Items have an industry standard of .15 to .25 mils thickness of gold which is plated to the surface of the base metal.

Like many, our Fire Mountain Gems and Beads family has been deeply affected by cancer. To help cope and heal from these profound challenges, we support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation through donations to fight against this disease. Every October for Breast Cancer Awareness month, Fire Mountain Gems and Beads donates proceeds to support of breast cancer research. We welcome you to share your creations with the world to raise funds for your charity.

Unveil the sweet secret of this fetching necklace and earring set. The locket has been adorned with Crystal Passions® flat backs for sparkle and engraved with a special date.

Glass beads have been a favorite jewelry-making supply for thousands of years. Learn about the ancient techniques used to craft various types of beads.

Color seasons have been applied to jewelry and fashion for decades. Find ways to match your designs to the 12 designations in this article.

A term used to refer to a bead made of a carbon-based material. Many beads and other jewelry-making components comprised of pearl, wood, bone, horn and shell fall into this category. Also used to describe materials relating to or derived from living matter—for example, coral. Explore Organic products

Tassels have been incredibly popular on runways and in modern street fashion. Read on to learn how adding beads has transformed this trend into something entirely new.

Brooches have long been a popular accessory for adding a touch of style and elegance to any outfit. Discover design ideas and inspiration to make your own beaded brooches.

How many times have you been working on a beading project, only to have your fingers and hands seize from cramping and fatigue, which force you to take a break?

It's never been easier to sell your jewelry online. Discover how to set up shop, compare costs and get expert business tips to find your best-selling fit among the top sites.

Wooden jewelry has once again been on the rise. Find inspiration for your own nature-inspired designs in this article.

(also called leaded crystal or leaded glass) A material used by adding small amounts of lead oxide to molten glass in order to change its properties. Crystal glass has a higher density and increased light refraction, creating brilliant sparkling effects when cut.

A form of plastic which can be molded into a variety of shapes, including beads, components and findings.

(see also Pony Bead) A bead cut from a tube of glass or plastic, then tumbled and polished to smooth the edges. Used on the bottom of cornrow braids, in fringe and for some Native American styles.

The unit of weight used for precious stones. One carat equals one-fifth of a gram. Also a measurement of fitness in gold. Pure gold is expressed as 24Kt.The term ''carat'' dates back to the traders of the ancient world. A standard weight was required for precious gems as merchants of the ancient Mediterranean and Middle East were dependent on the ability to trade with a reasonably consistent unit of measurement. It was this need that led to the adoption of seeds and grains as widespread units of measurement.The carob seed and the wheat grain, both of which had been used for food purposes were found to be ideal units of weight. For centuries the carob seed remained the weight measurement for precious gems. By the Middle Ages, however, changes in the trade routes had occurred and large centers of trade were now found within Europe. The carat, as it had become known, became linked to 4 grains Troy weight, with the carob seed having been abandoned at some point during the shift of trade centers. The Troy carat was the equivalent of approximately 205 milligrams. This measurement of weight lasted for the carat until the 20th century. It was between 1907-1914 that the carat was married to the metric system of weights. By 1914 the United States officially abandoned the former Troy measurement of 205.3 milligrams for the carat, and adopted the current metric carat measurement of 200 milligrams.

(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.