Jewelry Making Resources | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

Creating a Net with Square Knots

Creating a macramé net with square knots is easier than you think, especially when following along with this how-to video led by jewelry designer Jude.

Video Length 10:36

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How to Make a Spiral Kumihimo Braid

These simple, easy-to-understand instructions show how to make a spiral kumihimo braid. Illustrations with each step make this technique a piece of cake.

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Disc Cutter Set User Guide

Learn how to create clean, consistent cuts in soft metals with a quality 12-piece disc cutter set. View this guide for tips and instructions on using this tool.

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Bezel Setting Stones the Easy Way

Learn how to easily set stones into pre-made bezel cup settings for your jewelry designs.

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Single-Strand Necklace

Put a twist on the standard brick stitch weave to create a woven twisted ribbon then transform the ribbon into a lariat, finished with a pearl accent.

Design Idea 8934

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Designing with Wire Coils

Wire coils created with tools, gadgets and forming devices have limitless possibilities in jewelry making.

Design Idea A55Y

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Using a Ring Guard

Learn how to use ring guards to tighten loose rings without resizing in this handy tutorial.

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How to Use Hot Tips®, Designer Bead Tips

Conceal knots and complete strung jewelry designs with artistic flair using Hot Tips® designer bead tips. Hot Tips might look complicated, but they're super easy to use—this instructional guide shows how.

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The Braided Look: 3-strand Bracelet

Braiding multiple strands of small beads gives body to the design and creates visually captivating textures. These easy-to-follow instructions for three-strand braids will get you started.

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Using Omni-Gel™ Photo Transfer Liquid

Learn how to use Omni-Gel™ to create custom photo transfers.

Design Idea 63EN

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Pavé-Style Setting Using the Tweezer Vac™

The compact, vacuum tool allows for precision placement. It works great for placing chatons, flat backs and small stones and when creating pavé-style jewelry.

Video Length 1:17

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Maltese Cross

A cross with four broad arms of equal length, with tips that look like inward pointing arrowheads.

Millefiori

Created by fusion of several glass rods arranged so that the cross-section creates a flower or pattern with a mosaic-like appearance.

Mala

A set of beads used by Hindus and Buddhists for prayer and meditation, similar to a Catholic rosary. Mala sets are usually made of a loop of 108 beads.

Mohs Hardness Scale

A scale ranging from one to ten, which rates the hardness of a gemstone or mineral in comparison with other minerals and gemstones.

Magnetic Clasp

A two-piece clasp with one or more magnets. The magnets hold the pieces of the clasp together. Can include Bead, Crimp, Hook-and-Eye and Snap Lock Clasp styles.

Thread Heaven®

Unravel the secrets of Thread Heaven® and uncover how it can streamline your jewelry-making endeavors.

Omega Chain

A type of neckwire where bands or links of metal are assembled on a wire or woven mesh for structure, for a flexible design. Also called Omega Necklace.

Thread

A length of fine string composed of several fibers twisted or spun into a single strand. Thread can be made of natural or manmade fibers.

Micron

A unit of length equivalent to 0.001mm, used for measuring the thickness of electroplating.

Tigertail™

A braided stainless steel cable-style wire used for jewelry-making, with a nylon coating against corrosion, and stiff enough to be strung without a needle.

Macramé

A method of cord knotting that creates a rough, lace-like band. Commonly used in jewelry and décor, macramé popularly uses cotton, hemp, silk and leather cords.

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.

Embossing

The process of raising a domed design on the front of a piece of metal by beating it from behind with punches and a hammer.

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