Essential Resources

We Ask Our Designers

Patti and Elaine share their creative process and reveal where they find inspiration for their jewelry designs—whether it’s nature, daily life or designing to sell.

Video Length 16:04

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Honoring Our Veterans:

This article celebrates U.S. veterans and shares inspiring ways jewelry artists can make a difference—supporting veteran organizations through meaningful designs and creative giving.

Secrets to Kumihimo Project 4: 10-Strand Flat Braid

Learn how to create a 10-strand flat braid using the ancient Japanese braiding technique of kumihimo in this step-by-step instructional video.

Video Length 13:41

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Secrets to Kumihimo Project 3: 8-Strand Round Braid with Beads

Join Elaine in this video from her 9-part Kumihimo series as she adds seed beads and pearls to a braid and finishes the bracelet with decorative findings.

Design Idea RC3E

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Beyond Boho:

Learn how to use wood, shell and pearls to create elegant jewelry designs that go beyond traditional Boho style.

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Secrets to Kumihimo Project 1: Simple 4-Stand Braid

Unlock the basics of kumihimo with this easy-to-follow tutorial on creating a classic 4-strand braided bracelet.

Video Length 15:51

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Secrets to Kumihimo Project 2: 8 Strand Round Braid

Master the art of the 8-strand round kumihimo braid with this clear and simple bracelet-making tutorial.

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Charm Bracelet

Get into the Christmas spirit with this festive Preciosa tutorial—make a fun seed-beaded bracelet featuring five adorable holiday-themed charms!

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Minimalist vs. Maximalist Jewelry Styles

Explore how the same jewelry materials can create two strikingly different looks—one minimalist, one maximalist—and discover which design style speaks to you.

Video Length 5:29

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Wanderlust Sparkle: How Travel Inspires Jewelry Design

Discover how travel and treasured memories shape jewelry design—through color, symbolism, and story-rich styles inspired by global adventures.

Afghanite

Discovered in 1968, Afghanite showcases a range of blues with white inclusions. These magical inclusions are UV-reactive, fluorescing bright orange under black light.

5 Tips to Make Budget-Friendly Jewelry

Learn 5 practical tips for making beautiful, budget-friendly gemstone jewelry—perfect for designers who want to create accessible pieces their customers will love.

Video Length 10:18

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How to Create Jump Ring Jewelry

Discover fresh, modern ways to create stylish jewelry using versatile jump rings in this inspiring how-to video.

Video Length 12:28

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Tarnish Prevention & Removal Tips

Discover how to prevent tarnish and safely clean precious metal, plated and patinated jewelry in this helpful guide.

Creating Connectivity

Each of these materials comes from the Earth, and the piece seems to hum not only with Earth's vitality, but with that of the artist who made it.

Moonstone, Pink/Peach

Discover the history, meaning and unique beauty of pink and peach moonstone—from its ancient associations with love and intuition to its gentle shimmer and design potential in modern jewelry-making.

Turquoise, African

Explore the vibrant, grounding beauty of African "Turquoise"—a jasper celebrated for its turquoise-like patterns and transformative energy.

Jasper, Dragon Blood

Dragon blood jasper, thought by some to impart courage to its wearer, may help you face the "dragons" in your life.

Symbols in Jewelry from Every Continent

From ancient amulets to modern designs, jewelry carries history in every piece. Explore how a selection of global symbols shapes the jewelry we wear today.

Hidden Gems: Designing with Rhinestones

Explore the beauty and versatility of rhinestones as a stylish and creative choice for jewelry designs, offering a brilliant alternative to faceted gems.

Video Length 8:49

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Quartz, Rutilated

Discover rutilated quartz, a stunning quartz variety with golden or silver rutile inclusions, known for its energy-amplifying and clarity-enhancing properties.

Agate, Red

Discover the rich history and symbolism of lustrous, warm red agate, and find inspiring design ideas to incorporate this timeless gem into your creations.

Hidden Gems: Designing with Cubic Zirconia

Discover the versatility of cubic zirconia (CZ) as a stylish, practical choice for jewelry design, offering endless creative possibilities and rivaling the look of gemstones like amethyst, garnet and citrine.

Video Length 3:43

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Jasper, Sesame

Discover the intriguing history and unique beauty of sesame jasper, a stone with striking speckles and earthy tones—perfect for bold, natural jewelry designs.

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