Jewelry Making Resources | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

Ask the Experts Findings Q&A

Q: Is it better to use a 3mm crimp for a beading wire necklace or will a 2mm crimp suffice? If I use a 3mm crimp, do I use a 3mm crimp bead or should I use a bead that is 1mm larger? Same for a 2mm crimp - use a 2mm crimp bead to cover the 2mm crimp? Thank you in advance.

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A Jewelry Designers Journey

Get to know Elaine, the expert behind our Kumihimo series, and discover how her creative journey led to mastering this beautiful braiding technique.

Video Length 3:22

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Earrings

Rose gold and black tones blend beautifully in these modern polymer clay earrings, creating a sleek, sophisticated look that’s sure to turn heads.

Design Idea RE3S

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Creating Jewelry Inspired by Cocktails or Mocktails

Sip in the inspiration—this video shows you how to create stunning bracelets inspired by the colors and vibes of your favorite cocktails and mocktails.

Design Idea RC34

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Secrets to Kumihimo

Unlock the basics of kumihimo with this easy-to-follow tutorial on creating a classic 4-strand braided bracelet.

Video Length 15:51

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Charm Bracelet

Get into the Christmas spirit with this festive Preciosa tutorial—make a fun seed-beaded bracelet featuring five adorable holiday-themed charms!

Design Idea RF3C

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Minimalist vs. Maximalist Jewelry Styles

Explore how the same jewelry materials can create two strikingly different looks—one minimalist, one maximalist—and discover which design style speaks to you.

Video Length 5:29

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Memory Wire Bracelet

Amethyst and lavender beads bloom with translucent flowers and silver in this whimsical memory wire bracelet, perfect for a touch of spring magic.

Design Idea RE3M

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Multi-Strand Bracelet

Shades of sand and surf unite in this multi-strand bracelet, featuring the iridescent shimmer of paua shell paired with the natural warmth of wooden beads.

Design Idea RE3N

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Christmas Tree

Get in the Christmas spirit with this festive ornament, courtesy of Preciosa!

Design Idea RF3A

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Double-Strand Bracelet

Design a dazzling two-strand bracelet that balances shimmer with structure, using spacer beads to add depth and definition to the glamorous layout.

Design Idea RE3K

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Single-Strand Necklace

Silky honey-toned beads beautifully complement TierraCast® antique silver-plated honey bees in this striking statement necklace, full of warmth and charm.

Design Idea RE3J

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Candy Cane

Create a sweet beaded crochet candy cane with this tutorial, courtesy of Preciosa!

Design Idea RF3B

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Crocheted Rocket Ornament

Create a classic Christmas tree decoration with this tutorial courtesy of PRECIOSA.

Design Idea RF3D

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Charm Bracelet

Create a charm bracelet inspired by the places you love—landmarks, symbols and sparkle. Think Parisian icons today, your own story tomorrow.

Design Idea RD3Q

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Wanderlust Sparkle: How Travel Inspires Jewelry Design

Discover how travel and treasured memories shape jewelry design—through color, symbolism, and story-rich styles inspired by global adventures.

Single-Strand Necklace

Capture camping vibes with wood beads and emerald-green sparkle in this charming necklace, featuring a Bigfoot, camper and fir cone for a playful outdoor feel.

Design Idea RE3H

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Single-Strand Necklace and Earring Set

Gleaming tigereye pairs with grey feldspar in a necklace and earring set that’s easy to make and fun to wear.

Design Idea J92G

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Earrings

Lively and luminous, these earrings feature sparkling peridot-hued crystals that dance with light—bringing a pop of color and a dash of luxury to any look.

Design Idea RE39

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Single-Strand Necklace

Shades of denim-hued seed beads frame a shimmering crystal fancy stone, creating a handcrafted necklace with subtle sparkle and rich texture.

Design Idea RE38

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Ask the Experts Stringing Q&A

Q: I’m using 550lb parachute cord for stringing, but I can find anything that will cut it cleanly. I’ve tried a bunch of tools but only my newest wire cutters come close - they still don’t cut it cleanly.

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Ask the Experts Beading Q&A

Q: Hi, I’d like to make a necklace by loosely braiding or weaving three strands of wire together and adding beads periodically. Is memory wire the way to go? Would the bare wire be uncomfortable? I want a very light and airy feel to the necklace. Would something else work better? I’ve racked my brain...I would appreciate your help! Thank you very much.

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Ask the Experts Beading Q&A

Q: A friend asked me to fix a beaded necklace that had two strands, twisted around each other, with a large pendant in the center. One strand broke, leaving one side still twisted. Some beads had fallen off and were missing, so I basically had to start from scratch using new beads. Before cutting the remaining strands, I photographed the twisted strand, and the ends attached to the clasp. I then inspected the twisted strands to see how they stayed twisted. I saw nothing special that made the twists stay twisted. Next, I made two strands of beads to test what looked like “too easy”. As I feared, the strands untwisted. I searched the internet looking for the magic trick that I was missing. I found one post, words only, no pictures, and it talked about twisting 3 strands, which I could not relate to my issue. I am hoping one of the experts at Fire Mountain Gems could make a tutorial for twisting two strands. Can you help?

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