There’s a point in every metalsmith’s journey when starter tools stop being enough and you are ready to level up. The work becomes more detailed, the hours at the bench get longer, and the desire for precision, comfort, and efficiency starts to matter just as much as creativity.
This gift guide is for that stage.
These are the tools that reduce strain, improve accuracy, and unlock techniques that simply aren’t possible with entry-level setups. They’re investments, yes — but the kind that pay you back in joy, flow, and craftsmanship.
If you’re shopping for a dedicated metalsmith (or planning your own dream studio upgrade), this is where the wish list lives.
Clockwise from top:
Jeweler's Bench: More than furniture, it’s the heart of the studio. A proper jeweler’s bench is set up for ideal posture, workflow, and efficiency, with built-in catch trays, drawers, and a work surface designed for metalwork. This is the kind of gift that lasts a lifetime.
Magnetic Tumbler: Don't get me wrong, I love my rotary tumbler. But magnetic tumblers burnish metal even more quickly and evenly, reaching into crevices, prongs, and settings where sandpaper can’t. A huge time-saver, especially for production work.
Smith Little Torch: Beloved for its pinpoint flame and precise heat control. Perfect for intricate soldering, small bezels, complex joins, and clean heat zones that larger torches can’t achieve. A true upgrade for anyone ready to refine their soldering skills.
Ball Vise: A cornerstone tool for stone setting and fine detail work. The ability to rotate, tilt, and lock a piece into the perfect position gives unmatched control under magnification. Once a metalsmith uses a ball vise, it becomes essential, not optional.
GRS Benchmate System: The ultimate stone setting setup. Designed for stability, adjustability, and ergonomic support, the BenchMate allows jewelers to work cleaner, longer, and with greater precision. For metalsmiths who live at the bench, this is a dream gift.
Knew Concepts Sawframe: Lightweight, rigid, and beautifully balanced. This saw holds tension effortlessly and glides through metal, making piercing and detailed sawing cleaner and less tiring. A noticeable upgrade for anyone who spends serious time at the saw frame.
Fume Extractor: An often-overlooked luxury that quickly becomes non-negotiable. A good fume extractor pulls solder fumes, polishing dust, and airborne particles away from the bench, making long studio days safer and more sustainable. Clean, powerful, and deeply appreciated.