"Plated" refers to a process in which a thin layer of precious metal, such as gold or silver, is applied to the surface of another metal. This technique is used to give jewelry and/or components the desirable appearance of being made entirely from a more expensive precious metal, while keeping costs lower. Plating enhances aesthetic appeal, prevents tarnishing and increases durability. However, plated jewelry requires special care to maintain its appearance, as the thin layer of precious metal can wear off over time with regular use.

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.

The lariat necklace has risen to new heights of popularity, due to its appearance on Hollywood stars such as Olivia Wilde, Cameron Diaz, Anne Hathaway and others. As the jewelry company Stella and Dot discovered with their Zoe Lariat Necklace, this type of necklace is a marvelous way to embrace elegance that's a little out of the ordinary.

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: I made a couple of gemstone chip bracelets on Power cord, but I don't like the way they turned out. The knot area, with a small dab of glue on it, is stiff and brittle. The cord seems to have "warped" and appears to be stretched out of shape. The chips slid on the cord easily so that would not seem to be the reason for this distortion of the cord. Help!

Just because rhodonite is a pink stone, doesn't mean it's off limits for men's jewelry. The warm hue still has a masculine appearance, especially with its black dendritic inclusions.

Snowflake obsidian is striking in its appearance and is also a durable gemstone--making the spotted obsidian popular for use as a "worry stone" as well as a beautiful addition to jewelry.

Autumn jasper is the variety known for its mottled warm brick red and avocado green appearance: imagine pumpkins, red maple leaves and a long leisurely walk through the country.

White jasper has a bright, clean opaque white appearance. According to metaphysical properties, white jasper lifts spirits and brings joy, nurturing our inner desire for calmness.

Crazy Horse™ stone is the trade name for a calcite showcasing a distinct appearance of brown, grey, tan with some mauve and pink color combinations.

While bronzite may appear mundane when not polished, bronzite is a truly beautiful gemstone that can display chatoyancy and contain bright golden flecks.

Sources may disagree whether Charoite was named for the Chara River or the Russian word "chary" (meaning "charms" or "magic"), but we can agree it has a beautiful, striking appearance.

The most commonly occurring color of magnesite is white, with an appearance similar to unglazed porcelain. The stone is often dyed and used as an economical substitute for turquoise.

Created by fusion of several glass rods arranged so that the cross-section creates a flower or pattern with a mosaic-like appearance.

As defined by the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA), stabilization is the use of a colorless bonding agent (commonly plastic) with a porous gemstone to give it durability and improve appearance. Turquoise is a commonly stabilized gemstone.

A group of identical silver (or gold) tube beads strung in an uninterrupted group of strands. The multi-strand jewelry created this way gives the appearance of flowing or liquid metal.

Metal beads and components which have a human-created patina which alters the surface colors and gives the appearance of age.

(see also Antiqued) A patina created on metal beads and components that alters the surface colors and gives the appearance of age.

The coloration that occurs in certain metals when they are exposed at length to the atmosphere. A thin, greenish layer appears on the surface of copper and bronze; a reddish effect on gold. An artificial patina can be created with acids or electrolyte.

Fishes that have a neutral grey background with bluish or purplish tinges, sometimes referred to as "black chrome." Its name derives from a particular alloy of copper, bronze and zinc, which was originally used in gunmaking, though many alloys currently use the gunmetal designation as it is currently based on appearance. The original alloy (also known as "red brass," patinaed over time to a near-black shade of grey. Gunmetal alloy is resistant to corrosion from steam and salt water. There are many alloys called "gunmetal."

Experiment with metal components to bring jewelry designs to life. The gears and bits contained in the necklace appear to move in a mysterious, cooperative way.

Twist-in or screw clasps look like double beads when closed, giving jewelry designs a smooth, continuous appearance. Silent animation shows how to use them in jewelry designs. Also included are full step-by-step instructions below the video.

This design requires minimal materials but appears incredibly complex. This elegant chainmaille bracelet is simple to create using a Byzantine weave.

A snake-inspired chainmaille bracelet composed of anodized aluminum scales. The intricate design creates the appearance of a corn snake.