Jewelry Vocab Words

Soldering

The process of joining two or more pieces of metal together by melting a filler metal into the joint.

Polishing

The act of smoothing and shining surface metal to enhance appearance and remove scratches.

Prong Setting

A method of securing a gemstone in place using small metal claws that hold the stone above the mount.

Bezel Setting

A technique where the gemstone is surrounded and held in place by a metal rim that wraps around its edges.

Resizing

The process of altering a ring's size to better fit the wearer.

Barrel Clasp

A type of clasp that consists of two interlocking pieces that twist to secure.

Repair Tool Kit

A collection of tools used by jewelers to perform repairs, including pliers, files, and soldering equipment.

Stone Replacement

The process of removing a lost or damaged gemstone and replacing it with a new one.

Gemstone Setting

Techniques used to secure gemstones within a piece of jewelry.

Jeweler's Saw

A fine-toothed saw used to cut metal and other materials in jewelry making.

Bench Pin

A flat surface anchored to a workbench that supports sawing, filing, and other jewelry-making tasks.

Pliers

Hand tools used for gripping, bending, and cutting metal wire or other materials.

Files

Tools with a rough surface used to smooth and shape metal edges.

Mandrel

A tapered tool used to form and resize rings.

Torch

A device used to provide heat for soldering and melting metal.

Calipers

Measuring tools used to determine the thickness and diameter of objects accurately.

Clean-Up Station

A designated area equipped with tools and solutions for cleaning and polishing finished jewelry.

Ultrasonic Cleaner

A device that uses high-frequency sound waves and cleaning solutions to clean jewelry pieces.

Piercing Saw

A type of jeweler's saw used for creating small, detailed holes in metal.

Saw Blade

The thin, sharp blade that is inserted into a jeweler's saw frame.

Drill Bit

A tool used with a drill to create holes in hard materials.

Flex Shaft

A versatile tool that provides rotational power for drilling, polishing, and engraving.

Pin Vise

A small hand-held device used to grip small drill bits for precision drilling.

Burr

A rotary tool attachment for drilling or shaping metal.

Micro Drill

A very small drill used for creating tiny holes in jewelry.

Drill Press

A stationary tool that provides greater precision for drilling holes.

Filing

The process of using files to remove material and refine the shape of metal pieces.

Plastic Hammer

Used to shape metal without marring its surface.

Ball Peen Hammer

Features a rounded end for creating curves and textures in metal.

Chasing Hammer

Mainly used for metal forming and engraving.

Dapping

The process of using a dapping block and punch to create curved shapes in metal.

Workbench

A sturdy table for performing jewelry-making tasks.

Lighting

Proper illumination essential for detail work.

Tool Organizer

A system for keeping tools and materials arranged and accessible.

Dust Collector

A device used to keep the work area clean by capturing metal shavings.

Anvil

A heavy block used as a surface for shaping or hammering metal.

Draw Plate

A tool used for pulling metal wire through holes to reduce its diameter.

Safety Equipment

Includes goggles, gloves, and masks to protect the jeweler.

Chain Nose Pliers

Pliers with a slender nose for grasping small objects.

Flat Nose Pliers

Pliers with flat, wide jaws for bending and holding metal.

Round Nose Pliers

Pliers that taper to a point for creating loops in wire.

Cutting Pliers

Pliers designed for cutting wire and metal elements.

Bent Nose Pliers

Pliers with angled jaws for reaching tight spaces.

Snipe Nose Pliers

Pliers with long, pointed jaws for precision work.

Crimping Pliers

Pliers used to compress or shape metal components.

Flat Tip Tweezers

Tweezers with flat ends for gripping flat items.

Pointed Tip Tweezers

Tweezers with sharp ends ideal for picking up small objects.

Curved Tip Tweezers

Tweezers with a slight curve for reaching awkward angles.

Dumont Tweezers

Precision tweezers known for high-quality construction.

Steel Tweezers

Durable tweezers made from stainless steel.

Wax Casting

A method of making metal objects by creating a model in wax and then casting metal around it.

Lost-Wax Method

A technique where a wax model is melted away, leaving a cavity for molten metal to form the desired shape.

Drop Hammer

A machine that uses a falling weight to shape or mold metal.

Die Casting

A process of injecting molten metal into a mold to create a defined shape.

Metal Stamping

A manufacturing process that involves converting flat metal sheets into specific shapes.

Electroforming

A process that uses electric current to deposit metal onto a surface, forming a solid piece.

Surface Treatment

Applying various methods to improve the surface qualities of metal, like corrosion resistance or aesthetics.

Patina

A thin layer that forms on the surface of metals due to oxidation, often used for aesthetic effects.

Earring Back

A clasp or support for holding earrings securely in place.

Jewelry Findings

Components used in jewelry making, including clasps, jump rings, and chains.

Soldering

The process of joining two or more pieces of metal together by melting a filler metal into the joint.

Polishing

The act of smoothing and shining surface metal to enhance appearance and remove scratches.

Prong Setting

A method of securing a gemstone in place using small metal claws that hold the stone above the mount.

Bezel Setting

A technique where the gemstone is surrounded and held in place by a metal rim that wraps around its edges.

Resizing

The process of altering a ring's size to better fit the wearer.

Barrel Clasp

A type of clasp that consists of two interlocking pieces that twist to secure.

Repair Tool Kit

A collection of tools used by jewelers to perform repairs, including pliers, files, and soldering equipment.

Stone Replacement

The process of removing a lost or damaged gemstone and replacing it with a new one.

Gemstone Setting

Techniques used to secure gemstones within a piece of jewelry.

Jeweler's Saw

A fine-toothed saw used to cut metal and other materials in jewelry making.

Enameling

The process of fusing powdered glass to metal through heat to create a glass-like surface.

Wire Wrapping

A technique used to create jewelry by wrapping wire around stones or other beads to hold them in place.

Gemstone Cabochon

A polished, non-faceted gemstone that is shaped and polished to a smooth, rounded surface.

Rivet

A metal pin used to secure two or more pieces of material together.

Tension Setting

A method of setting a gemstone using pressure from the metal band to hold the stone in place.

Flexibility in Jewelry

The ability of a jewelry design to be altered or adjusted in shape without damaging the piece.

Bail

A small loop or clasp that attaches a pendant to a chain or necklace.

Flux

A chemical cleaning agent used in soldering to prevent oxidation of the metals being joined.

Metal Alloy

A mixture of two or more metals, or a metal with other elements, often used to enhance certain characteristics.

Cameo

A jewelry piece, often a brooch or pendant, featuring a carved relief of a portrait or scene.