The Tools We Use

From files and pliers to crucibles and sticky notes, a wide variety of tools help transform an idea into a finished piece.

Some tools are traditional and have been used by jewelers for generations. Others are improvised, modified, or made specifically for a single task. At the bench, the right tool can mean the difference between a clean result and a frustrating compromise.

In many cases, if the proper tool does not exist, I will make one. Toolmaking is a skill often overlooked outside of physical trades, but it is an important part of craftsmanship. A tool that fits the job allows work to be performed more accurately, more efficiently, and with greater consistency.

Many of the tools used in my studio bear the marks of modification or are entirely handmade. They exist for one reason: to help bring an idea from concept to reality as truly as possible.