Tools of the Trade: What I Use to Create Sterling Silver Magic

Behind every beautiful piece of jewelry is a set of tools that look a little less glamorous — hammers worn smooth by years of work, pliers with nicked handles, brushes dusted with silver powder.

At Silver Wolf Productions, these tools are like trusted companions. Each has a story. Each plays a role in turning raw silver and stones into jewelry that feels alive.

Today, I’m giving you a peek inside my toolbox — the unsung heroes behind every handmade jewelry piece I create.

The Hammer: Force and Finesse

It all starts with the hammer — or, more accurately, hammers.

I have different hammers for different jobs:

• Rawhide mallets to form and shape metal without marking it.

• Ball-peen hammers to create texture and movement.

• Chasing hammers for precision shaping and decorative work.

Each strike isn’t just brute force. It’s calculated — controlling texture, curve, and thickness. Good jewelry making is part art, part physics.

The Jeweler’s Saw: Where Precision Begins

Before anything can be shaped or formed, it first has to be cut — and not with just any tool. Enter the jeweler’s saw: a deceptively simple frame holding an ultra-fine blade.

I use the jeweler’s saw to:

• Cut intricate shapes from sheets of sterling silver.

• Create precise openings, detailed designs, and delicate forms that other tools simply can't handle.

• Separate pieces cleanly, with minimal waste and maximum control.

Different blades are chosen based on the thickness and hardness of the metal —finer blades for delicate cuts, sturdier blades for heavier stock. Choosing the right blade isn’t just about efficiency — it’s about preserving detail and ensuring the cleanest possible result.

It’s a tool that demands patience — the blade is so fine it can snap with just a little too much pressure.But the reward is worth it: crisp edges, clean curves, and the ability to bring even the most intricate designs to life.

Pliers: The Hands Within My Hands

No jewelry bench is complete without a serious collection of pliers.

In my studio, you’ll find:

• Flat nose pliers for clean, sharp bends.

• Round nose pliers for forming perfect loops and curves.

• Chain nose pliers for delicate adjustments and fine tuning.

• Bent nose pliers to reach tricky angles without damaging the work.

They may not look flashy, but pliers are essential for the precision work that turns metal into wearable art.

The Kiln and the Torch: Masters of Fire

Fire is a jeweler’s oldest partner.

Depending on the technique, I use:

• A kiln to fire metal clay at high temperatures, transforming it into metal.

• A torch for soldering and shaping sterling silver components.

Working with fire demands timing, control, and respect — it’s not just about heating metal.It’s about knowing when the silver is ready to bond, when it’s ready to form, and when it needs to cool and rest.

Without fire, there’s no transformation — just raw materials.

Files, Sandpapers, and Polishing Wheels: The Finishing Touch

Creating jewelry isn’t just about shaping — it’s about refining.

• Files shape and smooth rough edges.

• Sandpaper preps the surface for polishing or patinas.

• Polishing wheels and cloths bring out the final shine — or create soft matte finishes when the piece calls for something more organic.

The final look depends just as much on these quiet tools as on the hammer or torch.

Why Tools Matter

The beauty of artisan jewelry doesn’t just come from creativity — it comes from mastery of tools.

Each piece of handcrafted jewelry from Silver Wolf Productions carries the marks of careful crafting: the curve formed by a hammer, the precise cut of a jeweler’s saw, the bond made with fire, the polish coaxed out by patient hands.

The tools may be simple. The results are anything but.

Want to See These Tools in Action?

Follow along on Instagram @silvernonsense for behind-the-scenes photos and videos of the magic at work. Or explore the shop to see finished pieces born from simple tools and a lot of love.