I am a GIA Graduate Gemologist and also a Master Jeweler and Hand
engraver based in Orlando Florida
…
Holly M Juscak
Minneapolis, Minnesota. USA
I am a third semester Jewelry student at MCTC in Minneaplis Mn.
Culture and community interest me, plants and animals make me happy,
traveling completes me and working on jewelry drives me. My goal in
life is to start a work shop teaching underprivileged youth how to
make jewelry, preferably in Brazil. I am just starting to create my
own workshop in my basement and any tips would be greatly
appreciated.
I am a third semester Jewelry student at MCTC in Minneaplis Mn.
Culture and community interest me, plants and animals make me
happy, traveling completes me and working on jewelry drives me. My
goal in life is to start a work shop teaching underprivileged youth
how to make jewelry, preferably in Brazil. I am just starting to
create my own workshop in my basement and any tips would be greatly
appreciated.
I too came from that program, about seven years ago. Keep meaning to
run up and say ‘Hi’ and never quite find the time.
You will have the basic skills needed by the time you graduate, with
setting being the weakest. I suspect this is the case with all
schools, as there are a myriad of shapes/settings possible and all
cannot be realistically covered in the typical program. Maybe buy
CZ’s and sterling settings and practice the pear, marquise, etc. Get
an account with Rio Grande, they’re the easiest for rookies. There
are many instructional videos on the web now, too.
My tip? Don’t buy any new tools if possible, except saw blades and
that type of thing. Troll for used equipment, there’s a ton out
there. Go see Dan at The Silver Toolbox (silvertoolbox.com), he can
sometimes hook you up with used stuff (tell him the guy with the
Ducati sent you - don’t think he’s that great with names these days