Here is a small corner of my studio where some of the magic happens. Pictured here is my drill press and pickle pots. Pickle is used in jewelry making to get rid of fire scale after it is fired with the heat of the torch. It is an essential part of the process and has to stay warm, so jeweler's tend to use mini Crockpots to keep the pickle warm all day while working.
This is how my process typically begins, with carefully picking out and buying the gemstones, sketching them out with an idea first, and then gathering all the materials I need in order to forge them into earrings. (Reference picture.) Sometimes, I have an idea in my head and I go at it, no sketch needed.
I use all kinds of quality gemstones, found objects (because I'm all about upcycling), fine silver, sterling silver, recycled metals, brass, copper and some aluminum, nickel or steel. I seldom use gold because of the cost but if a customer wants it, then gold it is.
