Jewelry Making Resources | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

Lariat Necklace and Earrings

Add distinction and personality to your designs with brilliant amazonite cabochons suspended from delicate S-bar chain, as in this stunning lariat necklace.

Design Idea SA23

View Design

Ask the Experts Findings Q&A

Q: I am making small tapestries. The size is comparable to pen wraps when not zipped up. I'd like to hang them either in my windows with suction cups or on my Christmas tree. But how do I finish them on the top so that they can hang? Is there a finding to use? I've looked but I really don't know what I am looking for. Thank you very much.

Read the Answer

Watch Band

Brighten your wrist jewelry options with this colorful, summer-ready watch band. Delica seed beads give it a precise, mosaic-like look with a smooth feel.

Design Idea QK34

View Design

Double-Strand Bracelet

This two-strand bracelet features radiant Czech Fire-Polished beads and a sleek magnetic clasp, combining elegance with ease of wear for a stylish, functional accessory.

Design Idea QH3W

View Design

Bracelet

Quarter TILA® rectangle beads create a sleek, geometric style in this modern bracelet, showcasing bold Southwestern-inspired hues.

Design Idea J915

View Design

Bracelet

This gorgeous bracelet features Crystal Passions® beads in icy greens and blues. Set off by silver-plated rondelles, this masterpiece is guaranteed to leave an impression.

Design Idea QC2P

View Design

Triple-Strand Necklace and Earring Set

Make a bold statement with this stunning necklace and earring set that exudes earthy elegance. This showstopper features beads of dyed African "turquoise," antiqued copper and faceted red jasper, creating a truly captivating ensemble.

Design Idea E84X

View Design

Bracelet

Wide spacer bars and gemstone beads warm up the cool silvery tones of this bold bracelet design, while the toggle clasp gives it a secure finish.

Design Idea PH2K

View Design

Ask the Experts Lengthening a Choker Q&A

Q: OOPS! Should have tried on the choker I was making before I added the bar/ring toggle, crimped, and cut the wire--it is too tight! Any suggestions for "extending" the length of a necklace without removing the toggle? I'd hate to re-string it as it was a very intricate (time-consuming) project. Next time, I'll measure twice, cut once!

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Hinged Earwires Q&A

Q: I purchased a pair of hammered sterling silver earrings online for my daughter. The earrings have a bar closure that broke off (the bar and hinge). I have made a lot of jewelry myself. I tried to replace them with something similar, but could not find anything here on line. How can I repair them?

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Using Spacer Bars Q&A

Q: I want to make a wide bracelet. What do I use to join the rows of beads together?

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Making Watch Bands Q&A

Q: Hi! I'm new to beading and love it! I want to make bands for my existing watches that have a bar. What do I use to start? Is there a special finding?

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Ribbon Crimp Ends Q&A

Q: How do I use ribbon ends on my loomworked bracelets? Every time I attach one I crush some of the beads because the clamp doesn't seem large enough to cover the beads. I've seen other examples of loom and off-loom bracelets with these ends attached, but I don't know how to properly attach them. Do you have any bar clasps that are made specifically for stitched bracelets and necklaces or some kind of instructional resource on how to use the ribbon clasp on beadwork?

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Spacer Bars Q&A

Q: Hi, I am very new to beading and have run into a problem. I made a three strand bracelet and put 3 strand spacer bars (8995MB) into it. The back of the spacer bars look so lonely with the little strands of wire. Is there something I can use for that? Thank You.

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Jewelry Repair Q&A

Q: Is there a way to remove a crimp bead cover from a finished necklace? I used a 4mm crimp bead cover at the very end of my necklace. But I feel my necklace has little flexibility, and the toggle bar of my clasp does not move freely. I think removing the cover and replacing it with a smaller crimp bead cover might take care of the problem. Any other ideas what I could do without pulling my necklace apart?

Read the Answer

6 Ways to Finish Your Seed Bead Bracelet

Not sure how to finish your seed bead bracelet? Explore six different ways to give your seed bead jewelry designs the perfect closure--all with how-to videos!

Video Length 1:42

Watch Video

Toggle Clasp

A style of clasp consisting of a loop (usually a circle, but sometimes other shapes such as stars, hearts or leaves); the other piece is a ''T'' shaped bar. The clasp is closed by pulling the ''T'' shaped bar through the open loop. Immensely popular and easy to use, the toggle clasp is available in almost infinite material options and in a variety of styles, weights and designs. They are commonly used for necklaces (especially lariat style), bracelets and anklets.

Categories

Tags