Essential Tools of the Trade: Building Your Permanent Jewellery Kit
Published date: 12 June 2024
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Published date: 12 June 2024
Permanent jewellery has garnered popularity not only as a fashion statement but also as a means of celebrating special occasions with friends and family. Whether it's a hen do or a gesture to strengthen bonds among friends, the allure of permanently affixed bracelets and anklets has captivated many. This trend is not just about aesthetics; it's about embracing a hassle-free way of adorning oneself without the inconvenience of clasps. By offering your customer a selection of chain designs and charm styles the customer can choose their design and see it being created and fixed to their wrist or ankle during their appointment.
While the concept of permanent jewellery may seem intricate, mastering the necessary techniques is relatively straightforward. Proficiency with pliers and snips lays the groundwork, with the primary focus being on mastering the use of a laser solderer. Fortunately, numerous tutorials, are readily available on platforms like YouTube, offer guidance on honing this skill.
The selection of materials for your permanent jewellery supplies is primarily dictated by soldering compatibility. Options are predominantly limited to sterling silver and gold, with the latter being a cost-prohibitive choice for many. However, 14k gold-filled presents a more budget-friendly alternative, comprising a solid gold layer bonded to a base metal. It's essential to note that while gold-filled chains are available, limitations arise concerning charm selection, as the process of creating gold filled as a material limits its application as it is formed as a sheet and cannot be cast into different shapes as most charms in other metals can be. Plated metals are ruled out as the soldering process will scorch the surface of the metal and the abrasion required for cleaning this will remove the plated layer. However gold plated sterling silver charms can be used as long as not directly soldered or a compatible jump ring is used and the colours match, this is also possible when mixing metal colours.
The development of laser soldering machines has revolutionised the soldering of jewellery, previously soldering required naked flames, flux and solder and the full knowledge and tools of a goldsmith and could not be done next to skin. However the advancement of laser machines and their portability as they reduce in size is key to the advancement of this trend. You will need the following core components and machinery.
Once equipped with a soldering machine and tools, this can be set up in an existing retail location such as a nail or beauty salon or a run as a mobile business at craft fairs or booked as an event for an occasion such as a birthday party or hen do.
With a small array of materials to transport you can be set up quickly, it is worth considering your display if you plan to exhibit at markets with the available chains and charms on show, or it may be worth creating a few design ideas to give your customers some inspiration to build their designs from, this will help improve their experience and may speed up the appointment process.
Building your permanent jewellery kit requires a thoughtful selection of essential tools and materials, from the precision of pliers and snips to the advanced technology of a laser solderer. Mastering the techniques of welded jewellery allows for the creation of unique, personalised pieces that will bring customers delight.
Whether you’re a seasoned jeweller looking to expand your offerings or a newcomer eager to dive into this upcoming market, assembling the right supplies—from sterling silver and gold-filled chains to a variety of charms and connectors—ensures that you can provide your customers with high-quality, customised jewellery and an experience they'll remember.