What are jewellery rolling mills?
A jewellery rolling mill is an essential workshop tool used to shape, thin, and texture metal. Fitted with hardened steel rollers, it allows jewellers to pass metal sheet or wire through the rollers to achieve a consistent thickness or change the metal’s profile with precision.
Rolling mills can also be used to add decorative surface textures to sheet metal. By placing materials such as leaves, netting, mesh, or pattern plates between the rollers and the metal, jewellers can create unique impressions that would be difficult to achieve by hand.
While a rolling mill may seem intimidating to beginners, it is one of the most versatile and rewarding tools in jewellery making — supporting everything from basic metal reduction to creative texturing as skills develop.
How to use a jewellery rolling mill
Once you’ve selected a jewellery rolling mill that meets your requirements, ensure it is securely fixed to your workbench or mounted on a rolling mill stand for stability.
To flatten, shape, or texture metal using a rolling mill:
- Adjust the rollers to the required gap or thickness
- Feed the metal sheet or wire through the rollers while turning the handle steadily
- Reduce the thickness gradually, adjusting the roller gap between passes if needed
- To add texture, place materials such as fabric, leaves, mesh, or pattern plates on the metal before passing it through the rollers
If you’re using a rolling mill for the first time, watching tutorial videos and practising on scrap metal will help you develop confidence and get the most from your new tool.
Which rolling mill do I need?
Choosing the right rolling mill depends on your experience and the projects you want to take on:
Beginners: Start with our value range rolling mill – affordable, entry-level options ideal for learning and practising.
Professionals Upgrade to our Durston rolling mills, including mini rolling mills and the Durston stacked combination mill. Known for their durability and precision, Durston jewellery rolling mills are trusted by jewellery makers worldwide.
From first-time makers to experienced jewellers, our collection has the perfect rolling mill for your needs.
Shop rolling mills at Cooksongold
A rolling mill is an essential tool for any jewellery maker. It is durable, versatile, and designed to deliver outstanding results. Shop online today or contact our expert team for advice and support on choosing the right machine for you.