A New Day, A New Direction
Well, I did it! I finished the course at Studio Jewelers, Ltd. It was not easy, but it was sooooooooo wonderful. I learned more about making jewelry than I thought was possible. I am so grateful to the wonderful teachers there. They are really the best!
(Check out their website at http://www.studiojewelersltd.com/index.html ).

So, now I have so many new skills and so many new designs swirling in my head. First, I need to set up my own studio so that I can do more of the types of work I just learned. There is so much, though. A little at a time is all that is possible.

But the main, major tool for a bench jeweler is the bench itself. It's so specialized, there are so many features that make perfect sense and become a necessary part of creating.

The jeweler's bench height is important. It's higher than a regular table or desk. The bench pin (the wedge of wood sticking out of the middle) is where most work happens. That often needs to be eye level, or chin level, for comfort. A chair that easily adjusts height, is also required. There are two openings on either side of the bench where slats of wood for arm rests can go. When setting stones or holding something firm, the arm rest helps to hold the project steady. My bench also has holes to hold mandrels. When banging rings or bracelets, it's so much easier to have the mandrels held firm. Another very important part of the jeweler bench is the pull out metal lined tray. Without it, the floor is a mess of metal or wax shavings and dust. Besides, tiny stones and metal pieces of a project tend to fly at the most unexpected time. Without a bench, a jeweler will spend most of her time, on hands and knees, searching for a stone that dropped. Believe me..I know this for a fact! There's also a cut-out tray that slides out and has a little shelf above it. This
is another way to catch the precious pieces and ensure there is no space between the jeweler and the bench. If you are working with a precious metal, you really don't want to lose anything. Some frequently used tools can go on the shelf. In my case, a jeweler's saw and some files.

A jeweler's bench is much more than just a workbench. It really is a tool, that allows a smoother creation process.

I was so excited to recently receive a jeweler's bench as a gift. Here it is! It took quite a bit to get it where it stands today. The UPS couldn't handle it (cracked the first one). So, I drove myself up to Zak's in the Diamond Distrit, NYC and in the pouring rain, they loaded a new one and took back the broken one. (Those guys are great, if you need any jeweler tools). I was so happy with this brand new bench in the back of my van. I looked up and realized I was in the middle of Times Square. The lights were shining for a new day, a new direction in my designs. The whole world of moving the metal ahead of me.

Here's a picture of the bench before being christened. If you can see, the bench pin is a rectangle. I had to cut it, as jewelers before me, into a v shape. This requires woodworking saws. What an ordeal! I felt like I was committing to jewelery making as I realized again and again, I did not want to be a woodworker!

It stands in an alcove of windows that overlook the forest. It is a joy to sit at this bench and create objects to adorn my friends - those I have met and those I hope to meet someday. I look forward to this bench getting old, with nicks and holes from making many fresh and inspiring necklaces, bracelets, rings, brooches and maybe a tiara or two. Oh...and the kitty is looking for a diamond cat collar.