I think that October should be "Jewelry-Studio Safety Month." While jewelers are going into overdrive to bulk up their stock for the holidays, they need to keep studio safety in mind. Wearing nonflammable clothing and safety glasses, working in a well-ventilated area, and using tools as directed by the manufacturer are essential for a safe jewelry-making environment.

A recent post on the Art Jewelry forum served as a good reminder of why it's so important to wear safety glasses while working with metal. The post, which you can read here, was from a forum member who recently needed an MRI done. MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, uses a strong magnetic field to scan the body. Any metal, including tiny particles caught in the eye, can move due to the magnetic field during MRI scans, causing injury to the eye. Wearing eye protection while working with metal will prevent metal dust and particles from getting in your eyes, keeping them healthy and clear longer — think of it as job security. Read more about MRI and eye safety at RadiologyInfo.

For more safety tips to take to your studio, check out our safety basics. A safe and happy holiday season begins in the jewelry studio!

—Katie