Starting out as a beginner jeweler and looking for advice

Last weekend I finally decided it was time to stop just reading about jewelry and actually start making it. I’m a complete beginner jeweler, though I’ve spent months learning theory, watching videos, and reading guides. The hands-on part still feels intimidating, especially when it comes to using a bench, basic tools, and, eventually, working with stones. I know some people dive straight into kits, while others start slowly by building a proper bench setup. For me, I want something flexible, so I can experiment with rings, pendants, or small bracelets without needing specialized tools right away. A bench with a few essentials seems like the right starting point, and I’ve seen some beginner sets available even on Alibaba for reasonable prices, which helps if you’re on a budget. My main questions for experienced jewelers are: what are the absolute must-have tools when you’re just starting out? Are there certain mistakes beginners should avoid when handling metals or polishing? And how did you first practice safely without wasting too much material? I’m excited to learn everything, from soldering to shaping, and open to all suggestions. For those who started as a beginner jeweler, what first project gave you the biggest confidence boost?