To all silversmiths and whitesmiths: I am proudly announcing the debut of my company, AAICA LLC! At the present time, AAICA's main product involves working with TUFA as casting aid for casting silver, pewter, and low temperature alloys. What is TUFA?

When you choose a project one of the most important decisions to make is what size of wire you are going to use for that particular project. You will also need to decide what hardness of wire will work best. There are mainly three types of hardness to choose from. Which type is selected...

There are a variety of types of wire available for use by the jewelry artist. It depends on the type of project you are working on. After practicing with the different types, you might also develop a preference for a specific type of wire over another. This is an option only if your project does...

Practicing is the key to becoming familiar with different types of wire. The more you use them and try different types, the more you will learn the qualities of each type. This will Also allow you to gain knowledge of which type works best for different projects. The first type of wire is...

Beginning to work with wire to make jewelry designs requires practice and patience. The most affordable wire to practice with is 18- gauge copper wire. This type of wire is easy to find at hardware stores and often can be found at craft stores too. Once you have practiced enough to feel...

I know almost nothing about jewel cutting. I do watches for a hobby. Some antique watches have precious stones for decoration but the most, I was told, is 'old cut"--they are not bright and as reflective as the ones I see in shops now. My question is when did they begin to have the 'new cut"?...

I hope I have come to the right NG. I just want to learn to buff small metal articles like stainless steel watch bands, spoons, and them may be gold bracelets etc. I bought a 1/6 hp motor with flex shaft, white and green rouge, and some small buffing wheels (1'' diameter). These were bought from...

Could anyone tell me where to by Sterling Silver Wire at a reasonable = price=20 in US or Canada, besides Ebay? Preferrably Canada. Mostly 24, 22, 20 and = 18=20 Gauge needed. Thanks in advance, Abedbo=20

Hello, Does anyone know of a shop/website in the UK that sells faceting /polishing laps, dop wax etc? I can only find ones in the USA at the moment and im not keen on paying the import tax on top! cheers Alastair

Hello, Does anyone know of any gemstone faceting courses in the UK, as I am keen to try out this hobbey and books can only take you so far. Thanks Alasdair

I wonder if anyone out there can help me. I have a ring with what looks like a good coloured blue sapphire claw set surrounded by three poor quality diamonds on each shoulder. It is probably edwardian in age. From looking at the sapphire I am sure there is something not right about it. On the...

Bob D wrote: Jewelry store in San Francisco closing it's doors after 27 years. Very fine jewelry display cases and other store fixtures available. many to choose from. Photos avail. on request maybe a link posted soon. Must sell ASAP Reply to for more info Since...

http://www.abrasha.com/misc/happyeverything.htm -- Abrasha http://www.abrasha.com

Hey folks, Check this out: http://www.zoho.nl/ and http://www.craftsmanshipmuseum.com/artmachine.htm (third one down, but don't miss the second one down) It's well worth it, trust me! -- Abrasha http://www.abrasha.com

This instruction video is an absolute must for anyone using large DeWalt power drills, or any other power drill for that matter. If you don't, this may happen to you! http://www.abrasha.com/misc/dewalt_tool_safety.htm -- Abrasha http://www.abrasha.com

I uploaded another project to my project pages. This time I show the making of a bracelet from scratch. The idea for the bracelet was based a common thrust bearing. Take a look: http://www.abrasha.com/process/pbb/pbb-00.htm Abrasha http://www.abrasha.com

My old friend Bogdan Kobylarz is selling his jewelry shop in San Mateo (south of San Francisco). 80% of his business is to the trade, the rest is retail. The shop has been in business for 24 years. About 6 years ago, he moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, has set up a separate business there, and has...

wrote: Wants to know how to pronounce Periodot It's not Periodot, its Peridot. There are two ways to pronounce it. Go to http://www.m-w.com/ and type the word into the dictionary. Main Entry: per=B7i=B7dot =

Heather wrote: First let me begin by saying that I would like to begin making jewelry. I have found that I can't seem to locate a source of supplies cheap enough to make this feasible. I am just an individual, so wholesales aren't going to give me the time of day. Then lo and behold I...

Yesterday I became an American citizen. http://gallery.me.com/abrasha#100346 -- Abrasha http://www.abrasha.com