Today we are going to talk about one of the most useful tools on our jeweler's bench... Calipers! These are the calipers we use at the studio:  6" digital calipers Uses: Depth and diameter of stones. Checking bur sizes. Inside diameter of rings. (you need to be able to create the correct size ring. Scribe for straight lines. Know the thickness of your metal. Know if you filed your metal straight by holding them in. Drawbacks: Convert to inches and can easily hit the convert button. Easy to accidentally hit the zero out button ...

Are you already browsing for holiday gifts just to avoid the madness of the holiday rush at Christmas time? Or, are you dreading it because some of your loved ones are hard to shop for? Maybe some combination of these? Harold Studio can help you reduce your pre-holiday stress! We offer classes throughout the year. We have options for every skill level. From beginner, to intermediate and seasoned jewelry designer.   We also sell jewelry design supplies and tools at our studio in Phoenix, AZ.  All of these make great gifts! Here’s a list of gift ideas for the creative soul in your life. For the Beginner Jewelry Artist: Jewelry 1 Class --This class covers all the basics a metalsmith jewelry artist needs to know to develop their craft. Hand sawing earrings, soldering to make a ring, to creating patinas textures and more. This 8-week class will help your novice loved one become proficient at the art of metal jewelry design.   For the Mid-level to...

Lots of great jewelry was made at the studio this week!  Jewelry I, II, and II classes are plugging along and we have two new Jewelry I classes starting next week!  Cody did his fair share of assisting students with their jewelry projects too.  This week we are showing off some of the many different tool boxes/bins that we see in the studio!  We would love to see your tool boxes posted to our Facebook page! Please take note of our new hours: Mon/Tues: Closed Wed:     2-8 Thurs: 12-6 Fri:      12-5 Sat:       9-5 Sun:    12-4 Hope to see you soon! An amazing key necklace finished by Melanie in Graduate Jewelry for her friend Rebekah! Love this silver case ring Carla finished in Jewelry 3. Ann made this great prong set ring in Jewelry 3!  The shape is fabulous! Amber made this beautiful silver bezel set Ruby ring in open studio! Cody getting some love from Amber and of course being super helpful! Diana made these fun copper textured earrings in Jewe...

We are in Tucson this week at the JOGS gem show and having a wonderful time! When I knew for sure we would be exhibitors at the show, I made plans to meet up with Kevin Potter of Potter USA . Kevin is a jeweler who makes tools for the jeweler and hobbyist. I first heard about his products through my sister who volunteered for an organization called Seeds for Autism which gives vocational training(like jewelry making) for adults with autism. Seeds for Autism has a hydraulic press that she would rave about. After meeting Kevin at this year's SNAG conference and seeing his press in action, I knew it was only a matter of time before I got one for the studio! Long story short, I picked up our press during a free minute today and can't wait to use it! Along with all the heavy machinery of Kevin's shop, is one of our presses above. We got a blue one. Kevin uses all of this machinery to make amazing tools for jewelers and hobbyists. He definitely makes our lives...