Jewellery Inspired by Scotland’s Folklore, Nature, and Ancient Magic. Discover handcrafted jewellery inspired by Scotland’s rich folklore and wild landscapes. Rock & Ore’s unique designs capture the magic of nature, myth, and ancient traditions. From mystical gemstones to silver amulets, every piece tells a story.

My Must-Have Tools as a Jewellery Artist

Jewellery making may look like pure magic from the outside, but behind the sparkle are the tools that make it possible. After more than a decade of creating pieces inspired by Scotland’s landscapes and folklore, I’ve found a handful of tools I simply couldn’t work without.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to set up your bench or a fellow maker curious about what I use every day, here are my must-have tools – reliable, practical, and perfect for keeping the creativity flowing.

1. Precision Pliers Set

Every jewellery artist needs a good set of pliers – flat nose, round nose, and chain nose. They’re the backbone of shaping, bending, and finishing wire.
Beadsmith Pliers

2. Jeweller’s Saw

Delicate silver or gold designs need careful cutting, and a jeweller’s saw is essential for getting crisp lines and detailed shapes.
Jewellers Saw

3. Steel Bench Block

This humble block is where the hammering happens – perfect for texturing, flattening, and hardening metal.
Bench Block

4. Rawhide or Nylon Hammer

Not all hammers are created equal! A rawhide or nylon hammer lets me shape without leaving harsh marks on the silver.
Rawhide Hammer

5. Soldering Kit

From simple joins to intricate settings, a reliable soldering setup (torch, blocks, and flux) makes creating professional-quality jewellery possible.
Blow Torch

6. Polishing Cloths

Shine matters. A simple polishing cloth can transform a piece from dull to dazzling in seconds – I keep stacks of them in the studio.
Polishing Cloth

7. Magnifying Desk Lamp

Good lighting is everything. A magnifying lamp helps me see tiny details and prevents eye strain during long making sessions.
Desk lamp

8. Ring Mandrel & Sizer

Getting sizing right is non-negotiable, so I always use a reliable mandrel and sizer when shaping rings.
Mandrel

9. Storage Solutions

Keeping tools and materials tidy is key to working efficiently. Simple stacking drawers or bead boxes keep my studio organised.
Gem Tray

10. Inspirational Books

Sometimes the most important “tool” is inspiration. I often turn to books on Scottish folklore, ancient jewellery, and design to spark new ideas.
Jewellery Book

Behind the Tools – the Magic of Making

These tools may not look glamorous, but they’re the heartbeat of my work. Each hammer strike, each saw cut, each polish cloth swipe adds up to the jewellery I create – pieces that carry stories, landscapes, and a little bit of Scottish magic.

✨ Curious to see what I make with these tools? Explore my latest designs at Rock & Ore Studio.

Elizabeth Gault