You can read the article and view our videos and Q&A below, but don't forget to check this product first:

Electroforming in Jewelry Making

About the author: Dan Alon, copywriter and internet markeing officer with Pasternak Findings, an international manufacturer and distributer of silver and gold findings and jewelry making supplies. Pasternak Findings is located in Tel-Aviv, Israel and is one of the leading international jewelry supply company.

Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/jewelry-articles/electroforming-in-jewelry-making-3239964.html

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   advice, websites, magazines or books on jewelry making?
   i just started making jewelry and want to know if
   you know any good resources.
   thank you for any information.

   • ANSWER:
     "Jewelry making" covers a lot of territory! ...so much of the answer would depend on just what type of materials you'd want to use.

     There's a load of info on my site though about "making jewelry" -- primarily with polymer clay, but much of the information would apply to jewelry made from other materials as well.

     Check out this previous question and the answer I gave in it, for links to the jewelry pages at my site:
     http://tinyurl.com/25avdj
     .... but add this page link to those since I notice I didn't give it:
     http://www.glassattic.com/polymer/wire.htm
     (using wire for various things re making jewelry... clasps, connectors, wrapping, making shapes, etc.)

     On those pages at my website there are also many links to other sites for jewelry supplies, lessons, etc.

     HTH,

     Diane B.

2. QUESTION:
   Jewelry Making Magazine for Teens?
   Something that doesn't have really difficult jewelry but stuff that's still stylish. Also it would be nice if the subscription didn't cost a lot.

   • ANSWER:
     BEADSTYLE MAGAZINE
     OR
     RINGS & THINGS WHOLESALE- MAGAZINE.

3. QUESTION:
   Jewelry Making techniques?
   I am interested in making jewelry and especially in learning all about wire work. I saw a 'wig jig' apparatus online the other day, but I wasn't sure what brand, type (metal or plastic) etc. I should buy. Can anyone suggest one that has worked good for them?

   Also, do you know of any step by step books (with pictures) that will guide me through the basics? How about bead/jewelry magazine subscriptions...I want to subscribe to one that is intended for a beginner.
   I am interested in making jewelry out of beads and "Wig Jig" design. I think...what does wig jig mean? I thought it was just a little peg board that you can use to wrap wire.

   • ANSWER:
     Hi Lily ~

     I think it is great that you would like to learn how to make jewelry. There are several questions that I would like to ask you before I can give you answer. Are you just interesting in "Wig Jig"? Are you interesting in making jewelry as a goldsmith? Are you interesting in making jewelry out of beads and "Wig Jig" design? Please let me know so I can answer your question. There are many type of Jewelry Making techniques.

     Answer to your additional question.

     I found some links while I was waiting for your answer. Thank you.

     Here are some links that you might want to check it out. These website will also tell you about what tools you will needs, what kind of wire you will need, how to do it, etc. These are very good websites with good information. I might want to learn how to use "Wig Jig" myself.

     http://www.wigjig.com/making-jewelry-with-beads.htm

     http://www.beadhub.com/SiteContent.aspx?ContentItem=WigJigWireCreations

     http://www.jewelry-tools.com/WJU/techniques/index.html

     http://beadstore.wigjig.com/web-sweep.html

     As far as for Magazine -

     I have a lot of magazine that has to do with beading, wire and goldsmith. I would go to the bookstore and check those out before you order them. You can write down what you want to order.

     For beading and wire:

     Simply Beads
     Bead & Button
     Step by Step Beads
     Beadwork
     Bead Unique
     BeadStyle
     Step by Step Wire Jewelry
     Jewelry Crafts

     I hope you will find some enjoyment of making beads with Wig Jig wire. Good luck and let me know how you are doing. Thanks.

4. QUESTION:
   Is it cheaper to make your own jewelry?
   I was looking at some beading magazines that showed how to make some really cool earrings and necklaces and it looked fun to try. I'm a college student looking to save money and maybe make some spare change making jewelry, is it worth it?

   • ANSWER:
     When I was shopping one time I came across a shop that sold beautiful Native American style jewelry that I just HAD to have to go with jeans and t-shirts. But when I saw the .00 price tag on a pair of earrings, I left the shop empty handed. Awhile later I discovered some books that showed you how to make that style. So I bought some beads and made a few pairs.,,and was surprised when people offered to buy the earrings that I was wearing..Over time I found that the reason that those earrings in that shop cost so much is that the artist used only the finest beads and jewelry findings (earring wires, clasps etc) and that making them is really time consuming because each bead is individually sewn into the next one...But I am hooked on makin this style of jewelry and have been pleasantly surprised when people have offered to pay me more for my creations than what I was originally asking for them... I have'nt gotten rich from this hobby but it proves to be a self supporting one..lol... (and yes in my case I could not afford to by that style of jewelry already made but I could afford to buy the best materials and make my own for a fraction of the cost of the ready made ones.) Good luck with your jewelry making ..oh and here is a hint: Don't ever be afraid to add your own personal touch to what ever you are making..the directions and patterns are only a guide and sometimes by using different bead colors and styles you can make a whole different look from casual to dressy ,, bold and flashy to more quiet and subdued, and always by the very best supplies that you can afford.. it DOES make a difference. I found that using beads and jewelry making materials that are very cheap and cheaply made will give your jewelry a cheap look and feel... happy jewelry making.. maybe YOU will come up with next hot jewelry idea!!!

5. QUESTION:
   How would you start marketing handmade jewelry?
   My mom makes handmade jewelry out of sterling silver and natural stones, and most recently enamel. She is always receiving complements on her pieces, and has had one bracelet featured in a jewelry magazine, as well as a few pieces in galleries. But she wants to start selling them on a larger basis, how could she start doing that? Does anyone know where she can find a representative? Thanks!
   hey, thank you so much for responding, your answers were very helpful!

   • ANSWER:
     Since your mom has never had a business before, I would strongly recommend that you both talk to a business counselor before you do anything especially spend money. You have to determine whether you'll start a web based business or one with a store front. I'd call the local office of SCORE (go to http://www.score.org and input your zip code to find the chapter nearest you), the advice is FREE.

     The counselor at SCORE will most likely advise you to write a business plan which is very good advice because it will force you to dig out all of the start up details and the costs of starting a handmade jewelry business and force you to also understand all of the aspects of this business including the customers you'll concentrate on (your market ) and how you'll go after them.

     You'll need to register the business with your state controller's office and make sure that you have any city and county licenses if any are needed where you live. All of this will come out in a business plan.

     Try this link :
     http://www.ychange.com/small-business-consulting-articles.html and read some of the articles especially the ones about a business plan and starting a business.
     Good Luck