 |
Here is your next issue of E-BENCH.
Thanks for subscribing.
<=> <=> <=> <=> E-BENCH <=> <=> <=> <=>
The E-Mail Newsletter
for Bench Jewelers
March 2006
Volume 7 Issue 03 circulation over 4,000
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
3rd
Annual
Bench Jewelers
Conference & Expo
Pre-Conference
Seminar April 27th
The Third Annual Bench Jewelers Conference &
Expo will be held
Pre-Conference Seminar on April 27 in
BIGGER &
BETTER THAN BEFORE
More Exhibitors ~ More
Seminars ~ More Events
The Educational Conference this year features
Christel Trimborn, Editor in Chief GZ Art +
Design, the leading jewelry design publication
in
Leaders including
Grosser,
Koehler,
Ruiz,
Skuratowicz, & Greg Stopka.
The Suppliers Expo is double the size and
features New Exhibitors and Larger Displays by
many companies. There will be many bench demonstration at booths throughout the show floor and sever seminar in our Exhibitors Presentation Theater.
Enjoy the camaraderie of other jewelers.
Perhaps the most valuable component of the
Conference & Expo is getting the chance to
spend time with people just like you who love
to make jewelry! Book you room at the conference hotel today.
For More Information & to Register log onto:
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER <=> <=>
E-BENCH is a FREE monthly newsletter for Retail
Jewelry Store Owners, Shop Managers, Bench
Jewelers and anyone else that is interested.
We encourage you to forward this newsletter to
anyone that you think may benefit from it,
provided you forward all of it without
modification and not just portions of it.
This document may NOT be distributed for
profit. E-BENCH is a
copyrighted newsletter
and all rights are reserved!
We Hate Spam as Much as You Do!
We assure you that your email address is kept
strictly confidential and is not shared with
anyone for any reason.
E-BENCH is sent to you each month FREE of
charge because of the generous support of our
SPONSORS. Please
support them with your
purchases.
E-BENCH is a BENCH MEDIA Publication
BENCH MEDIA is a division of
B W Simon International
Bradney W Simon – Publisher
Daniel R. Spirer - Proofreader
daniel@spirerjewelers.com
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> <=> E-BENCH SPONSOR <=> <=> <=>
JewelersTraining.com
JewelersTraining.com is the first and finest On
Demand Jewelry Video Training Website.
JewelersTraining.com is designed by Jewelers
for Jewelers. Our
mission is to provide
jewelers with the best online jewelry education
with On Demand Videos and other training
resources.
Log onto JewelersTraining.com Today and sign-up
for our free educational newsletter.
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> <=> TIPS FOR JEWELERS <=> <=> <=>
Tips for Jewelers Who Do Repairs
From Alan Revere
To reduce the likelihood of losing little stones, findings, jump rings, and pieces of precious metal make a recessed dish in the top of your bench pin. Simply draw a rectangle about 15 mm by 30 mm, near the back. Wearing goggles and a dust mask, use a coarse cut round bur to carve down about 3 mm within the rectangle. It is important to frequently measure the depth while carving to ensure a flat floor.
Now you have a convenient little trough for holding pieces and parts. Because it is recessed, you can even lay a piece of sheet or other large items right on your bench pin, without fear of disturbing the small items hidden below.
This tip is from 101 Bench Tips for Jewelers
written by Alan Revere and published by
MJSA/AJM Press.
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> QUOTE WORTH RE-QUOTING <=> <=>
Many people think that if they were only in some other place, or had some other job, they would be happy. Well, that is doubtful. So get as much happiness out of what you are doing as you can and do not put off being happy until some future date.
Dale Carnegie
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> <=> E-BENCH SPONSOR <=> <=> <=>
United Precious
Metal Refining
United is a full service refiner for Gold,
Silver, Platinum, & Palladium. We specialize
in Refining for the jewelry Industry,
processing everything from sweeps to karat
scrap.
Technical assistance on all phases of
manufacturing and jewelry casting is only a
phone call away. Call
us today at
1-800-999-3463 or visit us online at
United Precious
Metal Refining
Simply the Best
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> <=> COLORED STONES <=> <=> <=>
Learn all about handling colored stones from
gemstone cutter
APATITE
Until the appearance of neon blue-green apatite about ten years ago, there was no interest in apatite as a jewelry stone. The large yellow crystals from
in demand by cutters like me, but that material is pretty much gone. While apatite cuts a beautiful and bright stone, the Mohs hardness does not exceed 5 in gem quality material, and it is quite brittle. All in all, this is not a good candidate for a ring, but the popularity of the newer neon colored material is not to be ignored. In addition to its brittleness, apatite is very heat sensitive. Torch use is out and the ultrasonic is risky at best. Extreme caution is advised when setting. It falls into the look but do not touch category.
Besides the currently popular neon blue-green, apatite can be found in a nice medium yellow, light pink, greenish-yellow and even purple, but the material is never common. Extra fine faceted apatite in the neon colors wholesales in the $150 to $175 per carat range in five to ten carat sizes and is mostly sold to collectors. When well cut it is a visual knockout! Stones smaller than 3 carats are usually available for under $85 per carat.
You can contact
wayne_emery@msn.com
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> QUOTE WORTH RE-QUOTING <=> <=>
Accept yourself as you are. Otherwise you will never see opportunity. You will not feel free to move toward it; you will feel you are not deserving.
Maxwell Maltz
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> <=> E-BENCH SPONSOR <=> <=> <=>
The
Ganoksin Project
www.ganoksin.com
The Gem and Jewelry Pre-Eminent Online
Resources. Open to the
public
Free of
Charge.
A substantial library of articles,
publications, reports, and technical data on
gem and jewelry related topics; as well as a
sizable collection of art and jewelry
galleries, for both the casual visitor and the
professional, also host the popular Orchid
online forums for jewelers.
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> Tips
& Tricks from
WAX CARVING TIPS
To size a wax ring blank heat an old ring mandrel with your torch or over an alcohol lamp. Then slide the wax ring blank down the warm mandrel melting the wax until you reach your desired size. Slide the ring blank off, flip it over and slide it back down the mandrel to size the other side. Remove the blank carefully and wipe the excess wax off the mandrel with a paper towel or allow it to cool and peal the wax off.
When carving hard waxes it is easy to judge the thickness of the wax by the amount of light showing through. To make it easier purchase a light box at an art supply store or hobby shop. Use the light box as a work table as you carve allowing the light to shine through the wax.
An alternative to the light box is to use a small florescent light fixture made to mount under a shelf. Lay the light on your workbench with the light shining up and use the diffuser as your work surface. To cut down on the glare from the light, cover the diffuser with construction paper leaving an opening for your work area.
When carving a wax for bead setting, cut the seat for the stones and rough out the bright cut with your graver in the wax. This will save a lot of time later when you set the stones as it is easier and faster to cut away wax than it is to cut the metal.
When repairing a break in hard carving wax use the next hardest wax as the filler as this will give you a stronger seam. For example if you are using blue wax, repair the break with purple wax, if using purple wax use green wax.
Buy a cookie sheet that will fit over the opening in your lap tray. (The kind with a half inch lip all the way around works best.) Place the cookie sheet over your lap tray when carving wax. You can then easily dump the contents into the waste basket when finished so that you keep the wax filings out of your lap tray and mixing with your metal scraps.
You can contact Brad at Brad@BWSimon.com
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> QUOTE WORTH RE-QUOTING <=> <=>
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:1
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> <=> E-BENCH SPONSOR <=> <=> <=>
Bench Conference
Perhaps the most valuable component of the Conference & Expo is getting the chance to spend time with people just like you who love to make jewelry.
There Are Still Plenty Of Rooms Available At The Conference Hotel.
To make hotel reservation at the Holiday Inn call the hotel 303-302-4148 and ask for Roxie Crow and she will make your reservation for you. Rooms are $94 a night (regularly $112.95). You will want to stay at the Conference hotel; the Holiday Inn has a large lobby with a two story waterfall at one end and a sports bar at the other. It is a great place to relax and talk with other jewelers as the days activities wind down.
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> AT THE PLATINUM BENCH <=> <=>
Tips that make working with Platinum or
working at the bench in general easier-
from Jurgen J. Maerz CMBJ,
Director of Technical Education
for Platinum Guild International
http://www.pgi-platinum-tech.com
Making a Better Bench Pin:
THE SOLDERING AID
A bench pin is not just a handy device for filing. With a little modification, it can have its range of uses expanded. For example, if you want to turn it into a soldering aid, take a coping saw and cut out a 1/8 inch wide slot along one side of the pin. You can now insert a pair of tweezers for use in soldering operations.
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> QUOTE WORTH RE-QUOTING <=> <=>
Success is the maximum utilization of the ability that you have.
Zig Zigler
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> <=> E-BENCH SPONSOR <=> <=> <=>
Jewelry Dealers
World Trade Network
http://www.JewelryDealersNetwork.com
<=> Bench Jeweler Discussion Channel <=>
Ask questions, share tips, and take part in the
ongoing discussions, or just read and take in
all the advice from many excellent jewelers
from around the world.
Membership includes: Topical Discussion
Channels, including
Bench Work, CAD-CAM, Stone Setting, and many
more. You may buy, sell
and trade on the
Buy/Sell Channels, Plus Much More.
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> <=> Gemz from Gerry <=> <=> <=>
Stone setting tips from Gemz Diamond Setting
http://www.gemzdiamondsetting.com/index.html
by Gerald N. Lewy
When securing stones in settings use a soft metal pusher. I suggest a copper or brass pusher. This will prevent making deep marks in the prongs, which can be difficult to remove later.
I use flat-edge and tapered-edge pumice wheels (#180 grit) on all of my setting items. I do this because it is a mark of a careful, high quality setter. I remove all of the plier and graver marks and the general rough edges left by the casting house. I do not want my polishing sub-contractor to grind away more than he has to in finishing my setting work.
Just before you remove a diamond or any precious gemstone, observe any inclusions or defects in the stone. Always keep your 10X Triplet Loupe at your side. Take note and record any inclusions or have the client view the inclusions themselves. I speak from experience. If you are in doubt about a stone, DO NOT SET IT. Being an overly cautious setter is far more rewarding than paying for a stone replacement.
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> QUOTE WORTH RE-QUOTING <=> <=>
What we have learned from others becomes our own reflection.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> <=> E-BENCH SPONSOR <=> <=> <=>
Southeastern Findings
Southeastern Findings has been a leader in the
wholesale jewelry business for the past 27
years servicing the Independent Jeweler. We
are Findings, Diamonds, Wedding Bands, Jewelry
Boxes, Platinum, Batteries, Tools, and So Much
More.
Call us Today at 1-800-282-8285 or visit us on
the World Wide Web www.sefindings.com
Namano /
Southeastern Findings
Your Home for
Southern Hospitality
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=>
<=> WORKSHOP SAFETY FOR
JEWELERS <=> <=>
Workshop Safety Tips From Charles Lewton-Brian
The first thought on having an accident is usually -That Was Stupid!
At least for me and from others who I have asked, the first thought that goes through your head, even before anything hurts, is that was dumb. And, usually, it was. Most accidents (including the slow ones that get you twenty years down the line) are stupid ones. In the light of the best knowledge at your disposal (and it is your duty to yourself to do the research to find out about what you are doing) act in such a manner as to avoid accidents and threats to your health.
Never ask someone who has just had a drastic accident how they did it. Quite often they will be in shock and literally show you just how they did it thus damaging themselves even more. While this most frequently happens right after the accident I heard of a three fingered woodworking instructor at a college in Southern
to a class. Someone asked him how he lost the finger, and he said like this and promptly took the other three off.
Be smart, work calmly and steadily, think and be conscious.
For more information on Workshop safety from
Charles Lewton-Brian log onto:
http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/safety.htm
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> QUOTE WORTH RE-QUOTING <=> <=>
That some achieve great success, is proof to all that others can achieve it as well.
Abraham Lincoln
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> <=> E-BENCH SPONSOR <=> <=> <=>
BENCH
VISION
A Video Magazine for
Bench Jewelers on DVD
Each quarterly issue contains 1 hour of video
training including: Stone Setting, Jewelry
Repair, and Custom Jewelry Manufacturing. Plus
Bench Tips, Bench Visits, and New Product
Reviews.
Only $95 per year in the
and Only $125 per year for oversea delivery.
www.BWSimon.com/BenchVision
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> Thank You for
We are on the World Wide Web.
Visit us at http://www.BWSimon.com
A complete archive of back issues of E-BENCH is
located there.
Visit often, as we will be making changes to
our site, adding additional useful information
for bench jewelers.
<=> <=> SUBSCRIPTION
INFORMATION <=> <=>
We value every subscriber and respect your
privacy. We do not
sell, rent, or otherwise
disclose our list of subscribers for any
reason. Your Email
Address Is Kept Strictly
Confidential.
To subscribe, log onto:
http//www.BWSimon.com/E-Bench
If you do not wish to continue receiving this
Newsletter Reply to this message with
UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line.
If you change your e-mail address, PLEASE let
us know. Each month we
have several
newsletters returned to us because the e-mail
address is no longer in service. We have no
alternative method of contacting you, and
cannot send you future issues unless you notify
us of your new e-mail address.
< < < < < <> >
> > > >
Information provided in this document is
provided As Is without warranty of any kind,
either expressed or implied. This publication
is designed to provide accurate and
authoritative information concerning the
subject matter covered. It is provided with
the understanding that the author or publisher
is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting,
or other professional services. If legal
advice or other expert assistance is required,
the services of a competent professional person
should be sought.
< <
< < < <> > > > > >
For editorial suggestions, comments, ideas
or requests, please send an E-Mail to
Bradney W. Simon mailto: Brad@BWSimon.com
Copyrighted, 2006, BENCH MEDIA.
All rights reserved.
BENCH MEDIA
< < < < < <> > > > > > |