r/Benchjewelers

I have the Faro Ornagno handpiece, the H.10D The bits are snug when tightened, but at the moment of applying pressure it stops spinning.
Is this a collet issue or something more serious like bearings?

I tried to upload a video but it won't let me

Thanks yall

Hi, I have taken a few soldering courses and I wanted to try making jewelry at home. I am attempting to make a bezel pendant. I have sterling silver 20 gauge as a backplate and a sterling silver .925 bezel that I am trying to solder using extra easy silver solder wire. My self pickle solder flux bubbles up when I heat the piece and the extra easy silver solder wire curls up into a ball and doesn't flow into the joint. I have a video of what I am doing but I need help figuring out what the problem or problems are...

(a) my technique is off (how do I improve?)

(b) my tools are insufficient (should I get a solder tripod to heat it from the bottom? or is my butane torch too small?)

Please let me know~ I would love to get better at this. Thank you.

https://reddit.com/link/1tizouc/video/99xs8gcp1d2h1/player

Hey guys ive never been in the jewlery buisness it has always been my long life dream to be a bench jewler. How do I get my foot in the door.ive been a mechanic for 10 years.Im 27 years olf and finally got the courage to pursue my dream ,even even if i take a massive pay cut. I've been applying locally and to big box stores. Im hoping to start from the ground up. In any apprenticeship or even a sales role .Any advice would help and be much appreciated based in dallas tx

Do the sales people at your store make commission on the repairs they take in? What’s the normal commission rate for custom pieces and regular sales?
Do you as a bench jeweler make commission on anything?

Hi. I’d like to ask if anyone has any recommendations for a very cheap laser engraver: I’m only needing one for hallmarking inside of rings rather than making deeply-etched designs, so I’m hoping to find one under $1k or whether that is even advisable.

I’ll only be using .925- both regular sterling and with germanium. Thanks in advance.

I have been a bench jeweler for 27 yrs and have used the shops Stuller account for that duration. I am going to be going out on my own. What company would you recommend, or that you use. 🤔

I have had varying answer, from Amazon to Etsy to Ebay. Obviously I am a more store front style for 27 yrs but once I work from home it will be different I feel.

Pros and Cons of your recommendation will also be helpful.

Thanks all

💎 Seeking Full-Time Bench Jeweler — Relocation Available
📍 Erie, PA

I’m currently recruiting for a full-time Bench Jeweler opportunity with a well-established independent jewelry store in Erie, PA. This is a great opportunity for an experienced jeweler looking for long-term stability, strong compensation, and a professional bench environment with modern equipment and consistent work.

✨ Highlights:
• Relocation assistance available
• Fully equipped bench setup
• Supportive team environment
• Long-standing, established business

💰 Compensation:
$55,000–$95,000 annually, depending on experience and bench skills.

Final compensation will be based on experience and skill assessment.

📦 Benefits Include:
401(k) match, health/dental insurance, PTO, employee discounts, tuition reimbursement, and professional development support.

🔗 Apply Here: https://www.indeed.com/job/bench-jeweler-dahlkempers-jewelry-connection-691a47d403e04181

Please do not call or visit the store. If interested, kindly apply through the provided link.

I recently purchased the Xuron Micro-Shear Flush Cutter 170-II as it was suggested as a reliable tool at a reasonable price. Perhaps I got a faulty pair, but these were awful. Even on soft 20 gauge silver wire, it didn’t cut smoothly at all. Kicking myself for not going with my gut and investing in better piece. Looking at Lindstrom and wanted to know which one would be the best to invest in. I mostly use soft wire between 10 and 20 gauge. Also open to other brands as long as they have a history of lasting.

I got my accepted for my apprenticeship at our stores jewelry repair shop!!! Any helpful tips? I’m so excited and I start Monday :D

Hi Everybody!

I made some 18k 'green' gold by alloying Alaskan placer gold with fine silver. It's not quite as green as commercial green gold, more like it's just pale yellow.

I've used it for different things, but I'm now trying to do some precise fabrication to make a setting out of it, and I'm struggling to fuse it well and with precision at that scale (I've fused it with no problem on larger, thicker seams). I realize that I'll need to solder some joints, but I'm worried about color matching my homemade alloy.

If you were me, would you:

A) Just order some 18k green solder from stuller and hope for the best...

B) Try to alloy some solder by adding a little more silver to some of the existing alloy?

I understand that I *should* be able to fuse 18k at any size and scale, and I feel appropriate shame for my limitations, so please refrain from pointing out that I should be able to just fuse it lol

Thanks and solidarity!

And side question does anyone trust Amazon for basic stuff like tweezers, flux, ect..
Trying to start a home bench and side hustle. Any advice appreciated.
Will mostly be making pendants, bolos and rings with cabs for now.

I am looking into getting a torch or maybe electronic melting kiln for casting. The head goldsmith at my work showed me a head for a little smith torch that is for casting. I am comfortable and familiar with the little smith, as it’s what I use at work. How viable is that option? I currently have an acetylene torch, and I’m scared to use as I am unfamiliar and don’t want to blow myself up. Are there any limits on quantity for little smith torch melts for casting? Specific aspects that a full size propane oxygen torch would be better for? My use will be one offs and will not be making large quantities of items with it