in French. I work to put english subtitles on my vidéos but it's a very looooooong job ! ^^

[@marcusmello69]

awesome video! please, post beginners jewellery making videos!!! thanks!

[@foprob]

You are adorable. Thanks for your help and your time.

[@stevenstandley1241]

Oh my! I just found this video and I am in love. I could listen and watch Aimee all day. Be still my heart. Now what were you talking about again? ;)

[@KotoriOnWheels]

You are a doll! Thank you for this invaluable beginner's advice! Did you make or have someone make your bench or did you buy it? Can you suggest a place for bench buying?

[@BirchGlass]

You're very welcome I'm glad it helped! :D It was made by a friend yes! I'm not sure where you are based but CooksonGold have some brilliant starter benches and I believe they ship all over Europe if that helps! All the best.

[@virtualhermit]

Amazing! ;)

[@michaelsavage7921]

Hello Great video,just to say you can replace most of you tools now with Dremel. fileing< cutting ,shaping. Saves loads of time. Kind Regards Michael

[@BirchGlass]

Michael Savage Hi Michael! Thanks very much for the comment! The burs, wheel attachments etc in the video I use with my Foredom SR quick release with a foot pedal, I agree it takes a lot of time out of those processes! :) Aimee

[@ayamempress1579]

Hey great video, very helpful for me and very clear. Which uni did you go to to learn about fine jewellery making?

[@BirchGlass]

Thank you very much! 😁 I went to Birmingham City University, the school of jewellery!

[@cdt5775]

Absolutely Amazing!!!!! Thank you so much. Is that silver round piece finished? That looked Awesome !

[@BirchGlass]

Thanks so much! :-) It is now yes I even had a small diamond set into it, turned out really shiny and awesome! Thanks so much for watching!

[@BeckyStern]

Great video, thanks for sharing! Subscribed. =D

[@BirchGlass]

Becky Stern Thank you so much! :D

[@mitchknowsmoney2884]

Simply stunning inhad to watch it twice cause I couldn't hear a thing the first time

[@Ld-1986]

Great

[@caliaga33177]

Adorable creature!

[@melie-jadedion6351]

What about the flux liquid ? Where do you get that ? And thanks alot for this video! It's very helpfull as I can't seem to find any sort of ring making/ materiel needed on the internet !

[@CarolynPorterrileyport]

I was looking for negative monogram earring how to and having no luck , for my project for jewelry class at Penn Forster i desperately need a tutorial for it

[@soniasbox959]

That smile :)

[@justinwoodlee1062]

sweetheart they make veneer gauges but it's called a caliper I'm pretty sure I'm not the smartest on that kind of stuff but pretty sure it's

[@rickardbarendsen1782]

I spent a lot of time with jewelers in india and brought some nice stones home. I've just bought all the material needed and really excited to start smithing. But my biggest worry is how much noise im going to make, since i'll be working in my apartment, the neighbours might not get as excited as i am. mabye ill set my workbench on a mattress, any tips for noise reduction would be great :) great vid Aimee

[@jaspernquartz]

I would suggest safety glasses. The polishing compounds tend to fly off the buffing wheels. Also, I'm sure getting the metal cleaning solutions in your eyes would be bad. I do not know if the torches you use produce enough light to strain or damage your eyes, but tinted safety glasses are cheap and are easy to find.

[@BirchGlass]

Great advice Harold!

[@carianin5293]

A mask when using polishing compounds comes in handy.

[@user-fw4lx6og9c]

can you give some information about what drill we could use, pendant motors are expensive are there any other drills that could fit all the pieces? thank you in advance

[@cleoharding]

would love to see more jewellery making videos! what did you do in uni? x

[@BirchGlass]

I've been thinking about it! Thank you so much for the comment! The only thing is I don't do it an awful lot these days and wouldn't want to confuse people with my often "wing it" method ;) I did jewellery and silversmithing at uni! Perhaps I'll plan some small project videos soon! xx

[@EmmaMorgan09]

Can you do a tutorial on polishing? This is one thing I’ve never understood with my dremel. I do also have an electric nail buffer!!

[@BirchGlass]

EmmaMorgan09 That's a fab idea I'll have a think about doing that for sure!! 💜 Its a pain in the butt getting used to polishing but once you've got it, the finish is just amazing! X

[@EmmaMorgan09]

Paws & Inspire and totally worth learning! I want to cast a pewter pendant to punch some words into... for a family member... just don’t know how to polish it!! Very best of luck with your career xx

[@karenwilkinson5622]

Hi great video .. Would you be kind enough to disclose where you purchased your bench from ?

[@HerpMahGerkDawg]

What bench are you currently working on and where did you buy it? Thanks!

[@albertpartridge2194]

I would spend 100 quid on a ez or orca torch runs on propane gas much better than the little butane torch that keeps running out when your in the middle of a job

[@michaelferrier5086]

What is the name of the flux that you use? and what flux would be best suited for small steel rings? (16 gauge)

[@crabgaming8899]

Keep up the good work (;

[@sheikdeabreu]

What about ur bench fmr bench set up

[@darkadore]

What tools do you need for pavé setting?

[@EmmaMorgan09]

Ooh another thing: polishing and preparing hammers? X

[@paulkiley4667]

Great video and very well explained for newbies. Are you still making jewellery? I've been jewellery making for around 8 years now, and spent a small fortune on tools.This "hobby" isn't cheap but it's very satisfying.

[@BirchGlass]

Thank you very much I'm glad you think so!! I don't sadly but I do stained glass suncatchers these days and that's left me with no room to do jewellery lately! Hehe it's sure not cheap but yes definitely, a lot of fun and satisfying!

[@paulkiley4667]

@@BirchGlass One day try and get back into jewellery making. There's a shortage of good jewellery these days, too much mass produced stuff! I've got loads of ideas but no time lately!

[@BirchGlass]

@@paulkiley4667 Hopefully one day! I do miss it! Ah what a shame I hope you can find some time soon! 😁

[@jaydimeola2625]

What is the name of the flex shaft you have? I like the quick change locking device.

[@BirchGlass]

Hi there it's a Foredom SR if I remember correctly!

[@michaelmuise9653]

Did you have that desk built for you?

[@muhammedshafie990]

What tools did you use to get that sparkling smile?

[@sandrachase68]

I love your bench. Did you have it made or purchased made that way?

[@BirchGlass]

Hi Cassandra sorry for the late reply I didn't see the comment! It was custom built by a friend, thank you so much for watching, all the best!

[@cherylkurman1669]

Very informative.... where did you get the carousel for the Dremel polishing tools?

[@BirchGlass]

Thank you very much!! I believe it came with my Foredom pendant motor, but I'm sure eBay or even Amazon would have some! Good luck! :)

[@cherylkurman1669]

I just found it under Micro-Mark, Rotary tool bit holder - about $15.00

[@dariovelasco7336]

Chulada!!! 🙆🙌🙌🙌🙌😘😘😘

[@Katecollinsjewellery]

Where did you get your jewellery workbench? I love it and would love to get this same one if possible. Just finishing two years in Jewellery College. Thanks Aimee

[@BirchGlass]

Aahh I hope you loved your course! :) A friend made this bench for me! I'm sorry I can't help more with that but best of luck finding a lovely bench for your work!

[@Katecollinsjewellery]

@@BirchGlass Thanks Aimee, you have a lovely setup and lovely friend to have made this for you!

[@josephadams5993]

What kind of coffee do you drink? Loved this.

[@BirchGlass]

Hahaaa! None surprisingly! I'm glad you liked the video thank you! :-)

[@laurenspence4427]

I'm struggling to find a bench peg that attaches like yours.

[@BirchGlass]

lauren spence This is a GRS attachment :)

[@dandeuel9048]

Could you please tell me about your bench. It looks great.

[@BirchGlass]

Hi there! thank you!! It was hand made by a friend of mine, it's a couple of inches of solid oak as the top and underneath that is MDF as well as other parts being a mix of the two! The compartments on the top are handmade too and are removable x

[@cpayne1757]

By any chance, does your friend still have the plans s/he used to make the bench with? I think a lot of people would be interested in making one. Thanks! ~

[@althealawrence9240]

Loved your video.....also your bench. Dies your friend take requests? I'd so I'd love a bench made for my studio😉

[@emilytam7221]

Ariel hair!

[@kyladavies6238]

Where did you get your bench made? :)

[@isabellastoakes]

where is your table from!?