# Bench Reference — Reference Guide for Jewelers > Professional jeweler's pocket guide with reference data, calculators, and learning tools. (iPhone/iPad app by Aaron brown.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bench-reference/id6757015545 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Aaron brown](https://appshunter.io/developer/1864220001) - Category: Education - Price: $4.99 - Rating: 5.00/5 from 2 App Store ratings · 1 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 17+ - Requires: iOS 26.2 · 3 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2026-01-07 - Data updated: 2026-08-01 - Monetization: paid - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bench-reference/id6757015545/reviews.md ## What is Bench Reference? Bench Reference — The Professional Jeweler's Pocket Guide Everything a bench jeweler needs, right on your phone. Bench Reference puts 30+ reference sections, professional calculators, and a personal library system in your pocket — no internet required. GEMSTONES & MATERIALS Browse 100+ gemstones with Mohs hardness, specific gravity, refractive index, care instructions, setting tips, steam safety, and cleaning methods. Filter by hardness or steam safety to make quick decisions at the bench. Plus dedicated sections for pearls, birthstones, gemstone origins, and stone shapes. BENCH TECHNIQUES Step-by-step reference guides for stone setting (prong, bezel, pavé, channel, flush, tension), soldering, casting, polishing, engraving, wax carving, repairs, annealing, torch & gas, laser welding, rhodium plating, patina & oxidation, and chemical safety. Each section built from real bench experience. 23 METALS Melting points, annealing temps, hardness, specific gravity, and working notes for every metal you'll encounter — from 24K gold and platinum to palladium, steel, and titanium. REPAIRS HUB Sizing up, sizing down, shank replacement, prong rebuilding, chain repair, clasp replacement, soldering guides, porosity troubleshooting, and more. A complete repair reference when you're at the bench. MEASUREMENTS & DATA Ring sizes (US/UK/EU with conversions), wire gauge reference, MM-to-carat weight charts by stone shape, chain styles, necklace and bracelet lengths, finding sizes, and formulas for weight, pricing, and alloy calculations. IDENTIFICATION & TESTING Gemstone testing methods, acid testing procedures for gold, silver, and platinum, hallmark identification, metal allergy reference, and a Stone ID table with SG and RI values for quick identification. PROFESSIONAL TOOLS Ring Blank Calculator — stock length for any ring size Metal Weight Calculator — weight by dimensions and alloy Job Pricing Calculator — materials, labor, and markup Temperature Converter — Fahrenheit and Celsius Weight Converter — grams, dwt, troy oz, carats Bench Timer — burnout and casting countdowns 3D PRINT & CAD Castable resin profiles, resin comparison charts, shrinkage calculator, burnout schedules, support placement guide, troubleshooting, post-processing, printer settings, and stone-in-place casting. Plus MatrixGold CAD shortcuts and workflows. MY LIBRARY Your personal database. Store product specs, component details, alloy recipes, consumable inventory, and supplier contacts. Add photos, SKUs, links, and notes. Organized by category, searchable, and always with you. LEARN & PRACTICE Flashcards and quizzes covering gemstones, metals, setting techniques, and bench skills. Study at your own pace. Perfect for apprentices and seasoned jewelers brushing up. GLOSSARY 200+ jewelry industry terms defined clearly — from bail to burnisher, firescale to findings. NEW IN v8.1 Redesigned splash screen and home page Expanded and fact-checked reference data across metals, solders, gemstones, and casting Added Wire Gauge reference, Patina & Oxidation section, and new gemstones to Stone ID Fixed display issues and icons throughout the app General polish and performance improvements BUILT FOR THE BENCH No ads. No subscriptions. No internet required. Bench Reference is built by jewelers for jewelers — a single purchase that works offline, everywhere you need it. ## Key features - Gemstone and material reference - Bench technique guides - Metal properties and working notes - Repair procedures - Measurement and data conversions - Professional calculators - Personal library system ## Recent user reviews (1 of 1) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bench-reference/id6757015545/reviews.md ### 5/5 — Best app for starter *2026-01-10* I’m still fairly new to the industry but this app has made things so much easier! It gives you all the tips & information for the jewelry industry. I use this on a daily basis at work. It’s amazing! ## Frequently asked questions about Bench Reference ### What is Bench Reference? Bench Reference is a professional jeweler's pocket guide designed to provide essential information and tools for bench jewelers. It covers gemstones, metals, techniques, repairs, and includes various calculators and a personal library system. ### What kind of reference data does Bench Reference offer? Bench Reference offers data on over 100 gemstones, including Mohs hardness, specific gravity, and care instructions. It also details properties for 23 different metals, such as melting points and annealing temperatures. ### Does Bench Reference require an internet connection? No, Bench Reference is designed to work offline, providing essential information and tools right on your phone without needing an internet connection. ### What professional calculators are included in Bench Reference? The app includes a Ring Blank Calculator, Metal Weight Calculator, Job Pricing Calculator, Temperature Converter, Weight Converter, and a Bench Timer for tasks like burnout and casting countdowns. ### Can Bench Reference help with learning and practice? Yes, Bench Reference features flashcards and quizzes covering gemstones, metals, setting techniques, and bench skills, making it ideal for learning and brushing up on knowledge. ### What is the price of Bench Reference? Bench Reference is a paid application, available for a one-time purchase of $4.99. ### What is the age rating for Bench Reference? Bench Reference has an age rating of 17+, indicating it is intended for mature users due to the professional nature of the content. ### How often is Bench Reference updated? The app was last updated on February 23, 2026, with version 8.1, indicating regular updates to expand and fact-check reference data. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 8.1 — 2026-02-23 What's New in v8.1: • All-new cinematic splash screen with gold particle animation • Redesigned home page with featured quick-access cards and improved navigation • Fixed display issues with special characters throughout the app • Corrected reference data: platinum solders, annealing temps, casting temps, gemstone values • Added Wire Gauge reference, Patina & Oxidation section, and 6 new gemstones to Stone ID • Fixed broken icons across multiple tabs • General polish and performance improvements ### 8 — 2026-02-14 Major Update — Smarter Tools, Deeper Knowledge Calculators Rebuilt from the Ground Up • Ring Blank Calculator: Now covers sizes 3-15 with half sizes, 12 metals, weight estimates, and common band profiles • Metal Weight Calculator: 22 metals, 3 shape modes (sheet, wire, tube), results in grams, dwt, and troy oz • Pricing Calculator: Full cost breakdown — metal, stones, findings, casting, labor — with Keystone, Triple Key, and custom markup modes • Temperature Converter: 17 tap-to-load presets for solder temps, annealing, burnout, enameling, and PMC • Weight Converter: 7 units (grams, dwt, troy oz, carats, grains, avoirdupois oz, kg) with bidirectional conversion Quiz Overhauled • 93 questions across 9 categories (was 43) • Every answer now shows an explanation teaching you WHY • Filter by category: Gemstones, Metals, Solders, Settings, Casting, Pearls, Business & more • Choose 10, 15, 20, or 30 questions per round Flashcards Expanded • 117 cards across 9 categories including new Casting, Pearls, and Repairs decks Pearls Section Enhanced • Pearl treatment guide (bleaching, dyeing, irradiation, coatings) • Real vs. imitation identification — 6 tests with real/fake comparison • Size and value guide with price ranges by type Solders Section • 9-problem soldering troubleshooter with causes and fixes • Temperature-to-color visual reference chart Tips Now Searchable • 100+ tips across 9 categories with instant search • New Fabrication and Repairs tip sections ### 7 — 2026-01-12 NEW: MY LIBRARY FEATURE Build your own personal reference database! - 5 categories: Products, Components, Recipes, Consumables, Suppliers - Add photos from camera or photo library - Store product codes with clickable order links - Build your supplier directory with contacts and websites - Search and filter all your entries - Data saved securely on your device Keep track of your own specs, wax recipes, jump ring gauges, consumables with reorder links, and supplier contacts — all in one place. Also includes: - Fixed camera functionality for adding photos - Reorganized navigation for easier access - Performance improvements - Bug fixes ### 5.0 — 2026-01-10 NEW: MY LIBRARY FEATURE Build your own personal reference database! - 5 categories: Products, Components, Recipes, Consumables, Suppliers - Add photos from camera or photo library - Store product codes with clickable order links - Build your supplier directory with contacts and websites - Search and filter all your entries - Data saved securely on your device Keep track of your own specs, wax recipes, jump ring gauges, consumables with reorder links, and supplier contacts — all in one place. Also includes: - Reorganized navigation for easier access - Performance improvements - Bug fixes ### 4.0 — 2026-01-07 No release notes. ## Apps similar to Bench Reference | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [arduinoSG90](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/arduinosg90/id6482847820) | — | Free | Education | | [iRock: Offline Rock ID](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/irock-offline-rock-id/id6759644948) | 5.0 (1) | Free | Education | | [Rock Identifier & Crystal](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rock-identifier-and-crystal/id6749278398) | — | Free | Education | | [Gemstones...](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gemstones/id6742685417) | — | Free | Education | | [Texts From Founding Fathers](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/texts-from-founding-fathers/id464184560) | 4.8 (800) | Free | Education | ## More apps by Aaron brown - [Abandon Cart](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/abandon-cart/id6759270135) All apps by Aaron brown: https://appshunter.io/developer/1864220001 --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-01.*