How much jewelry making can I do at home with minimal investment? (not beading)?

Question:When I was in high school I took a jewelry making class where we would make all sorts of jewelry. We did lost wax castings to make rings. We took and cut out metal sheets into designs and etched them. Even took stones and turned them into pendents. We sauntered metal and polished them with what I believe was a dremel. Anyways, I really enjoyed that and would like to take this up as a hobby.
I know the lost wax casting isn't practice, but I really think the etching and even stone setting could be. I just don't know where to begin to aquire the tools and supplies. Since the teacher provided everything, and this was 10 years ago, I am not sure I know all the supplies I would need either. I know I'd need a jewelers saw, but that is about all I remember.

Is this really possible and if so where do I begin?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: When I was in high school I took a jewelry making class where we would make all sorts of jewelry. We did lost wax castings to make rings. We took and cut out metal sheets into designs and etched them. Even took stones and turned them into pendents. We sauntered metal and polished them with what I believe was a dremel. Anyways, I really enjoyed that and would like to take this up as a hobby.
I know the lost wax casting isn't practice, but I really think the etching and even stone setting could be. I just don't know where to begin to aquire the tools and supplies. Since the teacher provided everything, and this was 10 years ago, I am not sure I know all the supplies I would need either. I know I'd need a jewelers saw, but that is about all I remember.

Is this really possible and if so where do I begin?

This is absolutely possible, but you do need some basic equipment. You're right, a jeweler's saw is a must, but for starters just get a bundle of #2 blades - these always come in dozens and you can get away with just a medium kerf. A torch is also a necessity. Start with butane or propane and use very low temp solder - the kind that contains silver and is labeled lead free. As for materials you can experiment with german silver (actually a nickel alloy with no silver) or even tin. A good source of german silver is Metalliferous (google it) in New York. Also they are a good source for tools - but you can find the basic stuff at a hardware store. As you get more advanced you will have to upgrade your torch anyway. An alternative to lost wax casting is precious metal clay (PMC). It is a silver bearing moldable clay which when fired with an ordinary propane torch becomes pure silver. Check out "Whole lotta whimsy" on the net. Have fun.