¡Salute!
These round-nosed pliers, made by Pastorino of Italy, were the first jewellery-tool I ever bought. I was a lad of 16 years. I used to carry them around school with me in my pocket, knowing that I was going to be a Goldsmith, no matter what. They have lasted me well, are fascinating (in a simple way) and have a build quality you can respect- I knew we would always be friends!
Tools can hold this kind of awe- their simple beauty seems to grow, even as they gradually diminish. The interaction between tool and hand is a similar relationship to that of jewellery to the body- so I feel there is something to be learned from the pleasure of quality tools. Hand-worn patinas, straight forward ergonomics, economy of form and reliable build-quality; are these not attributes that would befit the best of jewellery?
I read recently (I must track down the quote) that the only thing about one's practice that one should be comfortable with is one's tools. ( a little extreme, no? - but interesting...)
I've always collected old metal tools at garage sales, there is definitely something poetic about the time-worn darkened metal of a loved set of pliers. Lately as a floral designer, when I get too comfortable with my tools and take them for granted, I get a swift cut in the pad of my finger as a reminder! Love the well-edited set of your work and the things that inspire you.
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