Cooksongold | Royal Jewelry Blog

Jewellery maker Christine Pearson has a very interesting history in jewellery making and specialises in colourful pieces that are mostly made with enamel. She likes to create unusual pieces that are bold and envision the personality of the wearer. View some of her work, read about where she gets her inspiration from and more in this month’s Designer of the Month interview. Let us know a bit about yourself, detailing your background, study and training in the jewellery making industry. Arts and Crafts have always been part of my life, as a maker and as a teacher. Way back in the 80’s I completed a degree in Silversmithing and Jewellery in Leicester. This gave me the chance to learn technical skills in a creative setting. For several years I was employed as a designer for a large jewellery manufacturer. I learnt so much during my time with them – selling, pricing, mass production and the different ways of making jewellery used in the Birmingham factories. My work was produced in 9ct g...

As one of the most popular types of gem cutting, cabochon cutting is a great place to start your lapidary journey. Having said this, it does require a certain level of skill. This is why we’ve put together a guide on all things cabochon cutting. We’ll talk you through how to cut a gemstone cabochon and the different tools needed for beginners and advanced cabochon cutting. Ideal for creating truly unique pieces, find out everything you need to know about this technique below. What is a cabochon cut gemstone? So, what is a cabochon cut gemstone? Cabochon cut stones are simply stones that have been cut to showcase their natural colours and patterns. Generally, they have an oval shape with a flat base and can be a range of widths. They are then polished to optimise their visual effect further, creating a sleek, glassy look. Tools needed for cabochon cutting Whether you’re just starting out with this technique or you’re looking to take your skill to the next level, here are the tools ...

Looking for a new stone setting technique to expand your offering? Learning how to gypsy set a stone is an excellent place to start, as you should be able to pick up the technique in good time and begin creating some sleek and unique designs. Discover all the tools and tips needed for using the gypsy stone setting below. What is the gypsy stone setting? Before you begin to learn how to gypsy set a ring, it’s essential you understand the fundamentals of the design. Traditionally, a gypsy setting ring (otherwise known as the flush setting) has a similar appearance to the bezel setting. In both techniques the stones appear to be flush with the metal, however in the gypsy setting, the stones are sunken into the metal rather than set in place with metal around the rim. Gypsy setting engagement rings are quickly becoming a popular option for brides to be, as it is widely known as one of the most secure types of setting for your stone or diamond. Tools needed for the gypsy setting Now yo...

You’ve made your pieces of jewellery, but what’s next? The designs sell themselves, but the way you present your jewellery is also part of the overall charm – so choosing the right jewellery packaging is extremely important. And you can get creative with it, too! Elevate your jewellery packaging with small decorative elements like ribbons and bows or branded stickers and personalised notes. Discover how to elevate and personalise your jewellery packaging in our blog. Types of jewellery packaging Struggling with deciding which type of jewellery packaging to use in your business? Nailing your brand image is key, which is why we’ve pulled together some of the most popular jewellery packaging types to help make this decision a little easier. Jewellery boxes – From pendant and ring boxes to cufflink and earring boxes, discover a range of jewellery boxes designed with your needs in mind: Wooden boxes – Ideal for those who are looking for a long-lasting storage solution for their jewe...

Struggling with what to do after graduation? If you’ve just finished a degree in jewellery making and design, you’re probably trying to figure out which steps to take next. And deciding which path to go down can be a daunting decision to make. But the direction you go in will depend on whether you want to create bespoke, one-of-a-kind pieces or an entire line for the mass-market. Discover the steps you can take towards becoming a jewellery designer or maker below. Becoming a jewellery designer Are you more interested in coming up with your own unique jewellery designs instead of making them? Then heading down the path of becoming a jewellery designer is probably more suited to you. Jewellery designers are often freelance workers who work in a competitive market – but what does it take to become one? We’ve pulled together a couple of steps you can take to dip into the jewellery designing market below. Further jewellery courses Maybe you don’t quite feel ready to make the jump, or a...

When you first start in jewellery making, there are a number of terms that may sound unfamiliar. This is why we have put together a Glossary of Jewellery Terms to make it easier for our jewellery making customers that are just beginning in the jewellery making world and would like to see all the jargon that is commonly used in one place. Alloy – A mixture of different metals. Annealing – The heating and cooling of metal, (often using a torch) to make it softer and therefore easier to work. Assaying – The testing of metal by a professional body (Assay Office) to determine the percentage of pure precious metal contained within it. Once established, the metal is marked with the appropriate hallmark. Base Metal – Non-precious metal e.g. copper, aluminium etc. Bevelled – Slanted or sloping. Bezel – Ring of metal used to secure a stone in a rub over setting. Blanks – Plain, flat shapes cut out of sheet metal, (often stamped). Borax – A type of flux which enables solder to ru...

Wondering how to cut and polish gemstones by hand? Asking yourself “is it worth investing in tools for cutting and polishing gemstones”? Well, we’ve put together a selection of methods and tools for cutting and polishing gemstones without a machine. So whether you’re just getting a taste for lapidary, you’re trying to introduce it to your business, or your job involves gemstones on an everyday basis – we’ve got some ideas for you. How to cut and polish gemstones When you’re just starting out, try these techniques with a larger gemstone that has obvious flat surfaces with minimal dents, as this will make it easier to shape. And focus on creating just a few, large facets as these are easier to polish later on. How to cut gemstones by hand: using sandpaper A less technical, precise and a more free-hand way to cut and polish your gemstones – leaving out the tools is ideal for those who are just dabbling in gemstones without looking to sell just yet. Equipment: Chopping board Wet ...