Jewelry Making Resources | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

Astrological and Zodiac Jewelry

Astrological and zodiac jewelry continues to play to people's need for self-expression. Read on to find some of the latest ways to design with this trend.

Jewelry Maker's Guide to Gift-Giving: 10 Things Every Gifter Should Know

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 History of Egyptian Perfume Bottles

Unearth the history of ancient Egypt's perfume bottle industry and learn a little about Egyptian culture along the way.

How to Strengthen Hands and Fingers

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?

Ornament

Bask in the rosy aura of this heavenly messenger. This little angel will add a touch of grace to your decorations, bringing a serene presence to any setting.

Design Idea PM2T

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Two-Piece Christmas Bracelet Set

Using large and small seed beads in the Cellini stitch creates a 3D effect. Katsue Huang's experiments with this technique produced festive Christmas tree and Santa hat motifs.

Design Idea PM3M

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Clay Clean-Up

Award-winning mixed media artist Lisa Pavelka shares her polymer clay tip for keeping your finished clay project clean free of surface contaminants and any pesky spots.

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Make Your Own Inlay Jewelry Easy as 1-2-3

Inlay jewelry is a beautiful way to display stones without the use of traditional setting techniques. Learn more about this exciting trend.

Tree of Life Jewelry

The tree of life is an ancient symbol that appears in numerous cultures the world over. Learn how to incorporate them into your designs for stylish results.

Tell Me a Story with Jewelry

One of the strongest elements of jewelry sales is story. Learn how to incorporate story elements into your jewelry brand with this article.

Display Dilemmas

Learn easy solutions to common display dilemmas when selling your jewelry.

How To Highlight Your Handmade Products

Shows are for showing off. Set your products up for sales success to avoid being lost in the crowd with these tried-and-true practices.

Elephant Jewelry Meaning and Symbolism

Discover how to add lovable pachyderm motifs in jewelry for designs that are hard to forget. Explore this article to learn more.

Can Your Craft Business Support a Family?

Tired of your day job? It might be time to start exploring the idea of full-time self-employment through your home craft business. Consider these factors before making the leap.

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.

So You Want to Make Beaded Jewelry

Here's everything you need to know to make jewelry to sell, gift and wear. Discover the basic tools and supplies you'll need and find resources to get going.

The Importance of Booth Display

Selling designs at a craft fair or trade show can be stressful. This article discusses the best ways to use booth space to draw customers in and encourage sales.

How to Write Stunning Item Descriptions

Being a business owner comes with many hats--designer, PR specialistic, accountant, artist but also marketer. Giving products an artful and seductive description is a powerful tool.

The Halo Effect

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

Seed Bead Troubleshooting and Success Guide

Whether you are new to seed beading or a seasoned pro, here are some common difficulties or pitfalls and some tips for successful seed bead projects.

Core Trends

Explore these "core" aesthetics to discover what’s trending in jewelry. Discover links to trend articles showcasing design ideas, product suggestions and more.

Traveling with Jewelry

Here are some helpful tips for traveling with jewelry. Discover how to keep jewelry safe, secure and--most importantly--untangled!

The Meaning of Butterflies

Let your style take flight with butterfly jewelry. Butterflies make wonderful additions to designs and represent happiness, beauty and transformation.

All You Need to Know About Jewelry Cleaners and Polishers

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.

Saltwater Copper Etching

Etching copper with saltwater might sound like a magic trick, but it's actually simple science! Learn how to etch jewelry pieces with this video.

A Jewelry-Maker's Advent Calendar

Have some fun! Turn an advent calendar into a jewelry-making challenge by creating one piece a day until Christmas.

Halloween Jewelry

Say hello to spooky season with hauntingly fun jewelry! Find ideas, inspiration and materials for Halloween jewelry in this article.

What is Dichroic Glass?

Explore the fascinating history of dichroic glass and learn ways to incorporate this iridescent wonder into your jewelry designs.

Selling Your Jewelry: Price-Per-Wear Concept

This article explores the intriguing concept of price-per-wear and demonstrates how it can inspire your customers to invest in more luxurious jewelry pieces.

Mermaid Magic

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.

Get Pinned: Safety Pin Jewelry

Read on to discover the origins of safety pin fashion and the newest ways to incorporate it into your jewelry.

The Dream Catcher

The dream catcher is one of the most widespread symbols of generalized Native American culture. Discover the history and symbolism of this intricately woven talisman.

Pearlcore - Pearls Refreshed

Discover the enchanting allure of Pearlcore: where nostalgia meets modernity in a luminous dance of timeless elegance.

Work Hardening Metal

Jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman explores work hardening metal in this informative article. Learn how to make gold, sterling silver, sterling silver-filled, copper, brass, bronze and nickel metal rigid or malleable to suit your design needs.

The Enduring Popularity of Gemstone Jewelry

Gemstone jewelry has captivated the hearts of fashion enthusiasts and jewelry lovers for centuries. Discover why gemstone designs are an excellent choice for designers aiming to create and sell jewelry.

Metal of the Moment--Brass

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.

Holiday Jewelry and Craft Traditions

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

Beaded Purse Straps

Ready to take on a different kind of beading project and make a fashion statement? Embellished purse handles are glitzy and fun for evening wear. Here are some ideas to get you started.

A Complete Guide to Turquoise

Learn what turquoise is, types of turquoise gems, typical gemological enhancements and buying tips for this popular blue-green gemstone.

Stockpiling Stock

Explore strategies for selling discontinued products, emphasize the importance of conscious decision-making and get tips such as slashing prices, conducting flash sales and more!

Wrap Up Holiday Sales with Style

Holiday packaging is an essential but often overlooked part of the jewelry gift experience. Make sure your products look their best in customer-convenient gift wrap.

The Anklet - A Bracelet for the Legs

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

Are you a Hobbyist or in Business?

Thriving in any artistic endeavor can be challenging, and the complexity intensifies when the IRS scrutinizes your motivations. This article will guide you through.

Chakras and Their Gemstones

Western understandings of chakras involve associating specific chakras to physical points in the body. Learn what each chakra represents and what gemstones are associated with them.

The Greek Alphabet

Adding Greek letters to your personalized jewelry designs doesn't have to be a Herculean effort. With this handy chart, it's as easy as A-B-Γ.

How to Use Lacy's Stiff Stuff™

Lacy's Stiff Stuff™ is a favorite base for bead embroidery, especially seed beads. Here are some helpful tips and tricks to making the most of this material.

How to Embellish Flip-Flops and Sandals with Jewelry

Explore how to add a little pep to your step with embellished flip-flops, slides and sandals.

5 Simple Tricks for Photographing Jewelry

This article delves into the nuances of achieving stunning photos of small, intricate subjects, such as jewelry, with minimal equipment.

Scalemaille Jewelry

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

Wubbers® Pliers

Patti Bullard has invented a better set of tools, and jewelry makers are beating a path to buy her line of Wubbers pliers.

Earrings

Create elegant fall earrings with Celestial Crystal® beads for a subtle charm and feminine allure for any outfit.

Design Idea PD33

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Everything You Need to Know About Jewelry-Making Cutters

What type of cutters are for which types of jewelry-making techniques? Nip over to this article to learn more about these essential tools of the trade.

Make Your Own Wind Chimes with Jewelry Supplies

Why make wind chimes with jewelry-making materials? Well, why not? Wind chimes provide a melodious tune and can be aesthetically pleasing--plus they make great gifts!

Nailing the Nail Art Trend

Nail art is more popular than ever. Create amazing nail art using Crystal Passions® crystal flat back stones, rhinestones, seed beads and more.

Earrings

Decorate your lobes and your upper ears in style with these trendy small hoop earrings. The connecting chain adds a playful touch and creates fun movement.

Design Idea QC2J

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Bracelet

Capture the glistening hues of winter in this holiday-themed bracelet. A blend of silver-plated pewter beads and crystal rhinestones makes this an irresistible treat.

Design Idea FD01

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How to Sell Your Handmade Jewelry on Facebook

Facebook is one of the largest players in the social marketing world, and on the internet as a whole. Read on to learn how to use this platform to the advantage of your business.

Aromatherapy Jewelry

Learn how to incorporate the soothing aroma of essential oils into your jewelry designs.

Crochet with Wire

Does wire crochet intrigue you? In this article, jewelry-making expert Sandra Lupo shares her knowledge of wire crochet and her formula for starting a successful jewelry design.

The Beadmakers' Handbook

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!

All About Rhinestones

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

Take it Off: All About Jewelry Storage

When you take off jewelry, what should you do with it? Here are tips for jewelry storage that keep design inventory and personal pieces looking their best.

The Psychology of Color and Jewelry Design

Delve into the psychology of color and learn how it can play an important role in jewelry design.

Beading Needles: A Comprehensive Guide for Every Project

What needles are best for what types of beading projects? If this question has you in stitches, never fear! Our handy guide is here to give you some sharp advice and tips to keep your beadwork on point.

Bracelet and Earring Set

This striking, sophisticated bracelet and earring set showcases floral-embossed brass with a petite floral pattern. The addition of lustrous seed beads in midnight hues of blue and amethyst brings a rich and alluring touch to this dramatic ensemble.

Design Idea PH27

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The Benefits of Stainless Steel for Jewelry Design

Explore the benefits and properties of this sturdy and stylish metal.

Earrings

Adorn your ears with the exquisite beauty of these delicate dangle earrings, featuring multi-gemstone beads and delicate gold-plated accents for a touch of elegance and sophistication.

Design Idea PD34

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Selecting the Right Bead Reamer

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

How to Sell Your Handmade Jewelry Online

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.

Southwest Native American Jewelry After the 19th Century

Each native tribe of the Southwestern United States has their own distinctive jewelry style. Here are four of the most prevalent from the 19th century onwards.

Earrings

The Preciosa Czech crystal beads in these earrings sparkle in candlelight, beautifully capturing the essence of Hanukkah's celebration of light.

Design Idea PJ2Y

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All About Clasps: A Clasp Style Guide and Easy Reference Chart

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

Skirt

Golden steeds gallop for beautiful rhinestone embellishments in this dress with an elegant Western feeling.

Design Idea PG2S

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Skirt

This skirt pops with abstract flowers, forming beautiful swirls around eye-catching bursts of twinkling rhinestones.

Design Idea PG2R

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1962 Beaded Cadillac

Why, might you ask, would anyone want to bead a Cadillac in the first place? Well, a Cadillac is an American car with a large surface, so there is a lot of room for beads!

Single-Strand Necklace and Earring Set

Experience the versatility of polymer clay with this knitted texture plait project. Easily make it your own by changing the pendant shape.

Design Idea G60F

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Cuff Bracelet and Earring Set

Discover the world of designing with Premo! Sculpey® Polymer Clay. Create simple accessories like this cuff bracelet and earring set.

Design Idea L54K

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Single-Strand Necklace and Earring Set

Diversify accessories with Premo! Sculpey® Polymer Clay. Create intrinsic patterns, designs and styles with an abundance of colors.

Design Idea L54J

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12 and 12 More: Alternate Choices for Birthstones

Explore the history of birthstones and find popular alternatives with the help of this article.

Turquoise: Then and Now

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

All About Jewelry Cord

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

Gemstone Grading

Our buyers are experts in the field with years of accumulated training and maintain ongoing training of industry standards and availability of gemstone materials. This article is offered to create an understanding of the intricacies of gemstone...

Know Your Beading Thread

Which thread is suited to seed beading? What's best for pearls? Learn about jewelry-making thread from Beadalon® WildFire™ to TOHO BEADS® One-G™ and more.

All About Crimps

Crimps are the powerhouse finding that secures one or more strands of beading wire. Learn more about crimps and how to use them in this article.

A Guide to Jewelry-Making Hand Tools

In jewelry making, it's important to have the right tools. Check out this guide to learn the right tool for every job, ensuring a professional finish each time.

Selling Precious Metal Jewelry in Accordance with U.S Law

Being transparent by adhering to U.S. laws and regulations when selling precious metal jewelry informs customers and creates trust. This article emphasizes the significance of accurate hallmarks and quality marks to guarantee purity and fineness, and highlights the distinctions between terms like "plated," "finished," and "electroplated" according to legal standards.

An Ocean of Style

Dive into ocean-themed jewelry trends featuring mermaids, sea-life motifs and breezy coastal styles.

Versatile Wood Jewelry

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

Single-Strand Necklace and Earring Set

Grab the brass ring with this carnelian drop necklace and earrings set. Wirewrapped ParaWire™ creates the look of cones for an upscale, boho finish.

Design Idea QC29

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Blushing Beauty

Popular fashion is leaning toward blush hues for clothing, handbags and jewelry. Find design ideas and more in this article.

A Guide to Metals

What does your choice of metal say about you? This article explores the meaning of different metals in jewelry designs to help you learn what your jewelry is saying.

Single-Strand Necklace and Earring Set

This contemporary necklace and earring set combines the classic charm of roses and crystals with a modern twist of turquoise and black.

Design Idea QC2C

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Bib-Style Necklace

On adventures near and far, strut your stuff in this memorable pachyderm necklace packed with bold orange detailing.

Design Idea J73E

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Crystal (Glass)

A material made by adding lead oxide to molten glass. Crystal glass has high density and refraction, creating brilliant sparkle. Also leaded crystal or glass.

Acrylic Resin

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

Asymmetrical Earrings

Matching doesn't have to mean each piece in the set is the same. Read this article and learn how to create a bold and fashion-forward look by harnessing the power of asymmetry.

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