Essential Resources | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

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.

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.

Creating Connectivity

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

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.

White Out! Embracing the White Trend in Jewelry

Explore the timeless elegance and versatility of the white trend in jewelry, offering endless design possibilities for DIY jewelry makers, from minimalist to bold statement pieces.

PANTONE® 2025 Color of the Year: Mocha Mousse

Discover Pantone's 2025 color choice, a warm and inviting brown hue that delights with its rich, nurturing qualities, evoking the essence of chocolate and coffee.

Embrace the Future with WGSN and Coloro's Colors of the Year

In collaboration with Coloro, a leader in color technology, WGSN has announced the Colors of the Year for 2025 and 2026.

The Meditative Art of Bead Mosaics: A Path to Creativity and Calm

Learn how bead mosaics are more than just an art form, they’re an experience for both the mind and body, providing peace and relaxation.

Angels Among Us

Create angelic jewelry full of meaning. Discover how a simple design can offer hope, comfort and love with Kristal Wick's inspiring Awareness Angel Earrings.

Honoring Frank Schofield

Learn how Chris’ family creatively honored the passing of her son-in-law through Eternal Reefs.

Breast Cancer Awareness

Jewelry designers and beading artists can raise money for breast cancer awareness and research. Here are five popular ways to pitch in.

Jet Black Jewelry

Explore the current trend of black gemstones in jewelry for a jet-black jeweled look.

How to Be Inspired By (but not copy) Jewelry

Here’s a helpful guide and examples for jewelry makers on finding design inspiration without copying.

Commedia Dell'arte

Discover how Commedia dell'Arte and Carnevale shape today's fashion. Infuse this historic flair into your jewelry designs!

The History of Glass Beads

Discover the history of glass bead making, with roots in Ancient Rome and evolving through innovative techniques spurred by the advent of industrialization.

Gemstones Around the World

Where do gemstones come from? Discover the origins of your favorite gemstones from around the world (or beyond).

Tying Up Loose Ends: How to Creatively End Cords and Dangling Strands

Don't let your bolo or lariat necklace be incomplete. Design your piece from tip to focal with these creative cord finishing methods.

The Big 3 Brands of Crystal Beads

Love the look of crystal, but unsure which brand to shop? Discover the highlights of each of the top three crystal manufacturers.

Colorfastness in Beads and Jewelry-Making Supplies

Avoid color bleed in beads! Learn all about colorfastness, how to identify what jewelry-making supplies are colorfast and tips for protecting color in your creations.

The Story Behind the Boss' Bead Bag

Discover the story of the Boss' Bead Bag, a unique mix of beads born from a serendipitous accident. Get your hands on a bundle of beading goodness in one grab bag!

Say it with Chain

Every design has a story. Learn how to share who you are and why you make jewelry so people can build a relationship with you and your work.

Royal Blues

Discover the timeless allure of royal blue and draw inspiration for your most profound blue creations.

Gemstone Optical Properties

Optical properties refer to the way gemstones interact with light. Color, interference and inclusions are all examples of optical properties. The first optical property is also the most obvious—color.

Easy on the Eyes—Tips to Improve Your Work Area

Good light is so important when beading. Here are some ideas about lighting and other ways to improve the beading workspace.

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