Jewelry Making Resources | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

Single-Strand Necklace

Sparkling with fire-polished glass beads, this necklace blends a modern color palette with an antique silhouette, resulting in a showcase of color and light.

Design Idea QF26

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Keychain

Fascinating results emerge when polymer clays, both liquid and traditional, are combined with clear resin, as this Father's Day keychain clearly shows.

Design Idea QE25

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Collar-Style Necklace and Earring Set

Create this tantalizing triangle design by combing pre-made copper elements and bent wire shapes. The result is an airy necklace with plenty of movement.

Design Idea H10T

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Single-Strand Necklace and Earrings Set

Look at what you can create with glass rhinestone cupchain in this sleek jewelry set. Ready for weddings and special events, you'll want to add this stunner to jewelry lines for attention-getting results.

Design Idea L72K

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Cuff Bracelet

Blue Zephyr is the result of an artist's creativity in full freeform. Adding twists, turns and components as the heart desired, Cyndi Salata created an intricate cuff bracelet.

Design Idea L23B

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Independent Lab Report

See the results of an independent lab study on Comparison Testing of three types of coated beading wires.

Tree of Life Jewelry

The tree of life is an ancient symbol that appears in numerous cultures the world over. Learn how to incorporate them into your designs for stylish results.

Torch-Fired Enameling for Jewelry

The benefits of torch-firing enamel can be incredible for your designs as you don't need to rely on a bulky kiln. The end result is beautiful enameled beads and metal just for you.

Sterling Silver-Filled Wire and Findings

Find the answers to your questions about sterling silver-filled wire and findings in this performance results test conducted by jewelry-making experts. Discover why this metal offer a tremendous value and amazing workability.

Soldering Savvy

Soldering can be a difficult task, but the end results are amazing. Helen Driggs, courtesy of Jewelry Making Daily, is here to help make soldering just a little easier.

Ask the Experts Small Beads Q&A

Q: I have several strands of tiny 2.5mm diamond beads and am in a quandary as to the best way to string them. I've tried fishing line and extra fine beading wire, but I'm not satisfied with the results. I've also tried stringing them onto jump rings I made with 18K 30-gauge wire, but it made them look too spread out. Any suggestions?

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How to Use Pin Closures

For professional-quality results, embed pin backings directly into your Metal Clay designs. These easy-to- follow instructions will teach you how to install pin findings and adjust pin lengths with precision.

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Dry Sifting Enamel

Explore the art of dry sifting enamel. Learn how wet paper stenciling and sgraffito can create stunning, intricate designs with professional results.

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Artistic Wire® Oval Ear Wire Jig

The Artistic Wire® Oval Ear Wire Jig enables you to fashion smooth curves and consistent shapes for flawless results. Master the art of wire shaping and watch your earring designs take flight.

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Ask the Experts Viking Knit Q&A

Q: I have learned to make Viking knit chain and want to move from craft wire to gold-filled, sterling silver, or fine silver. I like 26 gauge but I'm not sure if I should use dead-soft or half-hard. After weaving, I draw the wire through a drawplate to even out the weave and stretch/thin the chain. It may be drawn through 2-8 times depending on how thin I want the final result to be. Hammering would deform the chain. Any recommendations? I'm also looking for appropriate end caps for the chain.

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Ask the Experts Fine Silver and Silver Plate Q&A

Q: I made my first bracelets using silver-plated clasps (not from Fire Mountain Gems and Beads) and they discolored. I want to make good quality jewelry for gifts and don't want to waste money buying precious metal findings if they're not necessary, but I also don't want my pieces to tarnish easily. Can you guide me on when to use precious metal findings? What's the shelf life on silver-plate and gold-plate? I have asked others and researched online but am not getting a clear answer. Again, I might just have started with poor quality clasps and maybe both Fire Mountain's silver-plated and sterling will give me good results in all cases.

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Ask the Experts Tools Q&A

Q: It has been suggested that I obtain a rock tumbler with steel shot to clean my pieces as I am making them. I have been reading about ultrasonic wave tanks used to clean, and I wonder how they compare to the tumbler in the end result.

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Stone Setting

Bezelite settings take all the mystery and headache out of stone setting. Even a beginner can get great results in seconds! They are made for faceted stones and most cabochons.

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Goldstone

Though not a stone--or gold!--goldstone is still a beautiful "gemstone" material. Its creation is shrouded in urban legend, including the result of alchemy or on accident by Italian monks.

Gold Imitation

An alloy of zinc, tin and copper that results in a yellow the color of gold.

Baking Polymer Clay

Join award-winning artist Christi Friesen for jewelry clay baking tips, like choosing the right oven, using a thermometer and preheating for perfect results!

Video Length 2:52

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How to Use Cab-Tite and Wrap-Tite Settings

Learn about the easy-to-use Cab-Tite™ and Wrap-Tite® settings that give professional results fast.

Video Length 3:41

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Five Piece Jewelry Set

Dawn Lombard used recycled copper to create this multi-piece jewelry set. The colorful design began as a doodle and was laser-engraved and hand-painted onto the pieces, resulting in a vibrant "Kaleidoscope" of color and pattern.

Design Idea PF3D

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Bracelet

Spice up your designs with colorful ball pins, especially when using clear beads like these Czech glass druks. Match a charm to your pins for eye-catching results.

Design Idea MC36

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