Jewelry Making Resources | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

Eyeglass Holder

Secure your eyeglasses in style with this eyeglass holder, featuring exquisite gemstone beads and sparkling Crystal Passions® flat backs, elegantly accented by metallic beads.

Design Idea L103

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Eyeglass Holder

Secure your spectacles with practical, fashionable eye glass holders.

Design Idea L20X

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Life in Color: How to Use Oh! Ring™ Components

Oh how we love the flamboyant bright neon colors of soft and pliable rubber Oh! Rings™. Twisty little circles are so versatile and you can even add to jump rings for chainmaille.

Stacked Bracelets

Stacked bracelets continue to rise in popularity. Read on to learn how to create and style this versatile look.

2022 Jewelry-Making Contest Winners and Finalists

Explore the spectacular winners of the 2022 Jewelry-Making Contest, such as Deb Benninger's masterpiece meant to resemble "a swarm of butterflies...".

Ornament

Transform your holiday décor with a touch of wild elegance as you adorn your space with a meticulously handcrafted spider ornament, an exquisite nod to the tradition of the Christmas spider.

Design Idea PB2W

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Enamels in Jewelry-Making

Author and jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman provides you with plenty of tips and tricks for using enameling in your own jewelry-making processes.

2023 Jewelry-Making Contest Winners and Finalists

Explore the winners of the 2023 Jewelry-Making Contest, such as Karen Carmichael's masterpiece inspired by Horsetail Falls in Yosemite National Park.

How to Make Survival Paracord Watchbands and Bracelets

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

The Differences Between Soft and Hard Soldering

Tammy Honaman shows you the tools and techniques needed for soft and hard soldering.

Torch-Fired Enameling for Jewelry

The benefits of torch-firing enamel can be incredible for your designs as you don't need to rely on a bulky kiln. The end result is beautiful enameled beads and metal just for you.

One, Two, THREE! Using Three in Jewelry Design

Explore the impact the number three can have on your jewelry designs.

Single-Strand Necklace

Celebrate the spirit of the Southwest with this necklace adorned with mother-of-pearl najas. Pops of color from Czech dipped décor glass beads and a dash of seed bead work give the design a Native American-inspired flair.

Design Idea QC2H

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Single-Strand Necklace and Earrings Set

Embrace a spectrum of lush green hues with this stunning necklace and earring set featuring Crystal Passions® crystals. Perfect for celebrating the beauty of spring or donning a touch of green for any festive occasion.

Design Idea QC2B

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Single-Strand Necklace and Earrings Set

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.

Design Idea QC28

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Single-Strand Necklace and Earrings Set

Indulge in the spirit of the vineyard with this captivating necklace and earring set. Czech pressed glass grapes in a rich purple hue beautifully complement a polymer clay wine bottle, creating a design that Bacchus himself would admire.

Design Idea QC22

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Single-Strand Necklace and Earrings Set

Feast your eyes on the enchanting elegance of this jewelry set. Crafted with eye-catching glass drops and gleaming ParaWire™ in two classic metallic colors, the intricate wirework creates a fairytale vibe fit for a princess.

Design Idea QC24

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Single-Strand Necklace

This enchanting little star delights with its radiant gold-finished brass and sparkling cubic zirconia embellishments. The faceted ball chain adds a celestial touch, providing an ideal complement to the star's sweet charm.

Design Idea QD34

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Earrings

Playful silver clouds burst into a cascade of rainbow-hued droplets crafted from Preciosa Pip™ Czech pressed glass, creating a whimsical and stylish pair of earrings.

Design Idea QD32

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Single-Strand Necklace

A delicate floral lei forms the essence of this radiant necklace, adorned with Crystal Passions® light rose and tanzanite crystals. Cascading gracefully, the necklace evokes the enchanting beauty of a blossoming garden.

Design Idea QC2F

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Single-Strand Necklace

Amplify your style with this meticulously crafted gold-finished filigree necklace, showcasing a captivating Crystal Passions® crystal faceted column pendant and a cubic zirconia-embellished bail crafted from clear gold-finished brass. It's complete with a loop for added versatility, adding a sophisticated flair to any outfit.

Design Idea PH2D

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Jewelry-Making Wire: Non-Precious Metal, Colored and Steel Wires

Learn about different types of non-precious jewelry-making wire—copper, niobium, aluminum, memory wire and more—and how to use each metal.

Bracelet and Earring Set

Turquoise, copper and sterling silver unite in this stylish wire-wrapped bracelet and earring set, blending beautifully for a stunning trio of colors.

Design Idea PG3A

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Bracelet

Indulge in chic sophistication with our bracelet component. Oval links weave through textured rectangles, adorned with Crystal Passions® beads in vibrant hues: light Siam, topaz, jonquil, erinite, light turquoise, Capri blue, and amethyst, exudes timeless elegance.

Design Idea QD2M

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Single-Strand Necklace

Refine your look with our sterling silver triple rope necklace chain, adorned with a captivating Celtic-designed naja and hand-cut mystic topaz beads for a touch of elegance.

Design Idea QD2Q

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Earrings

Capture the elusive interplay of sunlight and shadow with these mesmerizing earrings. The elongated rectangles, embellished with delicate pearls and green apatite beads, will shimmer with a captivating and evocative glow.

Design Idea PB2X

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Bracelet

Giddy-up! This stylish bracelet for the cowgirl features turquoise blue faux suede lace, an easy-open magnetic barrel clasp and a miniature version of a snaffle bit as a centerpiece.

Design Idea QD2W

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Hat Pin

Transform your look with this stunning hat pin, meticulously crafted from Dione® crystal and gold-plated bead, bellflower cone by TierraCast®, with captivating accents.

Design Idea QD2X

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Triple-Strand Bracelet

Here we go a-tasseling among the beads and bling! The classic blend of golden lava with crystal blues is grand during the holiday season and wears beautifully into the following year, too.

Design Idea PH2W

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Earrings

Seed beading has its fringe benefits—these earrings are just one example. Featuring Delica and Miyuki Rocaille beads, this design showcases six different colors in swinging style.

Design Idea PH2X

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Ornament

Create your personalized rendition of this minimalist angel by incorporating Czech fire-polished glass beads, colored wire and your preferred selection of seed and bugle beads. The possibilities are endless!

Design Idea D1A4

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Cold Connections

Using cold connections can really change how your jewelry comes together. Find out what metalsmithing master Tammy Honaman says are some of the best tools for cold connecting metal.

The Beauty of Rose Gold

Where does your creativity take you when selecting a metal color for your jewelry designs? If you're looking for something new, look no further than rose gold.

Know Your Beading Wire

Learn to select the perfect beading wire to satisfy your needs. Key factors to consider are flexibility, resistance to kinking, strength and color.

Stringing and Jewelry-Making Fundamentals

Bead stringing is the backbone of many designs; the rest can be done with a few jewelry-making fundamentals. Learn the fundamentals you need to create your own jewelry lines.

Antiqued Jewelry Appeal

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

'Round and 'Round We Go: Lariat Necklaces and Wrap Chokers

Keep your style under wraps—wrap chokers and lariats, that is. Learn how to accessorize with these versatile necklaces in this article.

A Better Bottom Line with Promotional-Quality Gemstone Beads

Promo beads can make your wallet and your customers happy. Read on to discover how these gemstone beads can enhance your jewelry designs as well.

Three-Piece Necklace and Earring Set

Experience versatility and elegance with this exclusive 3-piece necklace and earring set, featuring three distinct chain designs in silver-plated brass—a classic figaro, long and short oval, and figure 8 bead adorned with Crystal Passions® beads in light topaz, peridot, Capri blue, Siam, and emerald, accented by an imitation nickel-plated brass double-sided puffed heart charm for an exquisite touch of style.

Design Idea QD2A

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Bracelet

Revitalize your look with our beautifully crafted Hemptique® light blue polished hemp crochet bracelet, accentuated by alluring sea "opal" glass beads, showcasing a captivating translucent to semitranslucent radiance.

Design Idea QB29

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NO Rules for Making and Wearing Jewelry

Rules, schmules! This fun and informative article takes five outdated jewelry and fashion guidelines and turns them on their heads.

Barrette

Infuse your style with subtle sophistication using this barrette crafted from imitation rhodium-finished steel. It features a brown, flat leather cord with a unique heartbeat pattern design and is accented with nickel-plated brass eyelets, exuding elegance with every wear.

Design Idea PH2E

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Pricing Your Jewelry Designs

Figuring out a pricing structure is difficult, but vital to your business. This article provides the information you need to ensure you’re not selling yourself short.

Rogue Winterfest

Discover how Fire Mountain Gems supports three local mental health organizations through their involvement in Rogue Winterfest.

Something Other: Non-Traditional Uses for Jewelry Findings

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

Americana Accessories

Showing patriotic pride isn't just for Memorial Day or the 4th of July. Tribute the red, white and blue any day by wearing jewelry inspired by Old Glory.

Single-Strand Necklace and Earrings Set

This silver-strung lariat-style necklace and earring set features striking tigereye accents for style that reflects both simplicity and elegance.

Design Idea QB28

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Single-Strand Necklace

Complete your style with our exquisite delicate necklace, featuring a gold-finished filigree chain embellished with stunning Crystal Passions® beads in rose, crystal clear, and Capri blue, complemented by a touch of gold-finished detailing for a truly refined look.

Design Idea QD2K

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Single-Strand Necklace

Indulge in elegance with this 14Kt gold-filled triple rope necklace, showcasing a single dyed cultured freshwater semi-round Pearl adorned with a silver peacock hue. It's complemented by a captivating Crystal Passions® amethyst shimmer faceted rondelle, beautifully accented with gold details for a touch of luxury.

Design Idea QD2P

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Single-Strand Necklace and Earrings Set

Embrace the enchanting allure of the sea with this beach wedding necklace and earring set. Featuring an opalite glass donut focal, rhinestone cupchain for added bling and pressed glass seashell beads, it's the perfect accessory to celebrate your special day by the shore.

Design Idea QB23

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Ask the Experts Wire-Wrapping Q&A

Q: Which precious metal wire forms the best, and does it hold its shape?

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Ask the Experts Cord Coils Q&A

Q: How do you secure cord coils to rubber cord? The fit is pretty tight, but is there some way to secure it further? Thanks.

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Earrings

The royal hues of amethyst combine with the sparkles of tiny marcasite stones set in large sterling silver beads. This vintage style, so popular in the 1920s, is back on-trend for another decade of 2020's.

Design Idea L22J

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Earrings

Gracefully dangle in style with these exquisite earrings featuring pressed glass beads in opaque light bronze and translucent clear moons, suspended elegantly on delicate chains.

Design Idea PF2Z

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Single-Strand Necklace

Revitalize your look with this stunning sterling silver drop necklace, adorned with radiant cubic zirconia in August's Peridot, December's Blue Topaz, and February's Amethyst. The elegant pendants hang delicately from a sterling silver chain, complemented by refined sterling silver accents and a secure jump ring for a touch of sophistication.

Design Idea QD2N

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Earrings

Indulge in timeless elegance with these antiqued sterling silver earrings that showcase delicate baby shoe charms, lustrous Pearls, and Crystal Passions® Rosaline beads, complemented by the shimmering Crystal Passions® Crystal AB rondelles for a touch of exquisite sophistication.

Design Idea QD2C

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Earrings

Refresh your look with these elegant drop earrings featuring hand-cut dyed garnet, natural amethyst, and peridot beads, accented with sterling silver for a touch of sophistication.

Design Idea QD2F

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Single-Strand Necklace and Earrings Set

Discover how to create this stunning ocean-hued crystal pearl necklace and earring set with these easy-to-follow instructions.

Design Idea QC2D

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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

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The Power of Color in Jewelry: What Color Messages are You Sending?

Learn how color can be a valuable tool in your jewelry-making endeavors.

Earrings

Cascade earrings are an ongoing trend that stays fresh, with new colors, lengths, materials and styles. Enjoy the bright colors and signature sparkle of Crystal Passions® bicone beads in this pair.

Design Idea QD2B

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Memory Wire Bracelet

This elegant bracelet shines with gold- and silver-plated beads, elevated by the luxe touch of French twist wire.

Design Idea AA0D

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Single-Strand Necklace

Add a touch of grace and elegance with this exquisite gold-plated brass necklace and earring set. The set features delicate dragonfly charms and a stunning alphabet letter 'A' charm, suspended from a chain crafted in gold-finished brass with faceted ball and crimped rondelle accents, imparting a sophisticated allure to your ensemble.

Design Idea QD2J

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Single-Strand Necklace and Earrings Set

Beautifully dyed selenite gemstone beads evoke blue skies in this romantic necklace and earring set that reminds us of summer days spent together.

Design Idea QB22

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Single-Strand Necklace

This pendant-and-charm combination playfully conjures images of toadstool circles and fey creatures deep in a magical wood.

Design Idea QA29

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Gulten Dye

Gulten has been honored to work with celebrity clients and her jewelry designs have been featured on television and in magazines. Her dazzling jewelry set featuring clever combinations of crystal graces the cover of the Fire Mountain Gems and Beads...

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Earrings

Preciosa Czech crystals in red, green and iridescent clear add seasonal splendor to these swinging drop earrings.

Design Idea PH2C

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Gemstones in the Raw: Embracing the Unrefined Beauty of Rough Gemstones

Unearth the unrefined beauty of raw-cut and rough gemstones and explore their design potential in this article.

Stretch Bracelet

Stretch your fashion sense with a moukaite jasper stretch bracelet that’s sure to be a bestseller.

Design Idea PF2Q

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Beading as Meditation

In this article author, designer and instructor Kristal Wick shares her experience of using beading as a form of meditation, emphasizing its calming and transformative effects on her daily life, and providing practical tips for incorporating this beading meditation into a busy schedule.

Look! Beaded Eyeglass Holders

Eyeglass holders can be both fun and functional. Add some beads and they can become a fashion statement. Read this article for ideas on beaded eyeglass holders.

Ask the Experts Copper Q&A

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?

Read the Answer

10 Handcrafted Holiday Party Gifts

Hosting a party (or three) this holiday season? Give your guests a handmade gift to make the occasion even more festive and heartfelt.

History of Filigree

Filigree has been part of the jewelry making tradition for almost 4000 years! From the Egyptians to the Persians, through the Renaissance and Art Nouveaue eras, it's got quite the history.

Hypoallergenic Jewelry

Discover how to choose and create hypoallergenic jewelry with skin-safe materials and tips designed to help you avoid irritation while expressing your personal style.

Intro to Leather

Have you never worked with leather before? It can be tough (heh) sometimes but don’t worry, Tammy Honaman is here to guide you like only a jewelry-making expert can.

Natural Beauty

Organic materials come from living things. Knowing their origins and cultivation techniques will allow you to confidently assure your customers that you've considered every detail of your design.

Single-Strand Necklace

Want a quick and stylish necklace? It's as simple as adding a charm to a finished chain. Just use a jump ring or bail to attach your favorite focal point, and voilà – your necklace is ready in no time!

Design Idea PG2V

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Organic Jewelry: Wood and Nut Beads

Current organic jewelry is showing vast influences in fashion trends. Read on to learn why wood and nut beads could be the next big thing.

Opal: Benefits of Synthetic and Manmade Stones

Opal is an uncommon gemstone with an uncommon beauty and fragility, leading it to be recreated in the lab as a stronger composite that withstands more stress.

How to Use a Bead Board

Make your designing life easier with bead boards. Learn the bead board types and how these tools are advantageous to the beginner as well as the high-producing professional.

Make Your Own Beads and Components

Every jewelry artist knows the bliss of taking designs from imagination to creation. Learn about the different products that allow you to create pieces of art.

Fun with French Wire

Looking for a versatile wire that can be used as a junction, spacer or even an abrasion shield in jewelry designs? French wire might be your solution!

Special Effects in Jewelry-Making Materials

The fire of the diamond, the play of colors in an opal, the shimmering asterisk in a star sapphire--these optical effects make gemstone materials even more beautiful. Read this article to learn about these fascinating effects.

Spacecore Jewelry

You'll love the celestial jewelry trend to the moon and back!

Craft Fair Preparation: Ready, Set, Sell!

A craft fair or craft show is a great venue to display your talents, meet customers and make money! Craft fairs are temporary settings to test the waters where you can reach your target audience. It's certainly less of a commitment than acquiring a permanent retail space and then deciding that venue isn't for you. Shows, fairs and bazaars are a wonderful place to interact with customers and other artists.

Learn the Flat Spiral Rope Seed Bead Stitch

Embark on your creative journey with seed beads today by mastering the fundamentals of the flat spiral rope seed bead stitch. Follow along with Rose in this step-by-step video tutorial.

Video Length 13:54

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The Unlocked Mysteries of Jade:

Delve into the rich history and cultural significance of jade, highlighting its revered status in Chinese culture, its exceptional toughness, and its various forms, including jadeite and nephrite, as well as its widespread use in jewelry and carvings, with an emphasis on the importance of color, translucency, and texture in determining jade quality.

Bone Carving for Jewelry Designs

An ancient art form, bone carving continues to influence artists today. Do you know where this time-honored tradition derives from and how it's done today? You will now.

Regency Era Jewelry

Learn about the hottest fashions from the Regency era and how to translate them into jewelry designs.

Single-Strand Necklace

This vintage-inspired necklace showcases Czech pearl-coated glass druk beads gracefully suspended from a glass and stainless steel chain, for a classic appeal.

Design Idea QD2H

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Single-Strand Necklace and Earrings Set

Shimmer and shine with Crystal Passions® fancy stones. Set them in specially calibrated findings for sleek lines and classic looks that everyone will love.

Design Idea PH32

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Earrings

Elegantly embrace the holiday spirit with beautiful earrings featuring Crystal Passions® majestic green rivolis and Siam beads framed in gold for a festive but classic look.

Design Idea PH38

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The Importance of Daylight Lamps

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.

Add to Jewelry Sales with ''The Lipstick Effect''

Make it easy for a shopper to say ''Yes!'' to your jewelry. Find out how to boost your jewelry sales using the psychological phenomenon of the "Lipstick Effect."

Sterling Silver-Filled Wire and Findings

Find the answers to your questions about sterling silver-filled wire and findings in this performance results test conducted by jewelry-making experts. Discover why this metal offer a tremendous value and amazing workability.

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