Jeannie's Blog

Some of my tools

Tools are the lifeblood to my handmade jewelry business, Jewelry By Jeannie! So I thought it would be fun to share a quick snapshot of some of the tools near my jewelry workbench — pliers, wire cutters, hole punches. Nothin’ too fancy. I will say, if you’re working a lot with these tools (and I am!), don’t skimp on the quality. You will pay more for quality tools, but they will be more durable and last you much, much longer than the cheaper tools. Plus, your hands and forearms are your MOST important tools, so treat them well with good equipment to use (and remember to stretch and not get locked into the same motion for too long).

When I look for quality in jewelry tools, I look for tools that spring back open, have ergonomic features for your hands and replaceable parts. I prefer Lindstrom over Swanstrom, two of the biggest jewelry tool brands. I find that Lindstrom tools, which are made in Sweden, are smaller in size, which fit my smaller hands, and they are lighter overall. Lindstrom tools are made in the USA and feature longer handles and heavier construction.

I’ve always said, have a pair of needle nose flat (no teeth!) pliers and a pair of wire cutters, and you’re in business.

Armed with these basics, I have all I need to create most of my handmade jewelry designs for you!

Essentials at my bench:
•Lindstrom Rx 7893 pliers

•Erem wirecutters (I’ve had these for over 9 years now and they are still sharp!)

•Swanstrom S512E flush cutters (I use these sparingly to keep blades sharp)

•Xuron wire cutters (for thicker wire ie over 20ga)

•Punch pliers (round, 1.8mm size punch)

•Bench block (for hammering against)

•Hammer (chasing)

•Rawhide hammer

•Metal ruler at least 18″ long

What do you have at your jewelry bench? What jewelry tools can you not live without?

Here’s a new way to look at our solar system– imagine Mercury as a blend of mango and coconut covering rich lemon ganache. The Rihga Royal Hotel in Japan has relaunched their Chocolate Planets series, which features all of our planets (alas, Pluto, you are no more!) as confectionary delights: the entire set (including the sun) is only 3,800 yen! (about $48)

Each planet has its own unique flavor, all which sound mouthwateringly delectable: Mercury (coconut mango), Venus (lemon cream), Earth (cocoa), Mars (orange praline), Jupiter (vanilla), Saturn (rum raisin), Uranus (milk tea), Neptune (cappuccino).

If planets aren’t enough to fill your astronomical appetite, check out their meteorite series, which also features interesting flavor combinations like white chocolate with grapefruit and earl grey.

Have a Delectable Day,