Helen Driggs, Author at Gesswein Insider

Helen Driggs

Metalsmith, Teaching Artist, Author Read more about Helen's inspiration and experience here.

Gesswein Tool Tips

Jewelry Adaptor Attachments to Help You Save Time

Versatility for Micromotors and Rotary Tools It’s always a good idea to have a plan ...

By Helen Driggs

December 2, 2022

Gesswein Tool Tips

Lapidary Polishing for Beginners: An Introduction to Diamond Compounds

Because lapidary is its own art requiring its own skills and tools, many jewelers outsource ...

By Helen Driggs

February 28, 2022

Gesswein Tool Tips

Professionally Finished Surfaces Can Step Your Work Up a Notch

When most jewelry makers start out in the craft, professional results and finishes are often ...

By Helen Driggs

February 7, 2022

Gesswein Tool Tips

Trick Out Your Jeweler’s Saw: An Old-School Tool Can Do Double Duty

Out of all my hand tools, my jeweler’s saw is the one I have owned ...

By Helen Driggs

January 24, 2022

Gesswein Tool Tips

The Goldsmith’s Hammer: An Essential Bench Tool for Every Jewelry Maker

In addition to a good-quality chasing hammer, every jeweler’s bench should be equipped with yet ...

By Helen Driggs

January 10, 2022

Gesswein Tool Tips

Abrasive Cords and Tapes: “Old School” Tools that Changed My Life

When I first discovered Mitchell’s Abrasive Cords and Tapes (1020999) from the Gesswein Tool Catalog, ...

By Helen Driggs

December 27, 2021

Gesswein Tool Tips

Abrasive Papers: Smooth Jewelry Surfaces for Maximum Wearability

In my Intro to Jewelry and Metals course more than two decades ago, the first ...

By Helen Driggs

December 13, 2021

Gesswein Tool Tips

Hand Files: When Your Jewelry Deserves a Fine Finish

Early on in my jewelry making career, I primarily wanted to visualize an idea and ...

By Helen Driggs

December 1, 2021

Gesswein Tool Tips

Drill Bits: A Fabrication Necessity for Many Tasks

Up until recently, nearly every piece of jewelry I made featured a rivet somewhere. Drilling ...

By Helen Driggs

November 15, 2021

Gesswein Tool Tips

Plier Basics: Four Types of Pliers You Can’t Work Without

Every year, dozens of new jewelry-making plier styles hit the market and much like ...

By Helen Driggs

November 2, 2021

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