Adapting Your Craft: Tools and Techniques for Jewellers with Dexterity Challenges

I have spent my jewellery career finding adaptations to help students reach their goals. From tools that help with physical limitations to techniques for harnessing neurodiversity. Yet I haven't been showing myself the same level of empathy and flexibility. "Don't do as I do, do as I say" was a mantra I heard growing up, but it's time to take my own advice.

“Creativity is a spark. It can be excruciating when we're rubbing two rocks together and getting nothing. And it can be intensely satisfying when the flame catches and a new idea sweeps around the world.”

— Jonah Lehrer

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As a jeweller who faces dexterity challenges, I've learned that our passion for creating beautiful pieces doesn't have to be limited by physical constraints. Here are some strategies I've found helpful in adapting my craft:

#1 Ergonomic Tools are Game-Changers:

Investing in tools designed for comfort and ease of use has made a world of difference. Jewellery pliers and metal shears that are sprung (open automatically as you soften your grip) minimise hand fatigue as well as the amount of dexterity required for use.

A metal guillotine makes quick work of cutting larger pieces of metal. If this is outside your budget, consider purchasing metal that is pre-cut to manageable sizes.

A mitre jig is your friend! This tiny vice has a multitude of uses, including making it very easy to file things perfectly flat. It can be used as a tiny vice for holding small elements, such as tube, while 'cutting a seat'. It's a useful clamp while twisting wire.

A crimping tool can act as a miniature hydraulic press!

#2 Workspace Makeover:

I've designed my workspace to reduce strain. Proper lighting, comfortable chairs, and a well-organised layout have helped me work more efficiently and comfortably. I bought myself a 'professional' jeweller's bench. It looks beautiful and was expensive, yet I never sit at it. I have come to accept that the jeweller's benches I build myself are far more comfortable and ergonomic, not to mention a fraction of the price. I particularly find the additional worktop space helps me feel more creative. You can watch me build my workshop here.

#3 Embracing New Techniques:

I've discovered that some techniques are more forgiving when it comes to dexterity. While most stone setting requires a fairly high level of dexterity and has been causing me some problems (despite successfully talking hundreds of students through the process!), other techniques are far more forgiving. Here is an example of how I've taken multiple 'failed' projects and repurposed them into a pair of earrings that required fewer fine motor skills. I've experimented with alternative ways of stone setting, such as cast-in-place using the sand casting technique. I've recently been refining this process, but you can see my first attempts here.

I am also embracing metal dies that help create intricate textures and patterns. I was able to create some intricate, gold stacking rings for my mum, using very simple techniques.

#4 Larger Components = Big Impact:

Working with larger components has opened up a new world of design possibilities. In the UK, most gold and silversmiths work small scale. Partly due to taste and partly due to the cost of precious metals. Working larger scale can reduce the level of dexterity required, as things are easier to hold. This has led me to create bold, statement pieces that I might not have considered before.

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Thought For The Day

Adapting your craft isn't about limitations - it's about discovering new possibilities. Each piece you create is a testament to your resilience and creativity.