Wig Jig Earring Starter Kit

I sort of stumbled into jewelry making many years ago after attending a rock show. It took me a long time to get the right supplies and tools I needed, and many times, I just had to make-do because I either didn't know what I needed, couldn't find what I needed, or what I needed just didn't really exist back then. With the popularity of jewelry making at an all time high, those new to the hobby have a lot more choices; however, it can still be daunting when you don't even know where to begin. This is when a kit like this one assembled by WigJig.com, their Internet Starter Kit for Earrings ($55.95), comes in very handy.

The Wig Jig site already has a lot of free how-to wire and bead jewelry making information on it, but they have created some projects specifically for this kit. In fact, the instructions are free even if you don't buy the kit, but of course, they were designed to go along with the other items in the kit:

WigJig Delphi
Tool Kit, which includes flush cutter, round-nosed pliers, chain-nosed pliers, bent-nosed pliers, and carrying case
Earring post with loop sterling silver and clutch (or other ear wire of your choosing), four pair
6mm round faceted cobalt blue fire polished beads (bag of 100)
50 silver-tone head pins
6 yards of 20G Artistic Wire natural silver - silver-plated wire

Considering the hand tools alone are available as a beginner's set for $29.95 and the Delphi jig sells for $23.97, the price of the whole kit is very reasonable.

I have used the Delphi jig before, and it's always been a favorite of mine. The tool set, though, was new to me. One thing I don't think many beginners understand is that good tools are really important, no matter how new you are. In fact, they are almost more important for beginners because they can make such a huge difference in the finished results, and of course, beginners need all the help they can get. I was pretty impressed with the quality of the tools, and the roll up case they came is nice for those who travel to classes or just want to bring their jewelry work with them. The pliers all have spring handles and are on the smaller side for delicate jewelry work. I found them very comfortable to use.

The idea of connecting the kit to making earrings is brilliant because earrings are some of the easiest and quickest items to make. You need to make sure you have Internet access in order to get the instructions, but you can either read them off the computer or print them up for repeated use if you prefer.

So, yes, I liked the kit, and of course, I'm not a beginner. However, this would be a great place for any newbie jewelry maker to start, or if you have just been interested in trying out a jig and need to replace some of your worn-out tools, more experienced jewelry folks might find this a bargain. If you've thought of trying to get a friend into the hobby, then this is a good gift item to consider because she (or he) will have everything she needs, from tools, supplies, plus directions.