https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/news 2026-05-09T18:04:52+01:00 weekly https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal 2026-06-10T11:14:38+01:00 weekly https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/choosing-your-first-jewellers-hammer 2026-06-10T11:14:38+01:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1012/8031/7769/articles/hero-choosing-your-first-jewellers-hammer.png?v=1779048600 Choosing your first jeweller's hammer: a bench jeweller's buying guide Close, low-angle shot of a chasing hammer resting on an oak bench peg, brass and warm-grey palette, soft window light from the left, shallow depth of field. No watermark. Workshop context — visible bench pin, hint of pickle pot in the deep https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/how-to-anneal-and-forge-silver 2026-06-10T11:14:37+01:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1012/8031/7769/articles/hero-how-to-anneal-and-forge-silver.png?v=1779048604 How to anneal and forge silver at the bench: a UK jeweller's step-by-step Top-down photograph of a piece of dull-red glowing silver sheet on a soldering-grade charcoal block, flame just retreated, light wisp of heat distortion above the metal. Warm amber light from the torch tone. Subtle workshop atmosphere — cor https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/bench-pliers-vs-parallel-action-pliers 2026-06-10T11:14:36+01:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1012/8031/7769/articles/hero-bench-pliers-vs-parallel-action-pliers.png?v=1779048608 Bench pliers vs parallel-action pliers: which to buy first Top-down editorial photograph of three pliers laid out on a cream linen surface — a round-nose, a chain-nose, and a parallel-action chain-nose pliers. Brass accents on the handle ends. Warm window light from upper left. No watermark, no tex https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/cutting-hardened-jewellery-wire 2026-06-10T11:14:36+01:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1012/8031/7769/articles/hero-cutting-hardened-jewellery-wire.png?v=1779048612 Cutting hardened jewellery wire without damaging your jaws Macro close-up of a pair of flush-cut side cutters mid-snip through a piece of half-hard sterling silver wire, captured at the instant the wire parts. Bright workshop light from above, brass details on the plier handles. Cream linen backgro https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/choosing-a-ring-mandrel 2026-06-10T11:14:35+01:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1012/8031/7769/articles/hero-choosing-a-ring-mandrel.png?v=1779048616 Steel, aluminium, or wood ring mandrel — what you actually need Editorial flat lay of three ring mandrels — a steel mandrel, an aluminium mandrel with marked sizing grooves, and a tapered wooden mandrel — arranged in parallel on a cream linen surface. Warm window light from upper left, subtle drop shado https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/how-to-size-and-stretch-a-ring 2026-06-10T11:14:35+01:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1012/8031/7769/articles/hero-how-to-size-and-stretch-a-ring.png?v=1779048620 How to size and stretch a ring without distorting the metal Editorial bench photograph of a silver ring slipped halfway down a tapered aluminium ring mandrel, with the size markings clearly visible on the mandrel's surface. The ring is at approximately the M position. A small rawhide mallet rests be https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/cross-lock-vs-reverse-action-tweezers 2026-06-10T11:14:34+01:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1012/8031/7769/articles/hero-cross-lock-vs-reverse-action-tweezers.png?v=1779048624 Cross-lock vs reverse-action tweezers: choosing soldering tools for the bench Editorial top-down photograph of three soldering tweezers laid in parallel on cream linen: a straight cross-lock tweezer with fibre grips, a reverse-action self-locking tweezer, and a third-hand-base with mounted cross-lock. Warm window lig https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/setting-up-a-hands-free-soldering-station 2026-06-10T11:14:33+01:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1012/8031/7769/articles/hero-setting-up-a-hands-free-soldering-station.png?v=1779048628 Setting up a hands-free soldering station for the home bench Top-down editorial photograph of a complete hands-free soldering setup: heavy third-hand base with cross-lock tweezers mounted, charcoal block on stainless holder beside it, titanium soldering pick within reach, copper pickling tweezers in https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/disc-cutter-sets-explained 2026-06-10T11:14:33+01:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1012/8031/7769/articles/hero-disc-cutter-sets-explained.png?v=1779048632 Disc cutter sets explained: what 7–21 mm gives you at the bench Editorial top-down shot of a multi-shape steel disc cutter set arranged on cream linen: the steel die block with shaped cavities, five matching punches lined up beside it, a small section of cut silver discs (round, hexagon, teardrop) fanne https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/maker-s-mark-stamping 2026-06-10T11:14:32+01:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1012/8031/7769/articles/hero-maker-s-mark-stamping.png?v=1779048636 Stamping your maker's mark cleanly, every time Editorial top-down shot of a maker's stamp mid-strike on the inside of a silver ring shank. The ring is held flat against a small steel anvil block, the stamp positioned at 90° with a heavy hammer caught just above frame. Cream linen backgr https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/watch-repair-starter-kit 2026-06-10T11:14:32+01:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1012/8031/7769/articles/hero-watch-repair-starter-kit.png?v=1779048640 A watch-repair starter kit: what amateur watchmakers actually need Editorial top-down photograph of an amateur watch-repair toolkit laid out on cream linen: a wooden case holder with a watch resting in it, a 16-piece watch repair kit fanned out beside, a loupe to one side, anti-magnetic titanium tweezers, https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/how-to-remove-watch-hands 2026-06-10T11:14:31+01:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1012/8031/7769/articles/hero-how-to-remove-watch-hands.png?v=1779048644 Removing watch hands without damaging the dial: an amateur's guide Editorial overhead photograph of a watchmaker's bench setup: a watch face-up in a wooden case holder, dial exposed, with two thin levers (or a hand-puller tool) positioned over the hour-hand boss. Anti-magnetic titanium tweezers and a loupe https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/setting-up-your-first-jewellery-bench-uk 2026-06-10T11:14:30+01:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1012/8031/7769/articles/hero-setting-up-your-first-jewellery-bench-uk.png?v=1779048649 Setting up your first jewellery bench: a UK buyer's guide A well-lit, organised jeweller's bench with a GRS bench peg, showing hand tools neatly arranged. https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/12-tools-every-new-silversmith-needs 2026-06-10T11:14:30+01:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1012/8031/7769/articles/hero-12-tools-every-new-silversmith-needs.png?v=1779048653 The 12 tools every new silversmith needs (and 6 to skip) A curated flat-lay of essential silversmithing tools on a worn wooden workbench. https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/jewellery-school-kit-day-one 2026-06-10T11:14:29+01:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1012/8031/7769/articles/hero-jewellery-school-kit-day-one.png?v=1779048657 Jewellery school kit: what to actually bring on day one A neatly arranged canvas tool roll on a wooden jeweller's bench, showing pliers, files, and a saw frame. https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/how-to-texture-silver-8-methods 2026-06-10T11:14:29+01:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1012/8031/7769/articles/hero-how-to-texture-silver-8-methods.png?v=1779048661 How to texture silver: 8 methods at the bench A selection of textured silver samples on a dark jeweller's bench, lit from the side to show detail. https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/repousse-chasing-beginners-guide 2026-06-10T11:14:28+01:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1012/8031/7769/articles/hero-repousse-chasing-beginners-guide.png?v=1779048666 Repoussé and chasing: a beginner's bench guide A jeweller's pitch bowl with a piece of silver being worked with a chasing hammer and punch. https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/how-to-solder-sterling-silver-without-pitting 2026-06-10T11:14:27+01:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1012/8031/7769/articles/hero-how-to-solder-sterling-silver-without-pitting.png?v=1779048670 How to solder sterling silver without pitting Close-up of a perfectly clean, unpitted silver solder seam on a sterling silver ring shank, torch in soft focus in the background. https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/wax-carving-tools-first-set 2026-06-10T11:14:27+01:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1012/8031/7769/articles/hero-wax-carving-tools-first-set.png?v=1779048674 Wax carving tools: how to choose your first set A selection of essential wax carving tools arranged neatly on a wooden bench pin. https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/disc-cutters-explained-practical-guide 2026-06-10T11:14:26+01:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1012/8031/7769/articles/hero-disc-cutters-explained-practical-guide.png?v=1779048678 Disc cutters explained: a practical guide A jeweller's workbench with a steel disc cutter set, brass hammer, and silver sheet metal. https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/round-mandrel-vs-stepped-mandrel 2026-06-10T11:14:25+01:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1012/8031/7769/articles/hero-round-mandrel-vs-stepped-mandrel.png?v=1779048682 Round mandrel vs stepped mandrel: which to buy first A tapered round ring mandrel and a stepped bracelet mandrel lying side-by-side on a worn wooden bench. https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/best-jewellers-hammers-under-30-uk-2026 2026-06-10T11:14:25+01:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1012/8031/7769/articles/hero-best-jewellers-hammers-under-30-uk-2026.png?v=1779048686 The best jeweller's hammers under £30 — UK picks for 2026 A selection of five budget-friendly jeweller's hammers arranged neatly on a worn wooden bench block. https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/best-soldering-torch-for-jewellery-uk 2026-06-10T11:14:24+01:00 weekly https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/pickle-bath-setup-sterling-silver 2026-06-10T11:14:24+01:00 weekly https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/how-to-make-jump-rings-at-home 2026-06-10T11:14:23+01:00 weekly https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/bezel-setting-for-beginners 2026-06-10T11:14:22+01:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1012/8031/7769/articles/hero-bezel-setting-for-beginners.png?v=1780058176 Bezel setting for beginners: tools and step-by-step A banded agate cabochon being set into a fine silver bezel on a ring https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/polishing-jewellery-buff-mop-compound-guide 2026-06-10T11:14:22+01:00 weekly https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/loupes-for-jewellers-10x-vs-20x 2026-06-10T11:14:21+01:00 weekly https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/engraving-tools-burins-gravers-beginners 2026-06-10T11:14:21+01:00 weekly https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/hallmarking-your-work-birmingham-assay 2026-06-10T11:14:20+01:00 weekly https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/riveting-cold-connections-no-solder 2026-06-10T11:14:19+01:00 weekly https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/filing-technique-clean-edges 2026-06-10T11:14:18+01:00 weekly https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/sawing-tight-curves-silver-sheet 2026-06-10T11:14:18+01:00 weekly https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/anvil-care-rust-prevention-uk 2026-06-10T11:14:17+01:00 weekly https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/wax-carving-tools-rings 2026-06-10T11:14:17+01:00 weekly https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/stamping-vs-engraving-makers-mark 2026-06-10T11:14:16+01:00 weekly https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/choosing-a-benchtop-drill-press-for-jewellery 2026-06-10T11:14:16+01:00 weekly https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/soldering-station-setup-uk-workshop 2026-06-10T11:14:15+01:00 weekly https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/anti-tarnish-strategies-silver 2026-06-10T11:14:14+01:00 weekly https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/pricing-jewellery-trade-vs-retail 2026-06-10T11:14:14+01:00 weekly https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/saw-blade-snapping-causes-and-fixes 2026-06-10T11:14:13+01:00 weekly https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/buying-second-hand-jewellery-tools-uk 2026-06-10T11:14:13+01:00 weekly https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/how-to-use-a-jewellers-saw 2026-06-10T11:14:12+01:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1012/8031/7769/articles/hero-how-to-use-a-jewellers-saw.png?v=1780058166 How to use a jeweller's saw without snapping blades A jeweller's saw frame mid-cut on a sheet of brass on a V-slot bench pin https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/needle-files-explained 2026-06-10T11:14:12+01:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1012/8031/7769/articles/hero-needle-files-explained.png?v=1780058170 Needle files explained: cuts, shapes, and which to buy first A fan of needle files of different shapes laid on linen https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/drilling-and-burs-at-the-bench 2026-06-10T11:14:11+01:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1012/8031/7769/articles/hero-drilling-and-burs-at-the-bench.png?v=1780058173 Drilling holes and using burs at the bench: a beginner's guide A pendant-motor handpiece holding a small bur over a silver sheet https://www.jewellerytools.co.uk/blogs/the-bench-journal/how-to-polish-jewellery-by-hand 2026-06-10T11:14:10+01:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1012/8031/7769/articles/hero-how-to-polish-jewellery-by-hand.png?v=1780058180 How to polish jewellery by hand: the order that actually works A silver ring being polished to a mirror finish with a felt buff