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| Jewellery making is an art form, and the incorporation | | | | jeweller’s tools to create your own, unique |
| of gemstones into jewellery goes back thousands of | | | | results. If you are intending to produce a quantity of |
| years. But gemstones don’t necessarily mean | | | | gemstone jewellery, the initial outlay of equipment will |
| top end diamonds or rubies – there are a whole | | | | soon pay dividends, as the uncut gemstones are far |
| range of gemstones that can be used by jewellery | | | | cheaper than the cut ones. |
| makers for very little initial cost. | | | | Semi-precious gemstones can also be bought as |
| Suppliers of gemstones recognise that their products | | | | beads, combined with delicate silver spacers and |
| can be used in any form of jewellery, from rings to | | | | created into beautiful, elegant jewellery. A particular |
| broaches, necklaces to earrings. The possibilities are | | | | favourite is the deep blue azure of Lapis Lazuli with its |
| only limited by the creator’s imagination. There | | | | golden flecks and shimmering iridescence. |
| are so many shapes and sizes to choose from, it may | | | | Creating stylish and unique jewellery is far easier than |
| be a little daunting at first glance, but if you plan your | | | | you think. By incorporating gemstones into your |
| piece of jewellery carefully, there is bound to be a | | | | designs, you can even make birthstone-specific |
| gemstone to fit. | | | | jewellery for a particularly individual gift. Each zodiac |
| The first thing to do is to decide exactly what kind of | | | | sign has corresponding gemstones, most of which are |
| piece you want to create. Once you have decided on | | | | relatively common and fairly cheap. Even the more |
| that, you can then narrow your field of choice down | | | | expensive stones, such as emeralds and sapphires, |
| regarding shape and size. If you are making a broach | | | | can be cheaper than you expected, especially if you |
| with an inlay gemstone setting, a cabochon of any | | | | choose a stone that is perhaps of a lower quality, but |
| precious or semi-precious gemstone can easily be | | | | has its own raw beauty. |
| fitted into a corresponding blank mounting. A popular | | | | The important thing to remember when venturing into |
| combination is silver and turquoise, giving a beautiful | | | | the world of gemstones for the first time is to shop |
| finish for a budget price. | | | | around. There are plenty of suppliers in the market, and |
| Most silver and gold findings can be bought from | | | | there are bargains to be had, particularly if you are |
| jewellery suppliers. Good suppliers will also carry a | | | | willing to do a little work on the stone yourself. |
| range of gemstones that are designed to fit their | | | | Don’t be afraid to experiment – if |
| selection of mountings. To use gemstones in your | | | | you’re not happy with the results, you can |
| jewellery making, you need only a few simple tools | | | | always dismantle the piece and incorporate the gem |
| and a lot of imagination. If you’re really serious | | | | into a different setting or even a completely different |
| about gemstones, you can purchase the uncut stones | | | | design. |
| and build up your workshop to include tumblers, | | | | |