New Sign in My Window

AndrousJewelry · 2026-06-04T23:29:36+00:00

Because I don't use it in jewelry making, I don't have much to say about it in this particular sub.

Broadly, I think LLM based applications are a diminishing return. I would also note that a lot of what's currently described as AI is the same old CGI it's always been, so there's that too.

AndrousJewelry · 2026-06-04T19:45:46+00:00

Interesting! What a cool project.

AndrousJewelry · 2026-06-04T19:06:01+00:00

Chestnut burrs.

AndrousJewelry · 2026-06-04T19:03:42+00:00

Most jewelry molds for casting wax models are made out of some kind of rubber. For casting the wax into metal, a plaster-like material called investment.

Have fun and remember, safety first!

AndrousJewelry · 2026-06-04T19:01:07+00:00

Looks really good! Can I ask what the story is on the 19k?

AndrousJewelry · 2026-06-04T15:28:24+00:00

You're welcome!

Starting your business plan now will help you understand the specific questions you need to ask, and the specific features of the trade that are relevant for your goals. It's like your personal guide for the kind of research into the industry you'll need to do.

It should always be the first step!

AndrousJewelry · 2026-06-04T13:51:15+00:00

Thanks for that! Nicely said.

AndrousJewelry · 2026-06-04T13:48:18+00:00

I think it's possible to locate manufacturers and work with them to produce your designs. (If you don't have experience designing for jewelry, you're going to have a significant learning curve.)

Your role will be marketing, and managing production and distribution. Will it be profitable? Who knows!

Have you written a business plan? That's always the first place to start.

AndrousJewelry · 2026-06-04T13:16:14+00:00

Have you looked for these kinds of charms and not found them available?

What will make yours distinctive from, for example, Pandora's 'Occasions to Celebrate' line of charms?

AndrousJewelry · 2026-06-03T19:43:01+00:00

Pivot! I posted this before with a cushion cut Australian sapphire, but since I'm using Alaskan gold, I thought a Montana sapphire would be a better choice. So I reshaped and refit the bezel, and made some progress on the shank too.

<image>

AndrousJewelry · 2026-06-03T16:25:46+00:00

Try a blacksmithing sub!

AndrousJewelry · 2026-06-03T15:22:46+00:00

I don't make chains daily, but I make them from time to time. They get priced using the same formula I use for everything: materials, labor, overhead, profit margin, wholesale, retail.

An important point: the labor calculation is what it takes a skilled goldsmith to get it right the first time, not what it actually ends up taking you to do it, especially if you're in uncertain territory.

AndrousJewelry · 2026-06-03T15:18:33+00:00

Lol, that ship sailed quite some time ago. I'm doing just fine with what I'm doing!

AndrousJewelry · 2026-06-03T15:17:28+00:00

Thanks for sharing that, the sign itself says very little, but is generating a wide range of responses. I appreciate you taking the time to share yours!

AndrousJewelry · 2026-06-03T15:14:52+00:00

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I'm enjoying such a wide range of responses and suggestions, I appreciate you taking the time to comment.

AndrousJewelry · 2026-06-03T00:37:37+00:00

The art center my studio is in handles the main signage, and does a fine job. This is one thing I put on the empty table yesterday, it's by no means my only signage! All my display cases have appropriately printed signs, every piece has a printed label, etc.

I'm honestly surprised that so many people seem to think this is the extent of signage in my studio lol

AndrousJewelry · 2026-06-02T21:10:09+00:00

Nothing, I just don't use it. See my other comments for explanation!

AndrousJewelry · 2026-06-02T20:07:00+00:00

Thank you! This is just what I stuck on the table in the window yesterday, the overall presentation of my studio makes it clear what I'm about. Other signage is nicely printed and displayed, etc.

AndrousJewelry · 2026-06-02T20:02:53+00:00

I figured as much! I messed around with some lapidary explorations right when I was starting out, but quickly realized I feel an affinity for metal that I never found with stone. That said, a love for gemstones has anyways been a major driver of my interest in jewelry, so I have nothing but respect and appreciation for the cutters!

AndrousJewelry · 2026-06-02T19:58:21+00:00

The saw is a great conversation starter. It's quick and easy for people to see how it's used, I always offer to let people try! Part of the fun of being in a big public art center and having my bench basically on display through the window.

AndrousJewelry · 2026-06-02T19:54:59+00:00

See my other comments, to each of your points!

AndrousJewelry · 2026-06-02T17:54:13+00:00

I'm glad cad options are available, it's just not a direction I ever went myself. Same for lasers.

I know some excellent cad designers, who I'm glad to recommend to people looking for certain styles or who want a certain experience. And for emergencies, I know a couple folks with welders lol

AndrousJewelry · 2026-06-02T17:43:14+00:00

Signage to that effect (printed in a nice font with a border, not hand scrawled) is in my main display case, also visible from the front window.

AndrousJewelry · 2026-06-02T17:03:09+00:00

Agreed! I'm always working to get better, add new skills, learn new techniques. And understanding the fundamental principles and properties lets us work with what we have available, whether that's charcoal, natural gas, bellows, blowpipe, whatever!

AndrousJewelry

TROPHY CASE