jewelrymaking

Jewelrymaking is the craft and industry of creating adornments for the body, such as rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and brooches, from metals, gemstones, beads, glass, enamel, and other materials. It encompasses design, fabrication, repair, and customization, and ranges from hobbyist DIY work to professional studio practice.

Historically, jewelrymaking has roots in metalworking traditions including goldsmithing, silversmithing, and enameling. Early techniques used sheet metal, wire, and stones set by hand. Over time, methods such as casting, forging, filigree, granulation, stone setting, and enameling broadened the repertoire. Common materials include gold, silver, platinum, diamonds, colored stones, pearls, glass beads, and nonprecious alternatives.

Core processes include design and prototyping, material selection, fabrication (sawing, filing, bending, linking), soldering and welding, stone setting, and finishing with polishing, texturing, and patination. Contemporary makers may use wax models and lost-wax casting, or digital workflows with 3D modeling and 3D printing, before casting or direct fabrication. Finishes may be matte, polished, oxidized, or plated.

Work is conducted in diverse settings, from home studios and small boutiques to workshops and manufacturing facilities. Styles range from traditional and handcrafted to avant-garde and minimalist. Practices emphasize craftsmanship, accuracy, and safety, including proper handling of hot tools, fluxes, and acids, and appropriate hygiene when stones and metals are involved.

Ethical considerations include responsible sourcing of metals and gemstones, conflict-free materials, recycling scrap metal, and minimizing chemical waste. Education pathways include community classes, jewelry schools, apprenticeships, and degrees in metalworking or design. The field blends artistry with technical skill and can support both hobbyists and commercial production.