Jewelry Making Resources | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

Four Pairs of Ornament-Style Earrings

Classic pearl earrings can be styled according to your own aesthetic, giving anything from a vintage vibe to a lighthearted playfulness, as these earrings show.

Design Idea RH33

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Single-Strand Backdrop Necklace

Complement a daring backline with this earthy blue sodalite necklace, featuring understated front pendants and a graceful beaded strand cascading down the back.

Design Idea RG25

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A Legacy of Love, Strength and Support for Breast Cancer Research

Fire Mountain Gems and Beads celebrates years of supporting breast cancer research through donations, creative projects and community-driven awareness.

BCA Bead Mosaic

Inspire hope and positivity with this stunning handcrafted bead mosaic, featuring vibrant colors and meaningful design—perfectly uplifting any space.

Design Idea RG29

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Ask the Experts Wire Gauge and Type Q&A

Q: I’m making wire-wrapped glass stud earrings. What gauge and wire type is the best? I’d like to use sterling silver. Would half-hard be sturdy enough for an earring back? Thank you.

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Ask the Experts Beading Q&A

Q: What needle would you recommend for a loom project that is about 5 inches (94 columns) wide and uses 11/0 Delica seed beads? I'm having to thread back through just a few columns at a time with my standard #12 needle.

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Handbag Charm

Add a burst of sunshine to your bag with this whimsical sunflower tassel charm—featuring felt petals, bead accents, and a cheerful printed scarf for extra flair.

Design Idea RD3C

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Ask the Experts Wire Q&A

Q: I’m making wire-wrapped glass stud earrings. What gauge and wire type is best? I’d like to use sterling silver. Would half-hard be sturdy enough for an earring back?

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Ask the Experts Cabochons Q&A

Q: I purchased a couple gorgeous cabochons online that are smaller than I expected (14x23mm). I’m not talented enough to wire-wrap something that small, and I can’t find a cabochon setting that will fit them. What should I do?

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Ask the Experts Metalsmithing Q&A

Q: If I'm creating a silver pendant for a flat back cabochon and have soldered on a bezel setting to a backplate, how do I set decorative faceted gems around it? I've used flat back smooth round cabs with bezel cups soldered on, but want to use faceted gemstones that have a point at the back, 4mm. Do I put something in the bezel cup, or make a hole in the backplate? Or something else?

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Ask the Experts Crystal Q&A

Q: I have a vintage piece of jewelry where a pear shape crystal 15x10mm has most of the foil back removed. I purchased a 14x9mm pear shape from Fire Mountain, but it is too small. Is there any way to replace the foil backing on the original? Did not see where Fire Mountain has the size I need.

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Jeweled Eggs

Decorating eggs is an ancient tradition. Use crystal flat backs, metal leaf, mica powders and more to channel your inner Fabergé to create bejeweled eggs.

Easter Eggs

Create egg-cellent Easter or holiday decorations with crystal flat backs, metal leaf and other adornment with these inspirational “Fauxbergé” jeweled eggs.

Design Idea RD2X

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Ask the Experts Beading Material Q&A

Q: How can I ensure that the longer necklaces I design using heavy beads (porcelain, marble, glass, etc.) will not come apart from the weight. I am using AccuFlex 0.019 49-strand wire. On these longer necklaces, I sometimes use a clasp and other times I do not use a clasp. Would extra crimps work? Would they work at the back where the clasp would be or would it be better to work them into the design of the necklace so they could be spaced throughout the length of the piece? Other ideas?

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Two-Finger Ring

Make a bold statement with this offbeat double-finger ring, featuring chic striated malachite and sparkling emerald rhinestones for a truly eye-catching design.

Design Idea E73F

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Set of Four Bracelets

Embrace the bracelet stacking trend with this chic set of delicate gold chains. Featuring charms, crystals and a bit of personalization, it’s style made simple!

Design Idea QK38

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Ask the Experts Mounting Q&A

Q: Should foil backed crystals be mounted in closed back settings or is an open back setting okay? If a closed back setting is advised, what type of glue is recommended?

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Ask the Experts Topcoats and Glazes Q&A

Q: Hi, I would like to make charms using polymer clay and crystals (gluing them back on after baking) and then apply a shiny glaze so that the charms are glossy. Is this possible over the crystals or will they lose their sheen?

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Ask the Experts Rhinestones Q&A

Q: I've never worked with flat-back rhinestones and want to apply some to a flat mother-of-pearl teardrop earring. What would work best for this, hot fix or not hot fix? I generally use the G-S Hypo cement for glue, would this be okay to use in this application?

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Set of 5 Hair Pins

Sparkling Crystal Passions® rhinestones in a soft heliotrope hue adorn these charming floral hair clips, creating a look that's both delicate and eye-catching.

Design Idea RC2Z

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Pendant

Capture the spirit of the Southwest with a necklace featuring a buffalo skull quarter and feather charms, each with a patriotic red, white or blue rhinestone.

Design Idea K506

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Earrings

Craft something special inspired by these delicate earrings featuring cultured saltwater pearls, accented by sparkling Crystal Passions® briolette drops.

Design Idea J31L

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Single-Strand Necklace

Bright and refreshing as a childhood ice cream treat, this dramatic necklace adds sparkle to any outfit.

Design Idea QJ4J

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Headbands

Add Crystal Passions® flat-back rhinestones to headbands for jazzy, snazzy headwear!

Design Idea QJ4M

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