Jewelry Making Resources | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

How to Create the Tubular Netting Stitch

Rose shows you how easy it is to create a tubular net stitch and a filled tubular netting stitch in these two video tutorials and detailed instructions.

Video Length 8:20

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Bracelet

This design requires minimal materials but appears incredibly complex. This elegant chainmaille bracelet is simple to create using a Byzantine weave.

Design Idea J203

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Bib-Style Necklace and Cuff Bracelet Set

For Stephanie J. Eddy there is never enough protection in the frozen nights. Her piece shows that fashion can be truly fierce.

Design Idea K41R

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How to Adjust the Angle of the Proxxon™ Table Vise

This animated video shows how to adjust the angle of the Proxxon™ table vise so you can get the exact angle and position you need when clamping jewelry supplies.

Video Length 0:15

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Single-Strand Necklace

Seemingly baked in the desert heat, this necklace by Julie Anstaett is an eclectic mix of monochromatic patterns and detailing.

Design Idea K41Q

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Single-Strand Necklace

Twist moody hues of pearl beads to give this necklace a luminous lift. Antiqued-brass components complete this vintage look.

Design Idea K320

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Single-Strand Necklace and Earring Set

Elegant gold and passionate red combine to lend you an air of power and sophistication, perfect for formal events or a night out alike.

Design Idea JA0H

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Single-Strand Necklace and Earring Set

Get ready for wintery weather in style with this sparkling snowflake set.

Design Idea J533

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Bracelet

Make this bracelet by using the herringbone spiral stitch. Don't know how to make that seed bead stitch? Just watch the video and follow along!

Design Idea J912

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Ball Chain Bead Tips

Discover the art of using ball chain bead tips to elegantly finish off your ball chain projects.

Video Length 0:10

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How to Use Cupchain Connectors

Use sparkling cupchain without soldering! Silent animation shows how to insert the end of a length of cupchain into the connector finding and secure it in place. Below the video are full written step-by-step instructions.

Video Length 0:15

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Sweater Embellishment

The furled links of flat, anodized wire create balanced, colorful chain drapery in this sweater embellishment.

Design Idea K12L

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How To Use a Thread Burner

Thread burners make a clean burn and seal the ends of thread. This handy how-to video shows why a thread burner is a versatile tool ideal for any thread project.

Video Length 1:02

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Single-Strand Necklace and Earring Set

Amethyst and pearls come together in this lovely design, perfect for any occasion.

Design Idea J601

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Lariat-Style Necklace and Earring Set

Let this lotus necklace be your next beading project. It's perfect for spring and summer sales or outfits!

Design Idea JA21

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How to Use the Rotary Hole Punch Tool

Hand-held rotary punch is ideal for leather work—and this silent animation shows how to use it. Also includes full written step-by-step instructions below the video.

Video Length 0:15

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Herringbone Stitch

Add the spiral herringbone stitch to your seed bead repertoire. Whether you’re just getting started or are a seed bead pro, find everything you need to know in one place.

Video Length 24:46

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Opening Jump Rings and Split Rings

Learn how to easily open jump rings and split rings with this video tutorial.

Video Length 3:34

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Earrings

Sail away in these filigree-filled sailboat silhouette earrings. This airy design allows for plenty of playful movement.

Design Idea K12J

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Double-Strand Necklace and Earring Set

Embrace winter's chill with this stylishly simple project. Sparkling crystals glisten like the sun's rays on fresh snowfall.

Design Idea JA29

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How to Use Brads and Washers on Leather

Using brads and washers on leather is a foundational skill for mixed media and cold connections jewelry designs. Watch the silent animation—or follow the full written step-by-step instructions below the video—to learn this technique.

Video Length 0:41

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Sassy Spirals Techniques

Lisa Pavelka walks you through the process of making your own bead caps, wire cages and spiral accents in beginner friendly wire working tutorial videos.

Video Length 14:05

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Collar-Style Necklace

Invoke the ornate elegance of royal fashion with this gold-plated and pearl statement piece.

Design Idea K12G

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How to Use The Magic Finding™ and Pliers

Silent animation displays how to use Magic Finding™ crimps, Magic Finding Omega inserts and Magic Finding Pliers. Below the video are full written step-by-step instructions.

Video Length 0:42

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Single-Strand Necklace and Earring Set

The tree of life has been used all over the world for centuries. To capture this symbol in your jewelry, wire-wrap a cabochon with a tree design by following these video instructions.

Design Idea JC2S

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Fold Over Clasp

A low-profile clasp that is less likely to tangle or snag on clothes or hair than other styles. It folds shut, closing securely and locking with a quiet snap.

Choker-Style Necklace

This award-winning design, "Empress Catherine" by Marielle Teasdale, was inspired by the Romanov collection and how filigree was used to create decorative objects.

Design Idea K12D

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Foil

A thin leaf of metal placed behind a gem or stone to heighten its color or brilliance.

Creating an Eye Pin from a Length of Wire

Silent animation displays how to create an eye pin from a length of wire. Below the video are full written step-by-step instructions by jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman.

Video Length 0:20

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Facet

A flat surface or plane on a cut gemstone. The movement of light from one facet to another creates the sparkle and flash of a stone.

Crown

Embrace your majesty with this copper crown design. Play with color and gauge variance to draw the attention of the court and other envious royals.

Design Idea K129

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Using Waterslide Image Transfers

Welcome to our tutorial on using Waterslide Image Transfers for your creative projects!

Video Length 2:41

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Bracelet

Rose is showing off some wonderful beads to use when it comes to peyote stitch. Find out what she has planned, and what she is demonstrating off with simple beads.

Design Idea K544

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Fiber Optic Glass

This glass gets its name from its similarity to Cat's Eye Quartz and the unique way the two materials refract light. Also called Cat's Eye Glass.

Single-Strand Necklace

A wonder from down under, this metal pendant features a milky Australian opal center and accentuated wire coil contours.

Design Idea J32Z

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Collar-Style Necklace and Earring Set

Take your flat peyote stitch pattern to another dimension with this earring and necklace set. The graduated bead sizes give this design a 3D lift.

Design Idea J907

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How to Open Magnetic Clasps

Learn the easy way to open magnetic clasps without risking damage or losing the magnets.

Video Length 0:10

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Earwire

A thin piece of wire used to support ear jewelry. Ear wires come in many styles. The fishhook is popular often with a ball or coil to balance the finding.

Bracelet

A snake-inspired chainmaille bracelet composed of anodized aluminum scales. The intricate design creates the appearance of a corn snake.

Design Idea GC17

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Triple-Strand Necklace

Let this celestial-themed necklace inspire out-of-this-world jewelry.

Design Idea K126

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Scarf-Style Necklace and Earring Set

Resembling a dazzling scarf, this necklace intricately combines shimmering sequin sheet and tiny seed beads, creating a captivating and versatile accessory.

Design Idea K32S

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Ear Thread

An earring form consisting of a short post with attached chain. The post serves as a "needle," allowing the chain to be threaded front-to-back through the ear.

Earstud

A finding, usually metal, used to create ear jewelry. The post or stud passes through the ear, and is secured by an earnut on the back. Also see Earpost.

Earpost

A finding, usually metal, used to create ear jewelry. The post or stud passes through the ear, and is secured by an earnut on the back. Also see Earstud.

Ear Cuff

A half-circle band or ring of metal pinched around the side or middle edge of the ear. Some styles have a dangle or a chain to an earstud on the same ear.

Three-Piece Bracelet Set

Wrap wire into repeating geometric patterns to resemble the decorative woven grass techniques of ancient artisans.

Design Idea K124

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Convertible Necklace, Bracelet and Earring Set

Inspired by the symbolism of the black orchid--believed by some to represent absolute power--this three-piece set features a beautiful contrast of silver wirework and black pearls.

Design Idea J32Y

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Bracelet

Chainmaille artist and instructor, Kat Wisniewski, has a fun, quick and easy helm chain bangle bracelet project that combines flexible and traditional jump rings.

Design Idea GB0T

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UNIVERSAL™ Magical Crimper Pliers

Jewelry designer Rose can't help but be excited when telling you about a pair of magical crimping pliers that turns a crimp tube into a round crimp bead. Don't blink, you might miss it!

Video Length 2:46

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Weighing with Digital Scales

Discover the precision of digital scales for your crafting needs when accuracy in weight measurement is essential.

Video Length 1:06

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Brooch

Jewelry inspiration comes from everywhere--even while we sleep. This whimsical spatula-tailed hummingbird brooch was a design pulled from the artist's dream.

Design Idea K121

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How to Use the Crystal Katana Embellishment Positioner

The Crystal Katana is an invaluable tool when working with small crystals and embellishments, allowing you to easily grip and position them.

Video Length 1:06

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Single-Strand Necklace

The bluebells in this entry in Tamara Allison’s Wall Flower Pendant series will leave you anything but blue.

Design Idea J32X

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Single-Strand Necklace and Earring Set

A fun and charming chainmaille necklace and earring set design with colorful porcelain beads.

Design Idea K10N

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Polymer Clay Mica-Shift Technique

Explore the mesmerizing world of the Polymer Clay Mica-Shift Technique in our upcoming video.

Video Length 2:53

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Bib-Style Necklace

Like white petals in the moonlight, the metallic surfaces of this artistic design seem to emit a pale glow. A silver butterfly flies amongst the winding wirework vines.

Design Idea K11U

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Sterling Silver Jump Rings

You'll love the range of sterling silver jump rings available at Fire Mountain Gems and Beads, especially because jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman showcases the various sizes, gauges and shapes in this product feature.

Video Length 3:01

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Gold Filled

Explore the precise technical definition of "gold-filled" within this EncycloBEADia® entry.

EUROTOOL® Nylon Jaw Looping Pliers

In-house jewelry designer Jamie Smedley shows the benefit of EUROTOOL® nylon jaw pliers when working with jewelry-making wire you don’t want to mar or scratch.

Video Length 1:16

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Single-Strand Necklace

Turn a love for turquoise into a wear-anywhere design! Follow these step-by-step instructions to cinch in a cabochon to its setting and then string up the rest of the design.

Design Idea 014Y

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Gauge

The measurement of the thickness of wire or metal sheet: the higher the number, the thinner the metal.

Fishhook Clasp

A lightweight clasp with a fishhook-shaped interior hook which is inserted into an oval box. The hook stops jewelry from falling off if the clasps are opened.

Triple-Strand Bracelet

Hop along a sterling silver beaded river atop these beautiful amethyst Stepping Stones with this gorgeous bracelet that's sure to impress.

Design Idea 8B0P

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Using EUROTOOL® Coil Cutting Pliers

We're diving into the world of jewelry-making with EUROTOOL® Coil Cutting Pliers -- designed to effortlessly handle wire coils. Complete with comfortable cushion grip handles and a center spring for smooth cutting action.

Video Length 0.14

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Druzy

Name given to a layer of tiny quartz crystals which have formed on a gemstone.

Double-Strand Necklace and Earring Set

Amazonite, amethyst, chrysocola and apatite combine in a necklace and earring set that holds the colors of the ocean.

Design Idea J607

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Single-Strand Necklace

Create a subtle statement piece with this chainmaille pendant necklace by Kat Wisniewski. Easily customize colors, size, and style.

Design Idea GB0R

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Drop

A component that dangles from another component or the jewelry's body. A drop has one top loop or hole and any range of bottom loops or holes, including none.

Fire-Polished

A process in which beads are machine faceted, then polished by glazing inside a red-hot glass oven. This softens the edges and gives the beads a smooth feel.

Earrings

The rich, soothing colors of rainbow fluorite hearts are beautifully reflected by textured metal sheet in these reclaimed-style earrings.

Design Idea MD3F

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Druk Bead

A high-quality round pressed glass bead imported directly from the Czech Republic.

Fringe Bead

A mostly round drop bead, created by Miyuki of Japan. Perfect for edges and the termination of a row of beadwork.

French Wire

Tightly coiled, fine wire that forms a flexible tube. Used to conceal and protect stringing materials from abrasion by metal jewelry findings. Also bouillon.

Donut

A flat component with a large center hole, usually round. Named after the pastry doughnut, the donut component is often used as a centerpiece.

Measuring with Calipers

Calipers make measuring small things, like beads and holes in beads, a snap.

Video Length 2:53

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Dulling

Brushing a metal surface, sometimes with a matting punch or powder, to give it a duller (matte) finish.

Delica® Bead

Explore the rich origins and meticulous manufacturing process behind Delica® seed beads.

Single-Strand Wall Flower Necklace

Resin infills of copper sheet make for a colorful tulip drop in this piece from Tamara Allison’s Wallflower Pendant series.

Design Idea J32W

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Adjustable Clasp

Has a short length of chain to vary the necklace length by attaching the clasp to different links of the chain. Includes Hook-and-Eye and Lobster Claw Clasps.

Adhesive

(see also Glue) A liquid, semi-liquid, gel or film that adheres or bonds items together. E-6000® and G-S Hypo cement are adhesives.

Collar

A broad, choker-like necklace of three or more strands that fit snugly on the neck. Length is 14 to 17 inches. Known as a plaque de cou if it has a front clasp.

Dead Soft

A term used for wire that is extremely malleable and can be bent easily into a myriad of shapes.

Add-a-Bead Clasp

A clasp narrow enough to allow large-hole beads to slide over the clasp and onto the chain or cord. Can include Bayonet Clasp or Bead Clasp styles.

Dichroic Glass

A glass material containing ultra-thin layers of metal oxides. The micro-layers create different layers and patterns of light refraction within the glass.

Czech Glass

Glass, usually in the form of beads, created in the Czech Republic. Also called Bohemian glass or Bohemian crystal.

S'more Earrings

Indulge your creative sweet tooth with these delectable s'mores earrings cleverly crafted from polymer clay.

Design Idea PG2P

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Ceylon

The use of Ceylon before a bead color name indicates the addition of a luster coating or the inside coloring of an opalescent bead.

Cowrie/Cowry Shell

A shell, commonly white but also available in colors and patterns, which is smooth and glossy with a long, narrow, slit-like opening.

Using Spacer Bars in Multi-Strand Designs

Spacer bars are a great way to bring structure—and style!—to your multi-strand jewelry creations. Expert jewelry designer Tammy Honaman shows how they work in this video.

Video Length 4:35

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A Complete Guide to Jooltool™

View in-depth how-to videos courtesy of Jooltool™ and renowned mixed media artist Lisa Pavelka that unveil the magic behind the Jooltool polishing system.

Video Series

Forming Complex Wire Shapes

Although jewelry wire is often used to support other components, it can also take center stage. Learn how to make sculptural wire pendants in this informative video with jewelry designer Sandra Lupo.

Video Length 5:57

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Fine jewelry

Fine jewelry is jewelry that uses at least 14Kt gold or other precious metals and precious gems like diamonds, sapphires, rubies or emeralds.

Forming Basic Wire Shapes

Handmade wire components can take any jewelry design from "okay" to "wow!". Learn how to make an S-clasp, pendant hanger and bead cage with this how-to video with renowned metalsmith Sandra Lupo.

Video Length 6:19

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