Amazonite, amethyst, chrysocola and apatite combine in a necklace and earring set that holds the colors of the ocean.
Single-Strand Necklace
Create a subtle statement piece with this chainmaille pendant necklace by Kat Wisniewski. Easily customize colors, size, and style.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Finding
A jewelry-making term for any metal component used to connect and/or assemble jewelry.
Flux
A liquid or paste used in metal soldering. Flux lowers the temperature of the metal surfaces to increase bonding and protect them from oxidization.
How to Use Magnifiers
Discover the art of using magnifiers in this informative video guide.
Cat's Eye (Glass)
(also called Fiber Optic Glass) Created with manmade fiber optic glass, cat's eye refracts light in a way reminiscent of the oblong center of a cat's eye. This center appearance of movement is caused by chatoyance, which is defined as changeable luster or shine.
Single-Strand Necklace and Earring Set
This project has a magical effect with sparkling white opal AB Crystal Passions® beads that appear to float on 24Kt gold-plated Accu-Flex® professional-quality beading wire.
Flush-Cutting Pliers
Pliers used to trim headpins, eyepins, wire-wrapping wire and cable-style beading wire. The outside surface of the curved blades creates a flat, flush cut.
Bracelet
Jingle all the way to the party with this bracelet. Gold-plated beads accent red and green crystals as bell charms in matching colors ring-a-ding-ding.
Cathedral Glass
Made by pressing glass into a steel mold, coating with color, then grinding and polishing every facet. The color coating remains on the ends of the beads.
Single-Strand Necklace and Earrings Set
Southwestern or boho? This striking necklace and earring set appeals to both styles.
Costume Jewelry
A category of jewelry is generally thought of as jewelry made from base metals, glass, plastics and other synthetics. It may also be comprised of shell, wood and other organic materials. Costume jewelry can be artisan-made or mass produced.
Bracelet and Earrings Set
Create a boho-inspired seed bead jewelry set for an on-trend look. Substitute your own color palette for unlimited style options.
Crystal (Quartz)
(see also Quartz Crystal) Naturally occurring quartz in its clear or colorless form.
Making Head Pins from Wire
It is easier than you might think! Follow along with this video to learn how to make four fancy head pin shapes.
How to Clean Jewelry
Learn how to safely and effectively clean your jewelry using the right polishing cloths, liquid cleaners and maintenance tips to keep your pieces looking their best.
Single-Strand Necklace and Earrings Set
Laser-cut mango wood components make stunning focals in this trendy jewelry set.
Single-Strand Necklace
There’s no need to be shy; this copper and resin peony from Tamara Allison’s Wallflower Pendant series exudes understated elegance.
Bib-Style Necklace
Conjure creativity with this enchanting combination of clay and wirework. The wire forms provide an organic accent to the flower-adorned visages.
Cuff Bracelet
Make metal macramé with the twisting wirework forms found in this Renaissance-inspired bracelet.
Riveting With a Tube or Crimp Tube
Learn the art of riveting with tubes or crimp tubes, a cold-joining technique that securely brings metal pieces together, creating a strong bond with flared ends and a precise hole – a crucial skill for your jewelry-making journey.
Earrings
The muted colors of watermelon "quartz" glass and the simple shape of textured brass sheet give these earrings a fun retro vibe. Color-coordinated seed beads add visual interest and an extra bit of detail.