Essential Resources | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

Six Ways to Create Cold Connections

No need to be a blacksmith to join metal to metal—you can use cold connections! Here are 6 ways to connect metals (or other materials) without using fire or electricity.

Crimp Clasp

Has structural crimps for attaching to the end of beading wire or cord with Crimping Pliers. Can include Hook-and-Eye, Lobster Claw and Magnetic Clasp styles.

Ice-Pick Bail

Similar to a prong bail, it will create a loop to attach a chain to when the prongs are closed into a cross-drilled pendant.

Cone

Necklace terminator or beading finding used to bring multiple strands together at one point to attach a clasp or be part of the design.

Chatelaine

A chain, pin or clasp worn at a woman's waist, to which trinkets, keys or other articles are attached. Also used for pins with two figures linked by a chain.

Art Clay Silver - Paste Type

Learn the steps for using Art Clay® Silver Paste for safely filling molds, embellishing porcelain and glass, connecting clay pieces and attaching silver wire.

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Ask the Experts Attaching Beads to Leather Q&A

Q: How do I attach beads or crystals to leather ~ as in a leather cross or even a halter for a horse?

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Ask the Experts Attaching Clasps to Bulk Chain Q&A

Q: What findings are used for attaching clasps to sterling silver or gold-filled chain sold by the yard? What is the best technique for it?

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How to Attach Pop Clasps

Pop clasps feature glue-in ends for attaching jewelry cording. See how to add cord with these illustrated instructions.

Design Idea BB9G

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How-To Use Hot-Fix Applicators

Attach flat back crystals with Hot-Fix™ coating to various materials using a Hot-Fix™ applicator. Follow these simple steps to bond crystals to a range of materials, including textiles.

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Nylon Jaw Pliers

A pair of pliers with attached nylon contact surfaces. Ideal for gripping round, square, twisted, coated, plated and precious metal wires during wireworking.

End Cap

A finding which allows for a bead, component or stringing material to be inserted or otherwise attached inside it.

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.

Prong Bail

A finding used to attach a chain to a cross-drilled pendant.

How to Set Up the Rotary Tool

Follow along with Joel Peterson to see how to change out the various bits or attach a flex shaft to the rotary tool and use this jewelry-making tool for inlaying, cutting, carving, cleaning and polishing.

Video Length 8:20

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Secrets to a Split Ring Loop

Give a head pin its own secure connection by adding a split ring loop on the end. Jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman demonstrates technique for keeping dangles and drops attached. Below the video are also full written step-by-step instructions.

Video Length 1:10

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How to Use Magnetic Barrel Clasps

Learn how easy it can be to attach and use magnetic barrel clasps, making easy-on and easy-off jewelry.

Video Length 7:46

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How to Use the Fancy Hinged Clasp

Learn how to easily attach a fancy hinged clasp in this quick video tutorial.

Video Length 0:33

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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.

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.

Creating and Designing with Links

Follow along with this video tutorial to learn how to use sew-on components as bracelet links.

Video Length 3:00

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Making a Wrapped Loop and Double-Wrapped Loop

Use the double wrapped-loop technique to attach a pendant or charm to a soldered loop on a chain for a secure finish. Link double wrapped loops together to create your own chain then finish with your choice of clasp.

Video Length 3:00

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How to Use the Adaptable Eyelet and Rivet Tool Set

Learn how to attach eyelets and/or rivets to metal sheet in this helpful video.

Video Length 0:25

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Bail

A metal loop that is used to attach a chain or cord to a pendant.

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