Essential Resources

Cameo

A carved gem or shell, in which the carved design stands out against a background of a different color.

Cultured Saltwater Pearl

Pearls created by a farmer, who inserts a "seed" of mother-of-pearl into a saltwater oyster. The oyster coats the seed with layers of nacre, creating a pearl.

Pearl, Cultured Freshwater

Pearls created by a farmer, who inserts a "seed" of mother-of-pearl into a freshwater oyster. The pearl oyster will coat the seed with nacre, creating a pearl.

Clasp

A fastener that connects two or more ends of a piece of jewelry together. Clasps can be utilitarian and purely functional, or embellished design elements.

Cloisonne

Enamel with surface decorations set in hollows formed by strips of wire welded to a metal plate.

Coil End

(see also Cord Coil) A wire coil bead with an end loop.

Celluloid

Thermoplastic material that was commonly used in jewelry before the invention of injection molding. Now used to simulate tortoiseshell.

Coil Bead

A bead created using coiled wire. Some styles can be pinched like a crimp bead.

Chevron Beads

Learn about chevron beads (also called rosetta beads or star beads). Explore their origins, evolution, and cultural significance in this enlightening article.

Chaton

A particular shape of cut glass or crystal, most commonly known as Crystal Passions® rhinestones. A chaton has a faceted, pavillion-shaped (pointed) bottom.

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.

Charms

Small ornaments worn as pendants or on bracelets.

Chain Tabs

A small, flat metal finding that is often hung on a piece of precious-metal jewelry and stamped as a "tag" identifying the precious metal content.

Chain-Nose Pliers

Pliers with flat gripping surfaces, used to reach into tight places, at difficult angles, to grip components, bend wire and stabilize a design while working.

Accurate Measuring in Jewelry-Making

Learn how to save time and money by taking the guesswork out of wireworking and metalsmithing by learning how to accurately measure. In this article jewelry-making expert Sandra Lupo teaches us how to accurately measure for jewelry-making success.

A Guide to Bails

Ever wonder what a bail is? How do you use it and what should you look for to find what you need for your designs? All of that has been compiled in one handy location.

A Dozen Ways to End a Necklace

Sometimes it's not easy to know how to end a necklace, especially when there are so many ways that you can start it. Well take a breath of relief, here are a dozen ways to help you.

Mandrels for Jewerly-Making

Have questions about mandrels? Learn all about this valuable metalsmithing tool and the different options available in this article on mandrels.

A Brief History of Czech Glass Bead Making

Travel to the Crystal Valley and explore the rich heritage of Czech glass beads.

Marketing with Displays: Color Theory

According to the psychology of color, people are emotionally affected by different colors and combinations. Learn how to use color theory to boost your jewelry marketing efforts.

The Rosary

Learn more about the holy rosary and how it's been a treasured devotion in the Catholic Church for centuries.

Life in Color: How to Use Oh! Ring™ Components

Oh how we love the flamboyant bright neon colors of soft and pliable rubber Oh! Rings™. Twisty little circles are so versatile and you can even add to jump rings for chainmaille.

Enamels in Jewelry-Making

Author and jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman provides you with plenty of tips and tricks for using enameling in your own jewelry-making processes.

The Differences Between Soft and Hard Soldering

Tammy Honaman shows you the tools and techniques needed for soft and hard soldering.

Categories

Tags