Here is your next issue of E-BENCH.
Thanks for subscribing.
<=> <=> <=> <=> E-BENCH <=> <=> <=> <=>
The E-Mail Newsletter for Bench Jewelers
February 2004
Volume 5 Issue 2 circulation over
2,700
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER <=> <=>
E-BENCH is a FREE monthly newsletter for Retail
Jewelry Store Owners, Shop Managers, Bench
Jewelers and Anyone Else That Is Interested.
We encourage you to forward this newsletter to
anyone that you think may benefit from it,
provided you forward all of it without
modification and not just portions of it.
This document may NOT be distributed for
profit. E-BENCH is a copyrighted newsletter
and all rights are reserved!
We assure you that your email address is kept
strictly confidential and is not shared with
anyone for any reason.
E-BENCH is sent to you each month FREE of
charge because of the generous support of our
SPONSORS. Please support them with your
purchases.
E-BENCH is a BENCH MEDIA Publication
BENCH MEDIA is a B W Simon Company
Bradney W Simon – Publisher
Daniel Spirer - Proofreader
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> <=> TABLE OF CONTENTS <=> <=> <=>
REVERE’S TIPS FOR JEWELERS
Tips for Jewelers,
Who Do Repairs from Alan Revere
FEATURE ARTICLE
Learn how to make your shop more profitable, a
new technique, or brush up on basic skills.
STEWART'S BENCH TIPS
Bench Tips from
Stewart’s International School for Jewelers
AT THE PLATINUM BENCH
Tips for working on Platinum from
Platinum Guild International
FAVORITE TIPS
Tips and Tricks to make your work on the bench
a little easier and more productive from
Bradney W. Simon CMBJ and E-BENCH Readers.
GERRY’S GEMZ
Stone setting tips from Gemz Diamond Setting
WORKSHOP SAFETY FOR JEWELERS
Tips from Charles Lewton-Brian
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> <=> E-BENCH SPONSOR <=> <=> <=>
The Ganoksin Project
www.ganoksin.com
The Gem and Jewelry Pre-Eminent Online
Resources. Open to the
public
Free of Charge.
A substantial library of articles,
publications, reports, and technical data on
gem and jewelry related topics; as well as a
sizable collection of art and jewelry
galleries, for both the casual visitor and the
professional, also host the popular Orchid
online forums for jewelers.
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> REVERE’S TIPS FOR JEWELERS <=> <=>
Tips for Jewelers Who Do Repairs
from Alan Revere
Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts
Avoid damaging the quality stamp when repairing
an item. If you remove the stamp and replace
it, you may be held responsible for its
accuracy.
Never promise to deliver a job before you are
certain it will be finished.
Read trade magazines, attend industry seminars,
and listen to anyone who wants to give you
advice.
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> QUOTE WORTH RE-QUOTING <=> <=>
The future belongs to those who see
possibilities before they become obvious.
Anonymous
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> <=> E-BENCH SPONSOR <=> <=> <=>
Jewelry Dealers World Trade Network
http://www.JewelryDealersNetwork.com
<=> Bench Jeweler Discussion Channel <=> >
Ask questions, share tips, and take part in the
ongoing discussions, or just read and take in
all the advice from many excellent jewelers
from around the world.
Membership includes: Topical Discussion
Channels, including
Bench Work, CAD-CAM, Stone Setting, and many
more. You may buy, sell and trade on the
Buy/Sell Channels, Plus Much More.
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> <=> FEATURE ARTICLE <=> <=> <=>
LISTEN UP
A Bench Jeweler’s Guide to
Effective Communication
By Bradney W Simon
A woman was apartment hunting one day and she
found the perfect apartment. It was ideal for
her situation, so she signed the lease and went
home to start packing.
While she was packing, she did what many of us
would do and started to visualize where she
would put her possessions in that new
apartment. She could envision her couch along
one wall, where she could sit and watch TV, if
she placed the TV just so. The chair would
look nice between those two windows, and on she
went around the new apartment.
Then it dawned on her that she could not
remember seeing a bathroom. Where in the world
is the toilet, she thought. Surely there could
not be one large bathroom at the end of the
hall that she would share with the other
tenants.
The more she thought about this the more
concerned she became. She decided to write the
landlord a letter to find out where the toilet
was located. However, as she wrote she became
embarrassed. She could not write the word
toilet in a letter. What should she say? Then
she thought of the old term Water Closet. That
sounded better to her, but in her haste she
abbreviated and only wrote the initials W C.
Well the landlord received the letter, and as
you can imagine, did not understand what she
wanted to know. What is the W C? What was she
looking for? Then it dawned on him. She must
want to know where the Waverly Church is
located so he wrote the following response.
Now keep in mind as you read his letter that
she wants to know where the toilet is located
as she reads:
Dear Madam,
You will be pleased to know that the WC is
located only three blocks away. It is a lovely
stroll on a nice day.
You will find that most all of the tenants use
the facilities there. Most go only once a
week, and stay for an hour or two. However,
some feel it necessary to go more often.
If you go on Sundays, I suggest you go early.
Many arrive just in time and have trouble
getting to a seat. If you prefer to stay to
yourself, I would suggest going on Wednesday
evenings, as Sundays tend to become crowded.
Why just last Sunday it was so crowded there
were nearly two people on every seat. It was
wonderful to see the expressions on their
faces.
I am sure you will be pleased to know there is
always musical accompaniment whenever you go
there. Everyone who goes there finds it to be
a true spiritual experience and leaves feeling
refreshed, and revitalized.
If I can be of further assistance, Please let
me know.
Your Landlord
Miscommunication such as this is a major
contributor to problems in business as well.
In fact, many of the problems in business today
are the result of poor communication and
jewelry stores are not exempt.
Management consultant Peter Drucker claims that
60% of all business problems result from faulty
communication. I believe the percentage may be
even higher in jewelry stores when it comes to
problems related to jewelry repair. The major
problems attributed to the shop are generally
the result of miscommunication –
miscommunication between the customer, the
salesperson, and the bench jeweler.
If the date the customer was told their jewelry
will be ready is not properly communicated to
the bench jeweler, problems develop. If the
price given to the customer is not properly
communicated to the bench jeweler, more may be
charged and problems develop. If the work that
is to be performed is not properly
communicated, the wrong work may be done and
problems develop, and on and on it goes.
Proper Take-In procedures are vitally
important. However, communication is a two-way
street, and often the problems are due to
inadequate reading or listening. A recent
University of Minnesota Study shows that 60% of
business problems related to communication come
from poor listening.
Bench jewelers are notoriously poor listeners.
How many times do we need to fix something or
re-do a job, due to the fact that we did not
fully listen to what we were told. How many
times do we finish a job, then when we are all
finished we find we did not do a thorough job
of ‘listening’ when we read the instructions.
We swear we read all the instructions, but
there it is written just as plain as can be.
Concentrate on listening; don’t try to listen
while doing 10 other things. Listen for INTENT
as well as CONTENT. Repeat the main points to
make certain you heard them correctly, and ask
questions if you do not fully understand.
A story is told about J. Edgar Hoover, the
former head of the FBI. He had very strict
rules for the format of internal memos. Upset
that a certain report writer did not follow the
rules, he wrote in the margin of the report
“Watch the Borders”. The report made its
rounds and all the field agents were informed
to ‘Watch the Borders’. Extra agents were
deployed and sent out all along the Mexican and
Canadian Borders. Only later was the truth
known. Hoover was objecting to the size of the
border (margin) the writer used in the report.
Hoover’s instructions may not have been
complete, and he is partly to blame. However,
had the report writer exercised good listening
skills, this problem and others like them,
would have been avoided.
If we concentrate and give our full attention
to listening and make an effort to improve, we
will make fewer mistakes in the shop. When we
make fewer mistakes in the shop we will have
less jobs to fix or re-do and less customers
who are disappointed in our work. When that
happens, our productivity will increase. When
our productivity increases we will make a
greater profit. Greater profits allow the
store to pay higher salaries.
Improving our listening is truly a Win – Win
situation.
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> QUOTE WORTH RE-QUOTING <=> <=>
A mind once expanded by a new idea never
returns to its original dimensions.
Oliver Wendell Holmes
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> <=> E-BENCH SPONSOR <=> <=> <=>
BENCH ROM
The Multi-Media Magazine for Bench Jewelers
BENCH ROM is an affordable method to learn new
skills and develop your career.
Discover New Techniques
Learn New Tips to Improve Your Work
See New Products and Technologies Demonstrated
All right from your home or shop without having
to travel to a seminar or trade show.
“Bench Rom is great,” says jeweler Bill Scores
“It’s like being in the shop of a Master
Jeweler and watching over his shoulder.”
Log onto www.BWSimon.com/BenchRom for more
information or to subscribe
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> STEWART'S BENCH TIPS <=> <=>
Bench Tips from Stewart’s International School
for Jewelers
http://www.stewartsintlschool.com/
Sometimes when you try to tighten a diamond the
prongs spring back. To tighten the diamond in
these situations you need to tighten the
diamond VECTORALLY. Using a non-serrated
pointed nose pliers bend the adjacent prongs a
little, below the girdle, towards each other
and go all the way around the diamond.
To "SQUARE OFF" a diamond in a four prong
setting, the prong should rest on the upper
girdle facet (Split Facet) with the tip of the
prong to the lower edge of the Star Facet.
Place the prongs at the corners of either
square.
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> QUOTE WORTH RE-QUOTING <=> <=>
Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is
a broken winged bird that cannot fly.
Langston Hughes
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> <=> E-BENCH SPONSOR <=> <=> <=>
New from MJSA/AJM Press
The AJM Guide to Lost-Wax Casting
Learn from the masters how to achieve smooth,
porosity-free castings! The AJM Guide to Lost-
Wax Casting offers an abundance of best
practices, handy tips, and troubleshooting
techniques. How to create trouble-free master
models to proper breakout procedures.
Contributing experts include:
Charles Lewton-Brain, Jurgen J. Maerz,
Gregg Todd, Michael Bondanza, and many more.
For sample chapters and more information, go to
http://www.ajm-magazine.com/pub_press.php
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> AT THE PLATINUM BENCH <=> <=>
Tips for working on Platinum from
Jurgen J. Maerz CMBJ,
Director of Technical Education
for Platinum Guild International
http://www.pgi-platinum-tech.com
Sometimes when annealing platinum it is
possible to contaminate the platinum with other
metals. Some filings or some solder chips on a
soldering surface or any other metal on the
bench may melt into the platinum, thus
contaminating the area.
To repair, grind the contamination away with a
ball burr leaving a hole to fill. Next, take a
small piece of the same platinum alloy the
object is made of and weld it to fill the hole.
Filing the excess metal away, you create an
invisible repair. To prevent this
contamination from happening in the first
place, soak your platinum in a 10% solution of
Nitric acid for about 10 minutes, before
annealing, welding or soldering.
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> QUOTE WORTH RE-QUOTING <=> <=>
A little sleep, a little slumber, a little
folding of the hands to rest – and poverty will
come on you like a bandit.
Proverbs 24: 33 - 34
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> <=> E-BENCH SPONSOR <=> <=> <=>
Run Your Shop Without It Running You
A Practical Guide To Efficient Shop Management
With over one hundred and fifty pages of
information, illustrations, and worksheets,
this is the most comprehensive book on Shop
Management available today.
This Valuable Guide Is A Must In Every Retail
Jewelry Store
“For too many years, Simon says, jewelry
storeowners have believed the fallacy the shop
can’t be a profit center. He destroys that
notion step-by-step with a practical book that
shows owners and shop mangers the keys to
profitability.”
Professional Jeweler Magazine
Only $39.95 (US dollars)
plus S&H - $4.00 US, $10 International
Send your order and check to:
B W Simon
106 S. Pinepoint Dr.
Spartanburg, SC 29307
U S A
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> <=> FAVORITE TIPS <=> <=> <=>
I have found the most effective way to re-
temper earring posts is to gently grasp the
post close to the end with narrow nosed pliers,
then turn the post one quarter turn, then back
again. This works on both gold and silver and
only takes two seconds and tempers the full
length of the post.
B. David Richardson - Claremore, OK
< < < < < <> > > > > >
When closing the gap of a ring for sizing use a
stainless steel hose clamp; simply put the ring
inside the clamp and tighten the screw.
Lloyd Butterfield.
< < < < < <> > > > > >
To remove a broken drill from gold, go to your
local supermarket and purchase a bottle of
Powdered Alum. Next add warm water and 1 tea
spoon to a jar large enough to accommodate the
piece of jewelry you are working with. Place
the piece in the jar of alum solution for 30min
to 2 hours then place the piece in the
ultrasonic to remove any drill fragments.
Garth Tidwell - Murray, KY
< < < < < <> > > > > >
Instead of removing my bench pan for cleaning
(and subsequently spilling it's contents on the
floor), I have installed an accumulation jar in
one corner. I have learned to use the corner
so that I do not accidentally drop many
articles into it.
Use a small jar with a screw-on lid. A jar
from artichoke hearts or bullion cubes seems to
work better than the newer baby food jars, as
the lids are much more secure. Also, do not
use too large of a jar, as you knees will
remind you of the fact later!
Mount the lid to the bottom of the bench pan,
using sheet metal screws. Screw in from the
bench pan to the lid. This will leave the
screws protruding into the jar, when complete.
Carefully cut out or drill the center of the
lid and adjoining area of the bench pan. I
drilled a pilot hole and cut the rest out with
a saber saw, then file to remove any burs.
Now, throughout the day, you can gently sweep
the accumulation of filings into the jar.
Then, simply empty the jar into your recycling
bucket without all the mess.
Joe Bacher - Equality, IL
< < < < < <> > > > > >
Take a file handle and drill out with an
appropriate size drill bit. Then knock out the
cross bar on your chuck key and hammer it into
the file handle. You will be able to open &
close your chuck at lightning speed
The Wechslers
< < < < < <> > > > > >
If you have a tip you would like to share with
our readers send it in an e-mail to
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> QUOTE WORTH RE-QUOTING <=> <=>
The future belongs to those who believe in the
beauty of their dreams
Eleanor Roosevelt
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> <=> E-BENCH SPONSOR <=> <=> <=>
SIMON SEZ SEMINARS
Bradney W. Simon is a JA Certified Master Bench
Jeweler with over 26 years experience on the
bench. He is the Editor and Publisher of
E-BENCH, BENCH Magazine, and BENCH ROM, and is
an accomplished platform speaker, providing
Keynote Speeches, and Educational Seminars.
Topics include:
Shop Management
Bench Tips
Jewelry Demonstrations
For information on having him speak for your
organization, log onto;
http://www.BWSimon.com/SimonSez Seminars
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> <=> GERRY’S GEMZ <=> <=> <=>
Stone setting tips from Gemz Diamond Setting
http://www.gemzdiamondsetting.com/index.html
by Gerald N. Lewy
When securing stones, please use a soft metal
pusher. I suggest a copper or brass pusher.
This will prevent making deep marks in the
prongs, which can be difficult to remove later.
I use flat-edge and tapered-edge pumice wheels
of #180 grit on all of my setting items. It’s
not because of being rough on my work but
because it’s a mark of a “careful, high quality
setter”. I remove all of the plier marks,
graver slipping, and just the general rough
edges left by the ‘casting house’. I don’t
want my polishing sub-contractor, to grind away
more than he has to in finishing my setting
work.
Just before you remove a diamond or any
precious gemstone, observe any inclusions or
defects in the stone. Always keep your 10X
‘Triplet Loupe’ at your side. Take note and
record any inclusions or have the client view
the inclusions themselves. I speak from
experience. If you are in doubt about a stone
DON’T SET IT. Being an over cautious setter is
far more rewarding than paying for its
replacement.
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> QUOTE WORTH RE-QUOTING <=> <=>
Procrastination is the natural assassination of
opportunity
Anonymous
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> <=> E-BENCH SPONSOR <=> <=> <=>
Bench Jewelers Conference & Expo
April 23 - 25 2004 to Chicago IL
Exciting New
Educational Conference and Supplier’s
Expo
Workshops – Seminars - Demonstrations
Networking Opportunities - Exhibitor Show
All activities during this three day event will
be directed toward the Bench Jeweler,
Making This The One Show In 2004
That You Don’t Want To Miss
Bench Jewelers Conference & Expo presented by
Bench Media publisher of E-BENCH, BENCH
Magazine, and BENCH ROM
For More Information log onto:
www.BWSimon.com/Conference
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> WORKSHOP SAFETY FOR JEWELERS <=> <=>
Workshop Safety Tips From Charles Lewton-Brian
The bad news is that safety issues are real.
You can actually do damage to yourself and
others by behaving unsafely, shorten your life,
go blind, need oxygen to breathe, and more.
While many of the brutal dangers such as
asbestos have been removed, there remain
numerous others, and in old shops and
traditional practices lie continued risk for
jewelers.
Holistic Safety means that it is very difficult
to isolate safety issues. They affect each
other; they add to each other, compound each
other, and sometimes have synergistic effects.
An example of a synergistic effect is people
who are exposed to asbestos. If you smoke
cigarettes, your chances of getting lung cancer
from asbestos exposure are 50 to 90 times
greater than a person who was just exposed to
asbestos. How you behave and what you are
exposed to in the rest of your life affects
things. In this sense 'Safety' is 'Healthy
Living'. You could call it an attitude of
valuing yourself. Therefore, when we discuss
various specific issues keep reminding yourself
that there is actually a mix of things
happening.
Part of a holistic approach is to do physical
exercise and follow general improved lifestyle
suggestions, low fat, high fiber, less meat
more grains and vegetables, aim for good mental
health and self development etc.
There is plenty of evidence that dietary
chemicals can interact with ones that one is
exposed to in the workplace and produce effects
that are far greater than the chemical would be
just by itself. For example drinking alcohol
can interact with certain solvents to cause
severe damage quickly.
A recent article in Scientific American
discussed the chemicals and dusts that one is
exposed to in an ordinary household, from
carpets and household cleaning products. It
pointed out that in many cases the exposure
levels in the home might be higher than would
be officially tolerated in the workplace.
Therefore, anything you can do to lower your
general chemical exposure is probably a good
idea.
For more information on Workshop safety from
Charles Lewton-Brian log onto:
http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/safety.htm
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> Thank You for Reading <=> <=>
We are on the World Wide Web.
Visit us at http://www.BWSimon.com
A complete archive of back issues of E-BENCH is
located there.
Visit often, as we will be making changes to
our site, adding additional useful information
for bench jewelers.
<=> <=> SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION <=> <=>
We value every subscriber and respect your
privacy. We do not sell, rent, or otherwise
disclose our list of subscribers for any
reason. Your Email Address Is Kept Strictly
Confidential.
To subscribe, log onto:
http//www.BWSimon.com/E-Bench
If you do not wish to continue receiving this
newsletter
Reply to this message with UNSUBSCRIBE in the
subject line.
If you change your e-mail address, PLEASE let
us know. Each month we have several
newsletters returned to us because the e-mail
address is no longer in service. We have no
alternative method of contacting you, and
cannot send you future issues unless you notify
us of your new e-mail address.
< < < < < <> > > > > >
Information provided in this document is
provided ‘As Is’ without warranty of any kind,
either expressed or implied. This publication
is designed to provide accurate and
authoritative information concerning the
subject matter covered. It is provided with
the understanding that the author or publisher
is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting,
or other professional services. If legal
advice or other expert assistance is required,
the services of a competent professional person
should be sought.
< < < < < <> > > > > >
For editorial suggestions, comments, ideas
or requests, please send an E-Mail to
Bradney W. Simon mailto:Brad@BWSimon.com
Copyrighted, 2004, BENCH MEDIA.
All rights reserved.
BENCH MEDIA
106 South Pinepoint Dr.
Spartanburg, SC 29302
864 - 680 - 4416
http://www.BWSimon.com
< < < < < <> > > > > >