Learn about the discovery and properties of the incomparable, rare gemstone, Larimar.
Opal
This article explores the history, properties, and varieties of opal—including precious, fire, and common opals—highlighting their beauty, symbolism, and uses in jewelry design.
Tourmaline
Tourmaline holds a special place in the hearts of jewelry designers and gem enthusiasts for its incredible amount of colors. No wonder it was thought tourmaline traveled along a rainbow.
Quartz, Rose
Rose quartz came to be known as the stone of love and reconciliation from the Greek myth about Aphrodite and Adonis. See why else this gemstone is ideal for Valentine's Day jewelry.
Pearl, Cultured Freshwater
Ancient myths tell of pearls formed when oysters opened their shells, rose to the water's surface, then were seeded by the morning sunlight and drops of dew.
Lapis Lazuli
Lapis lazuli is one of the oldest opaque gemstones in history--more than 6,500 years old! Valued since antiquity, lapis lazuli is a highly sought-after stone in jewelry designs.
Diamond
Diamonds may be everything from a girl's best friend or coal that stuck to its job—either way it's a gemstone with a mystique all its own, a symbol of stability and dependability in an ever-changing world..
Garnet
Garnet gemstones were used for an amazing amount of purposes: gifts of passion, protection of travelers, proclamation of royalty and, of course, stunning gemstone creation.
Citrine
From the earliest of times, citrine was called the "sun stone" and the gemstone was thought capable of holding sunlight.
Aquamarine
Aquamarine, whose name originates from the Italian word for seawater, embodies the splendor of the sea and was even thought to help protect those at sea.
Onyx, Black
How onyx got its name involves an intriguing myth including Cupid and Venus. Black onyx is a neutral gemstone, making ideal to combine with different colored stones and all metal tones.
Sapphire
It's amazing how many cultures throughout history valued sapphire, but it stands to reason since this precious gem is absolutely stunning with its rich hues—which include more than blue.
Carnelian
Carnelian was the stone of courage to the Romans, for the Egyptians it assisted the dead in their afterlife journey and in the Middle Ages was used to release energy of other stones.
Single-Strand Necklace and Earring Set
Mother-of-pearl shell meets the dramatic flashes of Czech fire-polished glass for a striking necklace and earrings set that is just as at home on the seaside as the dance floor.
Bracelet
Bead your own Lush Embellished Bracelet using whatever beads strike your fancy. This detailed design by internationally recognized artist and author Sherry Serafini includes a video how-to with Sherry, plus full step-by-step written instructions.
How to Create a European 6-in-1 Chainmaille Weave
Learn to create one of the most common forms of chainmaille using these step-by-step instructions.
How to Create the Cubic Right Angle Weave
Here's an easy solution to learning the cubic right-angle weave. Simply follow this illustrative guide and start designing today.
How to Create the Russian Spiral Stitch
Learn a new seed bead technique! The Russian spiral stitch is yours to master with these instructions and enlarged images that help you see exactly what to do and where.
How to Create 3 Different St. Petersburg Stitches
Learn the double St. Petersburg stitch with jewelry designer Rose. How-to video includes written instructions for making this decorative stitch.
How to Create Tubular Brick Stitch
Follow along as Rose demonstrates how easy it is to create the tubular brick stitch. With just a few supplies, you can turn this stitch into necklaces, bracelets, clasps and more!
How to Create the Tubular Square Stitch
Find out with step-by-step instructions how to make your own version of this impressive looking stitch pattern.
How to Create the Square Stitch
The square stitch is an integral seed bead stitch to add to your jewelry-making technique repertoire. These instructions don't cut corners, making sure you can master the stitch.
Finishing Metal Clay Pieces
See how to hand finish your Art Clay® silver metal clay jewelry components in minutes with this quick step-by-step tutorial hosted by world-renowned mixed media artist Lisa Pavelka.
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!