Tools and Equipment for Jewelers

When it comes to jewelry, it is always a good idea to deal with a professional jeweler. Not only do they sell articles of jewelry, but they also have the knowledge and ability to make repairs and adjustments. To do this, jewelers require various types of tools and other equipment that allows them to do things such as change a watch battery or repair a clasp on a bracelet.  

• Loupes - Loupes and magnifiers are used by jewelers to closely view and grade diamonds and other types of gemstones. Loupes that have 10X magnification are the standard for grading. They may be hand-held or worn on the head.


• Sizing Gauges and Sticks - There are various sizing instruments and tools that are used by jewelers. Bangle gauges are used for measuring wrist sizes. Ring sizing sticks are used for measuring ring, usually in increments of 1/4 size. Finger sizing gauges are meant for measuring finger sizesfor rings, usually in half size increments.


• Mandrels - There are two types of mandrels used by jewelers - ring and bracelet. Ring mandrels are used to enlarge the size of gold, silver or copper ring bands. Bracelet mandrels are used for shaping bracelets made of copper, silver and other types of metal. Mandrels often require the use of a mallet.


• Hammers - Hammers and mallets can be made of metal, nylon, rawhide or plastic. Jewelers have a variety of uses for mallets and hammers, for example, rawhide hammers are often used for sizing rings.


• Ring Stretchers and Clamps - Ring stretchers are often placed on table tops and are used for stretching or resizing rings. There are various different types of ring stretchers some that can be used on rings with stone set rings and others that cannot. Ring holders and clamps are used to hold or secure rings that are being mounted or filed. 


• Pliers and cutters - Pliers and cutters are used for gripping, bending and cutting wires. Examples of the different types of pliers include bent nose, flat nose, round nose and wire wrapping. 


• Screwdrivers - Flat head and Phillips screwdrivers are useful for opening certain items, such as watches. 


• Shears and Scissors - Jewelers use these for a variety of purposes on a daily basis, such as cutting thread, cord or metal.


• Tweezers - Tweezers allow jewelers to grip and handle small stones and other objects securely. They generally use tweezers that have medium or fine points.