Jewelry Making Resources | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

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

Learn all about industry standards of gemstone grading—color, clarity, cut and more—including a chart that explains the difference between each grade.

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.

Crow Bead

A bead cut from a tube of glass or plastic, then tumbled and polished to smooth the edges. Used on cornrow braids, fringe and in Native American styles.

Carat

The unit of weight used for precious stones. One carat equals one-fifth of a gram. Also a measurement of fitness in gold. Pure gold is expressed as 24Kt.The term ''carat'' dates back to the traders of the ancient world.

Crimp Tube

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.

Crimping Pliers

Pliers with a grooved opening for folding, rolling and smoothing crimp beads and tubes. Crimping pliers create a smooth, rounded or curved crimp.

Crimp Clasp

Has structural crimps for attaching to the end of beading wire or cord with Crimping Pliers. Can include Hook-and-Eye, Lobster Claw and Magnetic Clasp styles.

Crimp Bead

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.

Crimp

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.

Cord Coil

(see also Coil End) A wire coil bead with an end loop.

Cord

A thin, flexible length of twisted fibers.

Curb Chain

A form of chain with oval links that have been twisted, so that the entire chain lays flat.

Ice-Pick Bail

Similar to a prong bail, it will create a loop to attach a chain to when the prongs are closed into a cross-drilled pendant.

Cane Glass

Beads resembling old-fashioned candy sticks. Small canes of colored glass are fused together to create a larger rod, then coated with clear glass and fired.

Cone

Necklace terminator or beading finding used to bring multiple strands together at one point to attach a clasp or be part of the design.

Grow Your Own Jewelry Business

This article guides aspiring jewelry business owners through the process of growing their venture, from crafting a mission statement and business plan to marketing strategies, sales venues, customer service and more.

Component

A smaller, self-contained part used in jewelry-making and beading.

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