Jewelry Making Resources | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

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.

Design Idea HC0K

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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.

Design Idea 7448

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Video Length 4:52

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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!

Design Idea J414

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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.

Design Idea J417

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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.

Design Idea J418

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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.

Video Length 3:17

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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!

Video Length 1:42

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Bead Soup Mosaic

Mixed media artist extraordinaire Lisa Pavelka shows you how easy and fun it is to create a mosaic by placing beads in Apoxie® Sculpt, the jewelry clay that is also an adhesive.

Video Length 16:43

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How to Create a Japanese 6-in-1 Chainmaille Weave

For a less-than-linear look similar to the 4-in-1 Japanese chainmaille weave, design using this easy 6-in-1 method.

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Single-Strand Necklace and Earring Set

Prometheus® fine silver clay allows you to create one-of-a-kind pieces of art. This beautiful silver feather pendant pairs perfectly with turquoise beads

Design Idea L10Y

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Single-Strand Necklace and Earring Set

This holly-day-inspired necklace and earring set in glistening crystal is sure to add the Christmas spirit to any outfit this season.

Design Idea KA2G

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Single-Strand Necklace

This lush design by polymer clay guru Christi Friesen is as pretty as a peacock. Follow along with her instructions to explore the possibilities of Kato Polyclay and create your own Peacock Pizzazz!

Design Idea 940J

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Single-Strand Necklace and Earring Set

An eclectic mix of shapes and colors, this necklace and earring set is perfect for welcoming spring with a dash of drama.

Design Idea H926

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Christmas Wind Chime

Ring in the season with a cheerful wind chime. Skillfully shaped ParaWire™ forms a warm Christmas greeting, accented with Asfour crystal and festive colored beads.

Design Idea PP22

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Single-Strand Necklace and Earring Set

Go green (and gold) with this elegant Y-necklace that’s right on the money. Created by world-renowned designer Gulten Dye, this glass bead and crystal pearl creation includes full step-by-step instructions.

Design Idea C16S

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Mounting

A jewelry setting designed for the placement of faceted gemstones or cabochons.

Filigree

Lace-like ornamental work of fine gold or silver wire.

Chain

A series of connected links, typically made of metal.

Applying a Counter Enamel and Top Coat of Glass Enamels

Learn how to apply counter enamel and a topcoat to metal for a smooth, durable finish that prevents warping and enhances your enameled jewelry designs.

Design Idea D91W

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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.

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