Jewelry Making Resources | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

Ask the Experts Beading Q&A

Q: I’m having trouble with my seed bead fringe earrings. I’m always having an issue with curling. How do you keep them soft and flowy? I’m using Fireline 4lbs. Also it’s hard to find a balance between pulling them a little bit on the tighter side or having too much of a gap. Could it be the thread? What is the trick ?

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Set of 3 Bracelets

This elegant bracelet set blends blue apatite, pink opal and gold-plated beads. Two single-color strands plus a merging duo make a balanced, artful trio.

Design Idea RE2R

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Earrings

Soft mauve baroque pearls elegantly dangle from sterling silver marquise ear wires in these earrings that balance delicate beauty with a touch of edge.

Design Idea JC2V

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Single-Strand Necklace and Earring Set

Mix faceted and rough-cut stones into your wirework to create the visual balance of this tranquil jewelry set.

Design Idea MF23

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Seven Principles of Design for Jewelry-Making

Turn jewelry making into an art form with these 7 key design principles. Learn how balance, movement and more can inspire new heights of creativity.

Which Metals Should You Use?

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.

Earrings

Bring earthy elegance to your jewelry with natural banded amethyst and riverstone beads. The simple design of the earrings highlights the complexity of the stone, creating a perfect balance between edginess and sophistication.

Design Idea PK2D

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Bracelet

Mahogany obsidian is the perfect stone to balance your energy in this Powercord® bracelet featuring an Om drop.

Design Idea PD4F

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Single-Strand Necklace and Earring Set

Indulge in celestial charm with this sterling silver and rainbow moonstone necklace and earring set. The reflective allure of the silver and rhinestone drops is gracefully balanced by the icy irregularity of the stones on the chain.

Design Idea H33R

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Single-Strand Necklace and Earring Set

Hand-cut rhodochrosite rondelles marry the glow of luxury with the power of nature in this necklace and earring ensemble. The peachy tones of the rondelles are balanced by 14Kt gold-filled beads, infusing this lovely set with a gentle warmth.

Design Idea K30L

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Shamballa Bracelets

Shamballa bracelets are a perfectly balanced jewelry project. All you need are beads, cord and a bit of knotwork knowledge. Read on to learn how!

Learn Simmon's Polymer Clay Blend

Take your polymer clay blending skills to the next level with Simmon's polymer clay blend. Witness firsthand how this technique creates a stunningly balanced spectrum of colors.

Video Length 3:34

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Bib-Style Necklace

Jennifer Stephens' "Pacific Tidepool" necklace blends various bead sizes and textures, capturing the essence of tidepools while exuding avant-garde beauty and balance.

Design Idea PM3H

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Perceived Values

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.

Reiki Jewelry: Balance Your Body and Mind

Discover the universal energy known as reiki and how practitioners of this Japanese style of energy healing has growing in popularity in the US.

Artistic Wire® Connector Diamond Jig

Create perfectly balanced and symmetrical jewelry connectors with the Artistic Wire® Connector Diamond Jig. Follow these step-by-step instructions and let your creativity get wired.

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Agate, Moss

It's no surprise that moss agate's plant-like filaments affect the perceived metaphysical properties of the stone. Moss agate is said to encourage tranquility and emotional balance.

Ametrine

Ametrine is actually a combination of amethyst and citrine, which can occur completely naturally. It stands to reason ametrine is said to be a stone of balance and connection.

Agate, White

White agate is believed to be a stone of balance and release. According to metaphysical beliefs, this agate gemstone helps harmonize feminine and masculine sides.

Amphibolite

Amphibolite--sometimes also referred to as hornblende--is said to help balance the dual natures of individuals who wear jewelry featuring this metamorphic stone.

Pinolith

How much do you know about pinolith? That it's a very rare semiprecious stone? That it's believed to be a gemstone of optimism and balance? Or how it's fantastic for jewelry-making?