Tools of the Trade: My Top 10 Must-Haves

Top 10 Must-Have Jewelry Making Tools for Every Silversmith

When I first started making jewelry, I had no idea how many tools I would eventually collect. Some tools I bought on a whim and rarely touched, while others became my go-to essentials I use every single day. Over the years, I’ve learned that the right tools not only make jewelry making easier: they make it more enjoyable, precise, and professional.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your bench setup, here’s my list of the top 10 must-have tools for silversmithing and jewelry making (in no specific order). These are the ones I personally use daily in my own studio and couldn’t imagine working without.

1. Rawhide Hammer

Unlike a regular hammer, a rawhide mallet lets you shape and form metal without marring the surface. I use mine constantly for flattening wire, shaping metal around mandrels, and making gentle adjustments without leaving marks.

2. Files

Files are a silversmith’s best friend when it comes to refining shapes, smoothing edges, and perfecting details. I keep a few different shapes and sizes on my bench: flat, half-round, and needle files (these are great to get into those tiny crevices.)

3. Torch

The butane torch is the heart of my jewelry-making process. From soldering bezels to annealing metal, it’s essential for creating solid, professional joins. If you’re just starting out, invest in a reliable torch that suits your space and comfort level.

4. Ring Mandrel

If you plan on making rings, a ring mandrel is non-negotiable. It helps you size, shape, and adjust rings perfectly. I use mine for both creating new rings and reshaping older ones. I purchased this one from PepeTools.com and wish I had done so from the start! 

5. Jeweler’s Saw AND Shears

Your saw will quickly become an extension of your hand. It’s the tool that lets you cut intricate shapes, saw out patterns, and refine metal components. OR another option are these shears. They won't cut detailed designs, but cutting the backplate around a basic shaped stone will be a breeze!

6. Flush Cutters

These could probably be included with pliers, but I felt they deserve to be on the top 10 list. A good quality pair will save you LOADS of time from filing.

7. Tweezers

Tweezers are essential for handling small pieces, especially those tiny solder bits. My favorite pair is anti-magnetic and heat-resistant so I can pick up hot metal without damaging it (or my fingers)!

8. Pliers

Round-nose, chain-nose, and flat-nose pliers are the holy trinity of jewelry pliers. They’re perfect for bending wire, making loops, and holding pieces steady. A good quality set will make your work cleaner and save your hands from strain.

9. Foredom or Rotary Tool

A Foredom or similar rotary tool is like having a dozen tools in one. With the right attachments, you can drill holes, sand, polish, texture, and even carve. It’s an investment that pays for itself in versatility.

10. Sandpaper

The unsung hero of jewelry making. Sandpaper is essential for refining edges, smoothing surfaces, and prepping metal for polishing. I keep a range of grits on hand, from coarse for shaping to ultra-fine for finishing. Get these rotary tool sandpaper attachments from Pepe Tools, you won't regret it!

My Personal Tip

When I first began silversmithing, I didn’t buy everything at once. I collected tools over many years. I recommend starting with the basics and adding more specialized tools as your skills grow. Some of my favorite tools are ones I invested in after realizing exactly what I needed to make my designs come to life. I am 100% confident that I am not even halfway through my tool purchasing journey. (shhh, don't tell my husband ;))

Final Thoughts

These 10 tools form the foundation of my jewelry-making process. Of course, there are countless other specialty tools out there, but these are the ones I reach for every single day.

If you’re just starting your silversmithing journey, my advice is to invest in the best quality tools you can afford (I did not and sometimes regret it). They’ll not only last longer, but they’ll make your final piece be made more efficiently, and a lot faster! Possibly, less tears too!

What’s your favorite jewelry-making tool? Share it in the comments, I’d love to hear what’s on your must-have list!