Learn Jewellery MakingPart of the JDMIS learning network

From first beaded bracelet to silversmithing — a beginner's road into jewellery

Tools

9 tools that make a beginner silversmithing kit

The bench wall — nine tools do most of the first year's work.

A working beginner bench is nine tools, not fifty.

  1. Jeweller's saw + blades (2/0) — see saw-piercing basics.
  2. Needle file set — shapes for every contour.
  3. Flat/half-round bench files — the heavy shaping.
  4. Soldering torch — butane to start; the studio teaches proper torches.
  5. Soldering pad, flux, easy/medium solder — the fire kit.
  6. Rawhide mallet + ring mandrel — shaping without marring.
  7. Bench pin + clamp — your third hand for sawing and filing.
  8. Pliers set — flat, round, chain-nose; wire work everywhere.
  9. Emery papers + polishing sticks — the finishing ladder.

Deliberately NOT on the list: rolling mill, kiln, ultrasonic — studio
access comes with courses, which is why learning in a studio first is the
budget-smart path. The Foundation Metalwork course
includes full studio access; buy tools after you know which ones your hands
prefer.

What students say

“I enjoyed fancy weaving because its something unusual and nice.”

— Nikoletta M. (Cyprus) · published student feedback

“I will use the skills acquired to make pieces for family, friends and of course, myself! If I could get to a point of eventually selling pieces, even better!”

— Elena A. (Australia) · published student feedback

Free ways to explore

No sign-up, no payment — start with any of these.

TTake the 2-minute course finderFREE
Answer a few questions, get personal course recommendations.TThe complete course guideFREE
Every course, family and diploma in one PDF.FFree gem webinar replaysFREE
Full recorded sessions on gems and the jewellery trade.PPlay Name That GemFREE
The school's free gem-identification game.

Keep exploring

Pearl types explained — freshwater, saltwater and shellFreshwater vs saltwater vs shell pearls — how they are grown, how to judge quality, and hoLearn Jewellery Making — a beginner's road from first bead to silverHow to start jewellery making as a complete beginner — the three craft families, real clasGemmology for makers — know what you setWhy jewellery makers should learn basic gemmology — hardness, treatments, imitations and tMetal clay for beginners — silver in a putty's clothingWhat silver metal clay is, how it works, firing basics and where it sits next to sheet-met

Try a one-day jewellery class

Short experience classes at JDMIS need no tools, no experience and no commitment — a single session gives you a real taste of the craft.

Visit jdmis.edu.sg