Electroplating
Coating a metal surface by means of electrolysis. The amount of electroplate on an object is measured in microns (one micron = 0.001mm).
Learn
Explore Resources
Categories
Jewelry Medium (3564)
Bead Mosaics (28)
Resin & Mixed Media (160)
Polymer Clay (223)
Chainmaille (138)
Bead Stringing (1064)
Metalworking (259)
Seed Beading (610)
Wireworking (884)
Fiber & Textile (231)
Design Style (2773)
Western (198)
Vintage (54)
Men's (89)
Seasonal & Holiday (1312)
Minimalist (237)
Awareness & Causes (17)
Trends (116)
Boho (223)
Classic (91)
Wedding Jewelry & Décor (218)
Décor (140)
Statement (233)
Learn
Antique Finish
(see also Antiqued) A patina created on metal beads and components that alters the surface colors and gives the appearance of age.
How to Create a Half Persian 3-in-1 Chainmaille Weave
Looking for a new style of chainmaille to add to your jewelry-making repertoire? Learn to create a half Persian 3-in-1 weave with these instructions.
Antique
An item, regardless of quality, which was manufactured 100 or more years ago.
Lobster Claw Clasp
A self-closing clasp in the general shape of a lobster's claw. However, this spring-loaded clasp is available in a range of shapes, sizes and styles.
Intaglio
Decoration made by carving or engraving a design into a gem or other hard material. Intaglio is the opposite of cameo.
Annealing
Heating metal in order to activate, increase or change its strength, hardness, ductibility and other traits.
Enamel
Colored, opaque glassy material fused onto metal, pottery or glass.
Forming Wire Coils
Create wire coils with tools, gadgets and forming devices designed to make consistent coils for limitless jewelry-making. Have fun choosing from all the different wires to then make different coils.
Inlay
To set pieces of wood or ivory, for example, into a surface, usually at the same level, to form a design.
Anklet
A form of bracelet, usually chain, worn around the ankle. Anklets made of leather or fiber are increasingly popular.
Kevlar
A synthetic fiber used in bulletproof vests and adapted to jewelry-making for its high strength in relation to its thickness. Resilient to changes in heat.
Engraving
A pattern made by cutting away the surface of metal, wood or other surface.
Kidney Earwire
A type of earwire which loops through the ear and has a small hook on the bottom to latch the wire closed for added security.
Nuggets
Large, tumbled freeform pieces of gemstone or glass.
Jumpring
A piece of wire formed into a loop, usually round, and used to connect jewelry components. Jump rings are offered in round, oval, triangle, square and more.
Needle
A length of metal with a small hole on one end used to draw stringing material through beads and components, or used to draw thread through textiles.
End-Cutting Nippers
A pair of pliers with metal-cutting blades, ideal for cutting thicker posts, pegs or wires.
Jig
(usually Wire Jig or Wireworking Jig) A plate or frame with moveable pegs used for creating standardized and repeatable wire-based jewelry components.
End Cap
A finding which allows for a bead, component or stringing material to be inserted or otherwise attached inside it.
Nickel
A silver-white metal popular for plating because it is malleable and resists oxidation. The most common of metal allergies.
Adjustable Cord Necklaces, Bracelets and Anklets
Follow this handy tutorial to learn how to take a pair of cords and a focal and turn them into an eye-catching adjustable necklace!
Matte
A dull finish, particularly on metals.
Hexagon Bead
A hexagon bead is usually a flat bead, with a drill hole that runs from one of the six sides through the middle of the flat bead to the side directly opposite.
Armature
A framework around which a sculpture is built. Large clay pieces may use armatures to reduce firing time and to stretch more expensive materials.
How to Create a Pondo Stitch
Join Rose in this easy beading tutorial to learn the Pondo stitch—a versatile and uncomplicated technique perfect for designing popular seed bead bracelets, necklaces, and more. Discover the joy of creating stunning beadwork with this step-by-step Pondo stitch guide.
Hex-Cut Bead
Seed bead with six sides, giving it a hexagonal shape. Available from many manufacturers, in a variety of colors, sizes and finishes.
Matinee Length
A single-strand necklace ranging from 20 to 25 inches in length.
Mousetail
1.5mm satin cord.
Mosaic
An image or pattern created by using small colored pieces set in mortar.
Mandrel
A wood or metal form used to shape metal into a desired shape and size, or to size rings or wrist bangles.
Manchette Bracelet
A broad bracelet in the form of a cuff.
Memory Wire
A steel wire which holds (remembers) its preformed shape. Memory wire jewelry does not require a clasp, using wire tension to keep jewelry on.
Multi-Strand Clasp
A clasp which secures jewelry with two or more strands. Some styles are accented with gemstones, enamel or inlay work. Can be called by a myriad of names.
Gift Box
Unwrap a world of elegance and sophistication with an exquisite gift box adorned with decorated brass bookmark, and delicate ribbon.
Single-Strand Necklace and Earring Set
With a beautifully weathered green patina look, this project keeps guardian angels close at heart. For a special touch, place a photo inside the winged locket.
Gift Box
Unwrap the magic of Christmas, an enchanting gift box featuring Celestial Crystal® beads, a handcrafted Sculpey® PREMO Polymer Clay gingerbread man, and elegant Satinique™ Cord.
Christmas Gift Box
Unwrap the magic of the season with an exquisite Christmas gift box adorned with handcrafted Czech glass beads.
Single-Strand Necklace and Earring Set
Bring the luck in nature's grace with our single-strand necklace and earring set featuring exquisite magnesite, snow quartz, and mountain jade gemstone beads, accentuated by a delicate four-leaf clover charm.
Earrings
Christmas canes in green and red make for holly-jolly dangles in this simple and elegant earring pair.
Flat-Nose Pliers
A pair of pliers with smooth, flat jaws, used to bend wire, stabilize beads and components, flatten wire, create sharp corners in wireworking and more.
Bracelet
According to Baltic mythology, Austeja is the goddess of bees and stands as a symbol of friendship. Ezartesa's gold medal-winning bracelet keeps this benevolent queen close by.
Rosary Pliers
Pliers created by blending Round-Nose Pliers with Side-Cutting Pliers. Round-Nose Pliers create round loops and curves. Side-Cutting Pliers cut wire smoothly.
Rosary
A particular configuration of beads and components used in the Roman Catholic religious belief.
Resin
A solid or semi-solid organic (carbon based) material, either natural or synthetic. In general, non-soluble in water.
Iris
An iridescent color, coating or finish which creates a play of colors on its surface. Similar to AB finish, iris has a darker, shorter spectrum of color play.
Single-Strand Necklace
Lois Blake shares her love through beautiful metalworked copper with her Take My Heart necklace.
Aurora Borealis (AB)
Named for the northern lights, aurora borealis is a term for crystal stones that have a highly iridescent surface. Often abbreviated to AB.
Repousse
Patterns or decorations achieved with punches or chasing hammers.
Two-Piece Necklace Set
Combining three different seed bead stitches, Rangashrii Santhanam’s Maia Pendant creates a unique and breathtaking statement piece.
Rope necklace
Long, single-strand continuous necklace, 37 inches or longer.
Round-Nose Pliers
A pair of pliers with round jaws, used to create curves and loops in a range of diameters in headpins, eyepins and other metal wire.
Rondelle Bead
A flat or disc-shaped bead. Typically round, rondelles are also available in square or triangular shapes.
Collar-Style Necklace
With over 275 crystals, Laura Embrey’s De Profundis Ad Astra sparkles as beautifully as a clearnight sky.
Rivoli
A round crystal component which is faceted to a point on both sides.
Bib-Style Necklace
Duchess by Kathleen Devine combines shimmering Crystal Passions® rivolis with beautiful cream and blue pearls for a sophisticated, modern design.
Rhinestone
Originally quartz sourced along the Rhine. Today, it means colorless potash-and-lead glass that contains lead crystal quartz. Also called strass, diamante.
Rhodium
An expensive whitish-gray metallic element from the platinum family.
Earrings
Hand-carved amethyst gemstone drops steal the show in Hannah Crane’s Amethyst and Crystal Dangle Earrings
Organza Ribbon
Ribbon woven in a sheer fabric in a variety of colors.
Earrings
Inspired by the artwork of the Zapotec people of Southern Mexico, Lindsay Reavis’ Beaded Zapotec Rug Earrings convert a classic rug-weaving pattern into energetic tassel earrings.
Ribbon
A thin band of flexible material, usually fabric or leather, used for binding and tying. In jewelry-making, ribbon is used for stringing, embellishment and more.
Rocaille Bead
Rocaille seed beads are small, rounded beads perfect for adding texture and color to jewelry. With a variety of sizes and finishes, they’re ideal for creating everything from delicate necklaces to bold statement pieces.
Quench
A technique used in metalworking used to harden steel by immersing in air, oil, water or brine (salt water).
Lanyard
Personalized and playful, this lanyard features colorful acrylic letter beads strung for a fun, perfect for keys, badges, or everyday carry.
Octopus Sculpture
Did you know octopuses lack skeletal structure? That’s why "Octavio the Octopus" is such a wiggly fellow--don't let him slip away.
Horn
Bead and component material carved from the horns of animals like cattle and goats. Horn is a permanent growth on the head of an animal. Antler is shed yearly.
Hank
A grouping of multiple strands of beads tied together. Many forms of seed beads are sold this way, especially Czech seed beads.
Hematite
A gunmetal grey mineral form of iron oxide used in jewelry-making and décor objects. Sometimes magnetized. Believed to have metaphysical attributes.
Hemp Cord
A cord made from the fibers of the industrial hemp plant and commonly used in jewelry. It knots easily, making it ideal for knotting or macramé projects.
Choker Necklace and Earring Set
Elevate your style, this stunning choker necklace and earring set, meticulously handcrafted using Delica®seed beads in a mesmerizing geometric shape, accentuated by a graceful drop tassel and intricate peyote stitch details.
Hammering
Giving metal surface marks and textures by hammering.
Hemalyke™
A manmade material resembling natural hematite, at significantly lower cost. Sometimes magnetized or used as a base for a variety of finishes and coatings.
Single-Strand Necklace and Earring Set
Get ready for spring with this easy-to-make jewelry set bursting with the cheery greens and yellows of the first daffodils.
Half-Drilled Bead
A bead with a drill hole that only goes halfway through. Half-drilled beads are attached to various settings using a glue or other adhesive.
Hook-and-Eye Clasp
A clasp with a hook on one side and an open loop on the other. Can include Adjustable, Crimp, Hook-Style, Magnetic and Multi-Strand Clasp styles.
Headpin
A length of wire, usually straight, with one flattened or embellished end. The flattened end prevents beads from slipping off the end of the pin.
Peyote Stitch
An off-loom bead-weaving technique used by many cultures, in which beads are woven in a zigzag. Peyote stitch has both flat and tube-shaped variations.
Upeye
Finding that can be bonded to round bead or tumbled stone to add a loop and create a pendant.
Single-Strand Necklace and Earring Set
Like a cozy campfire on a summer night, these Celestial Crystal® fire briolettes bring a bright spark to this beautiful necklace and earring set.
Pavé Setting
The method of setting stones very close together so that very little metal shows between them.
Grip Length
The depth of the grip range of an ice-pick bail. The grip length measures the distance of a stringing hole from the edge of a drilled focal.
Granulation
Intricate patterns are created through granulation. Tiny ball shapes are fashioned into patterns, heat fused, then carefully antiqued and polished.
Patina
The coloration that occurs in certain metals when they are exposed at length to the atmosphere. Can be greenish or reddish depending on the type of metal.
Angel Pin
A beautiful Crystal Passions™ gem is the centerpiece of this beautiful Let There Be Light Angel pin by Anita M. Russell.
Prong Bail
A finding used to attach a chain to a cross-drilled pendant.
Gunmetal
Discover "gunmetal": its origins, the inspiration for its name, and its role in jewelry making. Explore gunmetal and its versatile applications here.
Princess Length
A 17- to 19-inch length necklace.
Pearl Essence
Explore the mystery of pearl essence and its origins in this enlightening entry from the EncycloBEADia®.
Gem Setting Pliers
A pair of pliers used to set or tighten the prongs on gemstone settings. The structure of these pliers gives them and parallel jaws and exceptional leverage.
Pearl Reamer
A specialized file or hand drill used to complete or widen the drill hole in pearls.
Single-Strand Necklace and Earrings Set
Glue-in Almost Instant Jewelry® settings make jewelry production a snap. Create your own sparkling sets for quick sales.
Gift Box
Unwrap the beauty of nature with gift boxes adorned with stunning silk floral décor. Green Taiwanese cheesewood beads and ParaWire™ mimic trailing vines in this design.
Precious Stones
Rare and costly gems: diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires.
Glass Jar Keepsake
Create beautiful wedding favors and sand ceremony jars by customizing cork-topped glass jars. Use beads in wedding colors, meaningful charms and other crafty materials for keepsakes the happy couple and their guests will cherish.
Porcelain Bead
Created from ceramic material and fired at a high temperature, leading to a stronger and tougher bead or component.
You supply the creativity, we supply everything else! ®