Gorgeous & glittering, these chandelier earrings drip with glam. With garnet glass, red coral & copper-plated beads, this fiery pair will have all eyes on you.

Calling all dragonfly lovers! This mismatched earring set is right on trend and features charming dragonflies and a floral Lazer Lace™ component for an artistic effect.

Sinuous snake chain wends its way beside structured Venetian box chain in this two-strand necklace that, for all its delicacy, is a subtle study in contrasts.

Avoid color bleed in beads! Learn all about colorfastness, how to identify what jewelry-making supplies are colorfast and tips for protecting color in your creations.

The gorgeous luminescence of the cat's eye glass beads adorning this sterling silver rosary lends it a shimmering beauty all its own.

Optical properties refer to the way gemstones interact with light. Color, interference and inclusions are all examples of optical properties. The first optical property is also the most obvious--color.

Get inspired to dive into the contemporary trend of adornment with all varieties of body chain.

Metal clay is an easy-to-use material for creating custom metal pieces. Just manipulate the clay into the shape you want, dry, then fire it to turn it into precious metal. But that isn't all.

Delve into our extensive jump ring resource. Here you'll find a wealth of information about one of the most versatile jewelry-making resources, from sizes and materials to chainmaille weaves.

The more you buy, the more you save with Fire Mountain Gems' All-Assortable Pricing. Our pricing method is based on the total number of items in an order so the more items in your shopping cart the better

Here's a helpful guide to the different styles of earring backs to ensure earrings stay in place.

Bezels are an ideal finding to use when you're working with cabochons and flat back crystals. Tammy Honaman, author and jewelry-making expert, is here to tell you all about them.

Feeling all tangled up in a sea of rough, frayed thread? Thread conditioners could be just the solution you need to get back on course.

Choosing the right metal to use in your jewelry involves balancing a number of factors beyond gold vs. silver. Get the lowdown on all materials metal.

Work smarter, not harder when making seed bead jewelry. The tiny beads can present unique challenges, so here are specialty tools and templates that make all the difference.

Different earring styles suit different needs, and the findings make all the difference! This handy guide explains the unique benefits of each type of earring finding.

You'll have the eye of the tiger in all the colors of the rainbow with this sleek jewelry set. Tigereye beads are dyed brilliant colors for extra intrigue, perfectly complemented by gold-toned chains.

Jewelry-making expert Sandra Lupo gives us the scoop on Beadalon® tools, including their banding pliers and improved Coiling Gizmo®. Learn all about these popular tools and tips for using them in this illustrated article.

Let your fan-flag fly with this immersive, collaborative and creative jewelry trend. We are all fans of something, so why not bring that love into jewelry?

The goth trend in jewelry has remained a fascinating and enduring subculture since its inception in the 1970s. Learn about this fashion movement to design jewelry that captivates individuals of all ages.

One of the most surprising trends to take men's fashion by storm in the past year is pearl jewelry. Read on to learn stylish ways to create stylish pearl designs for all genders.

Learn the art of pricing your products to make a profit. This article explains the importance of factoring in all the labor, material and overhead costs for each hand-crafted item.

All the other places you can create: bus stop, train ride, automobile, etc. Beading is as portable as knitting, so here are ideas for traveling with jewelry-making supplies.

Animal print is one of the most enduring patterns of all time. Explore their history and how to incorporate them into your jewelry designs.

I suggest you price the work to be attractive to you--profitable. I've written about this before and devote a chapter in my book to getting the price right. Basically, all pricing must start with accurate information about the cost of materials.

Discover Pantone's 2024 color choice, described as a “velvety, gentle peach tone, whose all-embracing spirit enriches mind, body, and soul.”

Gift-giving can be stressful for all of us at times. This article gives you ten tips to help you in your gift-giving endeavors.

The halo jewelry trend is ringing all kinds of style bells. Learn how to incorporate halo elements into your designs.

Keeping your jewelry well cared for and beautiful for years to come is just as important as designing it. All the info you'll need about the different maintenance supplies available to care for your treasures in is this article.

This undersea trend has merfolk of all ages flipping their fins. Dive in headfirst to learn how you can bring the fluidity and beauty of these mythical creatures ashore.

Brass is the metal of the moment according to fashion mavens. Learn all about this age-old material and how to incorporate it into your designs.

The holiday season is all about tradition. Why not add to your list of Christmas traditions using your beads and jewelry-making supplies?

Feel a little scandalous this summer: put on some jewelry and flash those ankles! Learn all about this edgy accessory here.

Scalemaille jewelry is gaining popularity. Discover all the design possibilities these scale components offer and get inspired to start creating today.

The first openly available resource for the beader and jewelry maker, the Beadmakers' Handbook includes bead-stringing designs and techniques. Download the free PDF and discover where it all began!

Discover interesting beading facts and new insights into the jewelry making industry with articles from Fire Mountain Gems and Beads. Article: All About Rhinestones

When you take off jewelry, what do you do with it? What should you do with it? Here are some of the ins and outs of jewelry storage that will help keep your favorite pieces looking their best.

Bead reamers are an important tool. Use this helpful guide to choose the correct reamer for all your jewelry-making needs.

Learn all about clasps and how to use them in this handy guide.

What do the ancient Egyptians, Native Americans, 1970's celebrities and people today all have in common? A love of turquoise! This article highlights this gemstone's popularity throughout history.

Discover the best cord for your jewelry-making or crafting project with this thorough guide.

Crimps are the powerhouse finding that hold together one or multiple strands of beading wire. Lean more about them in this article.

A metal bead or short metal tube used with all beading wires and some beading cords to secure the beginning and finish the end of a strand.

A metal bead or short metal tube used with all beading wires and some beading cords to secure the beginning and finish the end of a strand.

(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.

(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.

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.

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

Turn heads this holiday season with this stunning necklace adorned with the intricate beauty of a Crystal Passions® amethyst drop, an emerald Chaton, and a mix of Crystal Passions® amethyst and emerald beads, all elegantly complemented by a delicate gold-finished chain.

There is a lot of metal sheet for you to pick from when you're making your metal jewelry. That is why all of them have been assembled into one chart.

Learn the basics of jewelry-making wire, including wire shape, hardness and what wire to use in your projects.

Learn how to make survival paracord bracelets and watchbands for all the outdoor enthusiasts in your life.

Bring on the shine with this exquisite Crystal Passions® drop necklace and earring set, featuring a faceted wild heart pendant and sterling silver elements, accented by clear cubic zirconia in a diamond-shaped bail, all elegantly suspended from a Gossamer™ sterling silver chain for a timeless and sophisticated look.

Turquoise, copper and sterling silver mingle in this stylish bracelet featuring the ever-popular December birthstone. Turquoise looks fantastic with silver or copper—and even more fabulous when it's all three together.

Discover the deeper appeal of antique-style jewelry in this tell-all article.

Explore new ways to use jewelry findings with this article all about alternative uses for everything from bead caps to safety pins.

Revitalize your style with these stunning drop earrings crafted with hand-cut dyed garnet oval beads, natural round amethyst beads, and hand-cut flat oval peridot beads, all delicately accented with sterling silver for a touch of sophistication and charm.

Q: I would like to start using pure copper beads and findings, but I'm not sure about whether or not they can be cleaned at all, and if so, how? What about copper plated items?

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.

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!

Q: I would like to know how to get started with seed beads. I want to seed bead a 5" hoop to make a dreamcatcher. All I want to do is the outside (if not) the hoop in seed beads. Thank you.

Q: The manager of a gift shop told me she wasn't interested in carrying my work, and all I could think of to say was, "Thanks anyway." What's the right way to handle this kind of rejection?

Q: I have made and sold over 50 beaded lanyards since November. Now all of a sudden people are coming back because they have broken. I used Accu-Flex® beading wire 7 strand 0.019 clear for stringing. Do you have any suggestions for something stronger? I have a large order coming up and really don't want to restring.

Q: I am looking for the Crystal Passions® bead colors for all the different cancers. I have breast cancer and want to make bracelets for the nurses at the oncology department at my hospital. I know there are names for them, but they do not match the beads. Can you help?

Q: I have just restrung a coral necklace my father had given my sister. It was on silk thread and the ends of the thread were glued into the clasp's round bead ends. How do I finish it now that I have all the coral strung on silk? How do I get the clasp on, and what type of clasp can I use on silk thread?

Q: Why does the glass bead split when I ream out all the white powder? Will the powder wear away eventually if I don't ream it out? Thank you

Q: I am beading a bracelet that is odd count flat peyote (Delica size 11 beads). I am beading it by holding it in my fingers, but when I set it down flat on the table top, it is wavy on the edges. If I flatten the top, the bottom becomes wavy. If I flatten the bottom, the top becomes wavy. Doesn't matter if I use single needle or two needle. What am I doing wrong and can I fix it or should I take it all apart and start over and be careful not to do what?

Q: I have read that both copper and sterling silver can be oxidized using Liver of Sulfur or ammonia. During the oxidizing process, both metals will go through a range of color changes before getting to the antique-look. My question is: are you supposed to use some kind of sealant on all pieces that have been oxidized BUT not to the point of the antique-look. For example, oxidizing copper until it turns blue. None of the articles that I've read mention use of sealants. Thanks very much!

Q: How do I charge for teaching how to make jewelry? I'll be carrying the products myself (beads, etc.). There isn't anyone here who teaches at all in my area. I know in Houston they do but its 2 hrs away.

Q: What kind of wire or string should be used when making a necklace where the beads go all the way around the neck so it will lie flat?

Q: What do all the initials in parenthesis after the gemstones mean--example coral (IMIT). Thank you, is it listed in the catalog?

Q: Sometimes when I am working on a bracelet or necklace, the crimp bead breaks off, and I have to start all over again. What am I doing wrong?

Q: HELP! I have just started to bead and have some questions about what kind and what size of thread/wire I should use with my projects. What do all the numbers/gauge/sizes mean?

Q: I have discovered the joys (and tribulations) of working with jumprings in making chainmaille jewelry. Besides soldering the rings closed, is there a special glue that can be used? I love working with jumprings of all sizes and would like to know that the jewelry I make will stay together. Thank you!!

Q: I made my first bracelets using silver-plated clasps (not from Fire Mountain Gems and Beads) and they discolored. I want to make good quality jewelry for gifts and don't want to waste money buying precious metal findings if they're not necessary, but I also don't want my pieces to tarnish easily. Can you guide me on when to use precious metal findings? What's the shelf life on silver-plate and gold-plate? I have asked others and researched online but am not getting a clear answer. Again, I might just have started with poor quality clasps and maybe both Fire Mountain's silver-plated and sterling will give me good results in all cases.

Q: I bought some metal beads that go onto the ends of memory wire. The hole doesn't go all the way through. How do I keep that end bead on the memory wire?

Q: I love working in all kinds of bead weaving stitches. However, no matter what stitch I use the bracelet always stretches or "grows". I use Fire line. I tie knots often. What else can I do to retain size? Thanks in advance.

Q: I'm new to the jewelry scene and was wondering about the tumblers that are available. Does a tumbler work for all metals, including precious metal? What is the difference between a jewelry tumbler and a rock tumbler?

Q: I have been looking at your Rotary tool located in Metalsmithing. I am a new graduate from Jewelry Design and Repair and I'm wondering if this tool can take the place of a Flex Shaft. And if I purchased this rotary tool will it do all of the same jobs done that a flex shaft does or will I still have to purchase a Flex Shaft to do some jobs?

Q: Chain tassels and fringe are really popular. I like to create them, but it is a serious pain to count links or measure multiple lengths of chain all the same length, especially tiny chain. Do you have a tip to simplify tassels and fringe?

Q: I just started metal stamping and am having some difficulties ... the stamps don't seem to be going through well enough to leave a good impression. If I hit it harder, though, it is bending the metal. Is the problem with the stamping blanks I am using, or are they all about the same?

Q: This may sound silly, but where does the bone come from in all of the bone beads? Just curious! Thanks!

Q: Hello! Could you tell me if the Accu-Flex beading wires are water resistant? I bought another brand (foolish of me!) to make bracelets and they all got rusty after a few days when in contact with water. The ones that were not in the water, but in a place quite humid, eventually got rusty as well ... I don't want to go through that again! Thank you for your advice!

Q: How do I determine the OD of a jumpring when all I have is the ID and the gauge?

Q: I'd like to know if it would be practical to promote/sell pieces on more than one website--I suppose I'd also have to split the pieces between sites instead of showing them all on all sites--yes?

Q: I am making a 4-strand necklace, using a triangular spacer at each end. The spacer has four holes at the bottom but only one hole at the top. How do I finish and crimp the wires after they go through the spacer? Will all wires be visible?

Q: Question: I want to make necklaces with leather cord. I must buy supple cord so that it falls "flowing" around neck, not stiff. Nothing is mentioned about your leather spools. Please advise, I need all colors, all sizes, and all must be very flexible. Thank you.

Q: Hello, I am looking for non-tarnish seed beads to use in my jewelry work. It is so disappointing when the lovely bright metal seed beads go all dark and they spoil the look of my beaded pieces. Can you help please? Thank you.

Transform a challenging task into a breeze with the Vintaj® One-Step Looper Pliers! Easily shape head pins to perfection for all your jewelry designs.

Add the finishing touch to your memory wire designs with Beadalon® Flat Memory Wire End Caps. These easy instructions explain how to add a tailored finish to all your jewelry-making endeavors.

Owner's manual for using a soldering iron in jewelry making. It contains all the information to safely and properly set-up, operate and maintain your soldering iron.

Unlock the full potential of your projects with Beadswax® as your adhesive. The straightforward instructions that follow provide all the guidance you need to craft your stunning beaded masterpieces

Infuse your ideas with a cheerful glow using Prometheus® Sunny Bronze Clay. Comprehensive instructions provide all the information you need to ensure your success in bringing your creative visions to light.

Follow the steps below to create a timeless and fashionable "Y" necklace. Your necklace is sure to get "oohs and aahs" from all who see it.

Bezelite settings take all the mystery and headache out of stone setting. Even a beginner can get great results in seconds! They are made for faceted stones and most cabochons.

Release the inner brilliance of your sculpting with Prometheus® Light Yellow Bronze Clay. Precise instructions give you all the information you need to create glowing, golden works of art.