Day-one jewellery school kit — what to actually buy before class starts

Starting your jewellery journey means mastering the bench, where the right tools are your first essential companions. Get them right from the start.

Year one of jewellery making is about building fundamental skills, from cutting and forming wire to shaping metal sheet. This isn't about fancy gadgets; it's about reliable tools that perform consistently. What sets a beginner's kit apart is its focus on core operations. Many students mistakenly invest too much in decorative items or tools they won't use for months. Focus on the essentials that will see you through your initial projects and beyond.

The five clusters you need

1. The starter hammer

Your first hammer is crucial for shaping metal. A chasing hammer with a wooden handle offers a good balance of weight and control for basic forming and texturing. It’s a versatile tool that will quickly become indispensable for striking punches and shaping wire. Look for a comfortable grip and a head that feels balanced in your hand. This is your first proper bench tool, designed for durability and precision. Browse the starter hammer.

2. Pliers triple

This trio forms the backbone of most wire and sheet metal manipulation. Chain nose pliers are ideal for gripping and bending, round nose pliers for creating loops and curves, and flat nose pliers for straightening or flattening. Together, they allow for intricate work on findings and components. Mastering these will enable you to tackle 90% of class projects. Browse pliers triple.

3. Side cutters

Essential for clean, precise cuts. A good pair of tungsten-tipped side cutters will last you for years, cutting through various gauges of wire without deforming the ends. This is crucial for creating neat joins and ensuring your components fit together accurately. Cheap cutters will fray and become blunt quickly, hindering your progress. Browse side cutters.

4. Ring mandrel

A stepped wooden ring mandrel is an affordable and effective tool for forming rings and other curved shapes. Its smooth surface prevents marring, and the different diameters allow for precise sizing and consistent curves. It’s invaluable for creating consistent loops and shaping wire into circular forms. Browse ring mandrel.

5. Tweezers + pick

For precise handling of small components, especially during soldering, these are vital. Cross-lock tweezers hold items securely, while a titanium-tip soldering pick allows for accurate placement of solder and manipulation of hot metal. These tools give you control over the smallest details, preventing accidental burns and misplacements. Browse tweezers + pick.

Where most jewellery school year one beginners get stuck

The most common mistake first-year students make is buying a generic, cheap set of tools that lack precision and durability. They often overlook the importance of quality in basic items like pliers and cutters, which leads to frustration and poor results. My honest opinion is that you're better off buying fewer, higher-quality tools that will last. Start with the essential pliers and cutters; you can always add more specialised items later. Don't be tempted by multi-packs of dubious quality.

Read more on the Bench Journal

For longer reads on tool choice, technique and bench setup, see the Bench Journal — written from our Birmingham workshop by working jewellers and silversmiths.