Essential Resources

(see also Crimp and Crimp Tube) A short metal tube used with all beading wires and some beading cords to secure the beginning and to finish the end of a strand. The tube is pinched by a specialized Crimping Pliers to create a secure piece of folded or crimped metal. It is then covered by a Crimp Cover for reasons of aesthetics and wearing comfort.

Pliers with specially-designed grooved opening for folding, rolling and smoothing crimp beads and tubes. Crimping pliers create a smooth rounded or curved crimp, rather than the flat piece of metal created with other pliers.

A clasp containing structural crimps for attaching onto the end of beading wire or cord with Crimping Pliers. Can include Hook-and-Eye Clasp, Lobster Claw Clasp and Magnetic Clasp styles.

(see also Crimp and Crimp Tube) A metal bead used with all beading wires and some beading cords to secure the beginning and to finish the end of a strand. The bead is pinched by a specialized Crimping Pliers to create a secure piece of folded or crimped metal. It is then covered by a Crimp Cover for reasons of aesthetics and wearing comfort.

(see also Crimp Bead and Crimp Tube) A metal bead or short metal tube used with all beading wires and some beading cords to secure the beginning and to finish the end of a strand. The crimp is pinched by specialized Crimping Pliers to create a secure piece of folded or crimped metal. It is then often covered by a Crimp Cover for reasons of aesthetics and wearing comfort.

(see also Coil End) A wire coil bead with an end loop.

A thin, flexible length of twisted fibers.

A form of chain with oval links that have been twisted, so that the entire chain lays flat.

Similar to a prong bail, it will create a loop to attach a chain to when the prongs are closed into a cross-drilled pendant.

Beads resembling old-fashioned candy sticks. Small canes of colored glass are fused together to create a larger rod, then coated with clear glass and fired. Most cane glass beads feature "lattichino"--thin white, clear or colored candy cane-like stripes. "Slicer" beads are smaller pieces, created from slices of cane glass.

Necklace terminator or beading finding used to bring multiple strands together at one point to attach a clasp or be part of the design.

A smaller, self-contained part used in jewelry-making and beading.

A carved gem or shell, in which the carved design stands out against a background of a different color.

(see also Saltwater Pearl) Pearls created by a pearl farmer, who inserts a tiny piece, or "seed," of mother-of-pearl into a saltwater pearl oyster. The pearl oyster will coat the seed with progressive layers of nacre, creating a pearl.

(see also Freshwater Pearl) Pearls created by a pearl farmer, who inserts a tiny piece, or "seed," of mother-of-pearl into a freshwater pearl oyster. The pearl oyster will coat the seed with progressive layers of nacre, creating a pearl.

A fastener in jewelry-making, which connects two or more ends of a piece of jewelry together, allowing it to be worn. Clasps can be utilitarian and purely functional, or highly embellished design elements. Clasps are available in most materials, including metal, gemstone, bone, wood and more.

Enamel with surface decorations set in hollows formed by strips of wire welded to a metal plate.

(see also Cord Coil) A wire coil bead with an end loop.

Thermoplastic material that was commonly used in jewelry before the invention of injection molding. Now used to simulate tortoiseshell.

A bead created using coiled wire. Some styles can be pinched like a crimp bead.

(also called rosetta beads or star beads) Glass bead style first created in Italy in the late 1400s. Chevron glass is composed of a varied number of consecutively-laid layers of colored glass. In between layers, the glass is pressed into a mold, to create the patterns within the beads. The glass is stretched to create a long tube, then cut into beads. Individual beads are then beveled or rounded at each end to reveal the chevron or star patterns in the glass. Only those beads with the internal structure exposed by beveling, cutting or grinding the end surfaces away are called Chevron Beads. All others are called rosetta or star beads.

A particular shape of cut glass or crystal, most commonly known as Crystal Passions® rhinestones. A chaton is a faceted, pavillion-shaped (pointed) bottom. Some chaton styles have the same point on top, while others have a smooth domed top (similar to cabochons) or a flat top (similar to faceted gemstones).

An ornamental chain, pin or clasp, usually worn at a woman's waist, to which trinkets, keys, a purse, or other articles are attached. Also used to refer to pins with two figures linked together by a chain.

Small ornaments worn as pendants or on bracelets.

A chain tab is a small, flat metal finding that is often hung on a piece of precious-metal jewelry and stamped as a "tag" that identifies the precious metal content.

A pair of pliers with flat gripping surfaces, used to create reach into tight places, at difficult angles, to grip components, close jumprings, bend wire and stabilize a design while working. Available in both long-nose and short-nose varieties. Short-nose pliers offer more strength and stability and long-nose pliers give more reach.

Learn how to save time and money by taking the guesswork out of wireworking and metalsmithing by learning how to accurately measure. In this article jewelry-making expert Sandra Lupo teaches us how to accurately measure for jewelry-making success.

Ever wonder what a bail is? How do you use it and what should you look for to find what you need for your designs? All of that has been compiled in one handy location.

Sometimes it's not easy to know how to end a necklace, especially when there are so many ways that you can start it. Well take a breath of relief, here are a dozen ways to help you.

In this article and video lean everything about pearls ... or at least a good start, such as how they are formed and harvested, pearl quality and how to tell genuine from imitation pearls.

Have questions about mandrels? Learn all about this valuable metalsmithing tool and the different options available in this article on mandrels.

Mixing your own polymer clay colors can make it difficult to match shades. This article by Tammy Honaman shows a new, easy way to blend the right colors every time.

Travel to the Crystal Valley and explore the rich heritage of Czech glass beads.

What is marcasite? And why is its price tag higher than other gemstones? To answer this important question, a little gemology and fashion history is in order.

According to the psychology of color, people are emotionally affected by different colors and combinations. Learn how to use color theory to boost your jewelry marketing efforts.

Learn more about the holy rosary and how it's been a treasured devotion in the Catholic Church for centuries.

Oh how we love the flamboyant bright neon colors of soft and pliable rubber Oh! Rings™. Twisty little circles are so versatile and you can even add to jump rings for chainmaille.

Author and jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman provides you with plenty of tips and tricks for using enameling in your own jewelry-making processes.

Tammy Honaman shows you the tools and techniques needed for soft and hard soldering.

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.

Explore the impact the number three can have on your jewelry designs.

Learn about the different types of jewelry-making wire and how to use them.

Using cold connections can really change how your jewelry comes together. Find out what metalsmithing master Tammy Honaman says are some of the best tools for cold connecting metal.

Where does your creativity take you when selecting a metal color for your jewelry designs? If you're looking for something new, look no further than rose gold.

Bead stringing is the backbone of many designs; the rest can be done with a few jewelry-making fundamentals. Learn the fundamentals you need to create your own jewelry lines.

Learn how color can be a valuable tool in your jewelry-making endeavors.

Have you never worked with leather before? It can be tough (heh) sometimes but don’t worry, Tammy Honaman is here to guide you like only a jewelry-making expert can.

Organic materials come from living things. Knowing their origins and cultivation techniques will allow you to confidently assure your customers that you've considered every detail of your design.

Opal is an uncommon gemstone with an equally uncommon beauty and a sadly common fragility--leading it to be recreated in the laboratory as a stronger composite that withstands the stresses the natural opal cannot.

Make your designing life easier with bead boards. Learn the bead board types and how these tools are advantageous to the beginner as well as the high-producing professional.

Every jewelry artist knows the rewarding feeling of taking jewelry designs from imagination to creation. Learn about the different product lines that allow you to create pieces of art for you to add to your jewelry.

Delve into the rich history and cultural significance of jade, highlighting its revered status in Chinese culture, its exceptional toughness, and its various forms, including jadeite and nephrite, as well as its widespread use in jewelry and carvings, with an emphasis on the importance of color, translucency, and texture in determining jade quality.

Discover the complex nature of light and the human eye and the importance of daylight, not only in jewelry-making but all forms of art to find true color.

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.

An insightful exploration of the intricate art of creating lampwork glass pendants. Review the fascinating process involving fire and steel tools, the various types of glass used, and the historical evolution of lampworking, with a focus on the tools and materials essential for crafting these exquisite glass components.

Learn all about knapping, an ancient technique for creating gemstone tools or personal adornment. You'll be amazed how much effort goes into these creations!

Downloadable PDF guide makes sizing finger rings easier than ever. Prints actual size from PDF, offering two ways to accurately measure ring sizes.

When you learn how to dye bone beads and other components you open a new avenue for creating distinctive jewelry pieces. Learn how with this informative article.

TierraCast® BeadAligners™ prevent large-hole beads from moving and sliding on standard-sized stringing material, center large-hole beads on metal findings and prevent smaller beads from going inside large-hole beads. Here's how to use BeadAlignerswith Bead Huggers™ to create a "floating bead" design.

There are two styles of glass cutters: dry and oil-filled. This tutorial shows how to use both types, each with illustrated step-by-step instructions.

Effortlessly achieve a professional finish for your jewelry designs using fold-over bezel link settings. Learn how with these straightforward instructions!

Firing enamel in a kiln might appear challenging, but fear not—these step-by-step instructions empower you to confidently and safely craft brilliant, gleaming jewelry projects.

Q: Sure hope you can help me. I'm making a necklace and my pendant is a lampwork bead, sort of rondelle shaped. I want to use a large jump ring, 17mm, but I am having trouble as it does not seem secure on the necklace. Is there something I can use or some technique to keep this ring securely closed? I really don't want to invest in or learn soldering. Thank you so much.

Q: I need tips, please, on how to organize a large inventory of beads and findings. Not the physical components—trays, bags, etc.—but the logical organization. Do the experts find it most useful to organize by color? By size? By material? By shape? Which are the main categories, and how are items sorted within the main categories? For example, beads might be organized first by main color (pink, yellow, black), then by big category of material (gemstone, glass), then specific material (calcite, mookaite, crystal, crackle glass, lampwork). Then within material by size or shape. What logical organization works best for you to help you find what you need quickly? Do different people organize different ways? How do you organize strands that have mixed colors or materials?

Q: I was given a battery operated bead reamer as a gift, but am hesitant to try it. I was watching your bead reamer video and didn't even see a powered version mentioned as an option. It seems to me the hand versions offer more control. Do you have any recommendations?

Q: I have collected lots of abalone shells. What is the best way to drill holes in the shells, shine, polish, etc., to make jewelry?

Q: I've seen Chainmaille sites online and thought, "Wow, that looks cool! I want to make it!" How can I cut the wire to make jump rings, without it flattening the end of the cut part? I know I can buy machine made jumprings that are perfectly shaped and cut, but I want to make my own, so I can fabricate the entire piece. I've been using regular wire cutters, and am looking for a cutter that won't flatten the jumpring ends. Thanks

Create a custom cabochon setting using these step-by-step instructions. This project tutorial explores bench jeweler metal fabrication techniques such as sawing, soldering, filing and polishing.

Vitrium® clay—an air-dry resin clay—comes in transparent white or opaque white. Add color to either type using these two simple steps.

Sculpt clay with precision and ease. These step-by-step instructions will show you how to effortlessly utilize Makin's Professional® Clay Core and Ultimate Clay Extruder®.

Q: Please tell me the difference between "lap joint" and "box joint" pliers?

The Hot-Fix Heater™ rhinestone applicator simplifies and streamlines the process of applying rhinestuds. Let these clear and concise instructions be your guide, enhancing the glamour of your creative projects.

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.

Craft delicate, intricate and exhilarating chain designs. These user-friendly instructions will guide you in creating your own custom links.

Incorporating large-hole beads onto delicate jewelry wire is a breeze. These instructions will demonstrate how, with the help of TierraCast™ BeadAligners™, you can enhance both the stability and the beauty of your designs.

Glass frit can be fused into glasswork shapes for jewelry, décor, gift items and more. This tutorial offers glass fusing tips and techniques—plus four suggested firing schedules for a kiln.

Ensure your success and prioritize safety when firing enamel with a torch by following these comprehensive instructions. Craft stunning enamel jewelry with confidence and precision.

Craft enchanting enamel designs using the simple wet-paper-stencil technique. Your designs will sparkle with personality when you follow these instructions.

Smooth out the rough edges in your enamel designs with an alundum stone. Discover how with these straightforward instructions.

Elevate your enamel designs using the timeless sgraffito technique. With these straightforward instructions, your creativity will truly shine.

Keep your tools in pristine condition, ensuring they serve you well for years to come. Discover the proper technique for maintaining your soldering iron with a sal ammoniac block.

Seeking a way to unite your cords without forcing them to tie the knot? Join them in peaceful harmony with slide tube clasps and these easy instructions.

With these instructions, you will master the art of annealing, a process that softens metal, allowing you to shape it according to your creative vision.

Loop Lock™ findings are ideal for connecting links, loops and lengths of chain with a secure "locking" closure. See how to use these findings in this illustrated tutorial.

Add color to copper beads or components with this torch-based enameling technique. This illustrated tutorial includes step-by-step instructions, safety tips and color suggestions.

Follow these instructions for the Artistic Wire® CONETASTIC™ tool to create custom coiled wire cones. Developed by metalsmith Sandra Lupo, this tool set includes three sizes of cones mandrels.

Use the Artistic Wire® Professional Deluxe Coiling Gizmo® to create tight wire coils and form them into coiled shapes. This photo-illustrated tutorial shows each step.

Easily knit wire ropes for jewelry making with Artistic Wire® Wire Knitter. Follow these photo-illustrated step-by-step instructions to create your own knitted wire.

Experience the delicate allure of knitted wire, as light as a feather yet intricately captivating. Learn how to use the Artistic Wire® Wire Knitter with these simple instructions and enmesh yourself in a whole new world of jewelry design.

ReMold putty can be used to make molds of sculptures, prototypes, candles, picture frames, coins, etc.

Tutorial shows how to punch holes in flat pieces of aluminum, brass, copper, plastic and more with this lightweight, one-handed tool. No electricity required!

Perfect your wire jewelry crafting with the easy-to-use Artistic Wire® Kumihimo Weights, an indispensable tool for creating flawless pieces. Discover how these weights can enhance your jewelry-making skills and streamline your designs.

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.

Craft consistently flawless ear wires with the Artistic Wire® Round Ear Wire Jig, guided by these straightforward instructions for precision and ease. Perfect your jewelry creations with every graceful curve, ensuring a professional touch to your designs.

The Artistic Wire® Open Ear Wire Jig will help you create delicately perfect earrings. With these easy-to- follow instructions, you will begin crafting flawless earwires in no time.