Essential Resources | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

All About Jump Rings

Delve into our extensive jump ring resource. Here you'll find a wealth of information about one of the most versatile jewelry-making resources, from sizes and materials to chainmaille weaves.

The Beadmakers' Handbook

The first openly available resource for the beader and jewelry maker, the Beadmakers' Handbook includes bead-stringing designs and techniques. Download the free PDF and discover where it all began!

Crimping Pliers

Pliers with a grooved opening for folding, rolling and smoothing crimp beads and tubes. Crimping pliers create a smooth, rounded or curved crimp.

How to Dye Bone Beads

When you learn how to dye bone beads and other components you open a new avenue for creating distinctive jewelry pieces. Learn how with this informative article.

Artistic Wire® Open Ear Wire Jig

The Artistic Wire® Open Ear Wire Jig will help you create delicately perfect earrings. With these easy-to- follow instructions, you will begin crafting flawless earwires in no time.

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How to Open and Close a Pop Clasp

Pop clasps are perfect for breakaway styles like lanyards and badge holders. They “pop” open when pulled and snap shut when pressed. See how to use them in these instructions.

Design Idea BBA9

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Pearl, Cultured Freshwater

Ancient myths tell of pearls formed when oysters opened their shells, rose to the water's surface, then were seeded by the morning sunlight and drops of dew.

Toggle Clasp

A style of clasp consisting of a loop (usually a circle, but sometimes other shapes such as stars, hearts or leaves); the other piece is a ''T'' shaped bar. The clasp is closed by pulling the ''T'' shaped bar through the open loop. Immensely popular and easy to use, the toggle clasp is available in almost infinite material options and in a variety of styles, weights and designs. They are commonly used for necklaces (especially lariat style), bracelets and anklets.

Tab Lock Clasp

An easy-open clasp which closes by inserting a tab into a slot of the other half of the clasp. This style is held shut by the weight of the jewelry itself.

Lariat

An open-ended necklace that is held together by a flexible element such as a drop or ring. Length is 48 inches or longer.

Split Ring Pliers

Pliers with a small hook on one tip, designed to open split rings just enough for use. The split ring can then close without distorting or warping the metal.

S-Hook Clasp

A double-ended clasp shaped like an "S." Available in many sizes and styles, some with two rings. Pinch or pull the arm of the "S" to close or open the clasp.

Screw Clasp

A low-profile clasp with a threaded closure, which is twisted or screwed to open and to close. See also Bead, Barrel and Torpedo Clasp styles.

Hook-and-Eye Clasp

A clasp with a hook on one side and an open loop on the other. Can include Adjustable, Crimp, Hook-Style, Magnetic and Multi-Strand Clasp styles.

Secrets to Opening and Closing Jump Rings

Learn the right way to open and close jump rings! Jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman shows how to avoid warping the wire and making connections less secure.

Video Length 0:54

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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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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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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.

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.

How to Open and Lock a Link Lock

In this video, we'll show you how to effortlessly open and lock a Link Lock, providing a secure and solder-free solution for connecting and linking your favorite jewelry components.

Video Length :12

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