Component
A smaller, self-contained part used in jewelry-making and beading.
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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.
All About Metal Sheet
There is a lot of metal sheet for you to pick from when you're making your metal jewelry. That is why all of them have been assembled into one chart.
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.
Torch-Fired Enameling for Jewelry
The benefits of torch-firing enamel can be incredible for your designs as you don't need to rely on a bulky kiln. The end result is beautiful enameled beads and metal just for you.
One, Two, THREE! Using Three in Jewelry Design
Explore the impact the number three can have on your jewelry designs.
Jewelry-Making Wire: Non-Precious Metal, Colored and Steel Wires
Learn about different types of non-precious jewelry-making wire—copper, niobium, aluminum, memory wire and more—and how to use each metal.
Cold Connections
Using cold connections can really change how your jewelry comes together. Find out what metalsmithing master Tammy Honaman says are some of the best tools for cold connecting metal.
The Beauty of Rose Gold
Where does your creativity take you when selecting a metal color for your jewelry designs? If you're looking for something new, look no further than rose gold.
Stringing and Jewelry-Making Fundamentals
Bead stringing is the backbone of many designs; the rest can be done with a few jewelry-making fundamentals. Learn the fundamentals you need to create your own jewelry lines.
The Power of Color in Jewelry: What Color Messages are You Sending?
Learn how color can be a valuable tool in your jewelry-making endeavors.
Intro to Leather
Have you never worked with leather before? It can be tough (heh) sometimes but don’t worry, Tammy Honaman is here to guide you like only a jewelry-making expert can.
Natural Beauty
Organic materials come from living things. Knowing their origins and cultivation techniques will allow you to confidently assure your customers that you've considered every detail of your design.
Opal: Benefits of Synthetic and Manmade Stones
Opal is an uncommon gemstone with an uncommon beauty and fragility, leading it to be recreated in the lab as a stronger composite that withstands more stress.
How to Use a Bead Board
Make your designing life easier with bead boards. Learn the bead board types and how these tools are advantageous to the beginner as well as the high-producing professional.
Make Your Own Beads and Components
Every jewelry artist knows the bliss of taking designs from imagination to creation. Learn about the different products that allow you to create pieces of art.
The Unlocked Mysteries of Jade:
Delve into the rich history and cultural significance of jade, highlighting its revered status in Chinese culture, its exceptional toughness, and its various forms, including jadeite and nephrite, as well as its widespread use in jewelry and carvings, with an emphasis on the importance of color, translucency, and texture in determining jade quality.
The Importance of Daylight Lamps
Discover the complex nature of light and the human eye and the importance of daylight, not only in jewelry-making but all forms of art to find true color.
Sterling Silver-Filled Wire and Findings
Find the answers to your questions about sterling silver-filled wire and findings in this performance results test conducted by jewelry-making experts. Discover why this metal offer a tremendous value and amazing workability.
Video Tutorial
Jewelry designer Patti presents five ways to make a bail, including a folded component bail, hammered and rolled wire bail, layered jump ring bail and more.
How Lampwork Glass Pendants are Made
An in-depth look at the art of crafting lampwork glass pendants, exploring the process with fire and steel tools, the types of glass used, and the history of lampworking, highlighting the essential tools and materials.
Knapping:
Learn all about knapping, an ancient technique for creating gemstone tools or personal adornment. You'll be amazed how much effort goes into these creations!
Ring Size Guide
Downloadable PDF guide makes sizing finger rings easier than ever. Prints actual size from PDF, offering two ways to accurately measure ring sizes.
St. Petersburg Chain Stitch, How-To
Learn the St. Petersburg chain stitch with these easy, step-by-step illustrated instructions. A beautiful way to add texture and detail to your beaded designs.
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.
Cutting Glass with Glass-Cutting Tools
There are two styles of glass cutters: dry and oil-filled. This tutorial shows how to use both types, each with illustrated step-by-step instructions.
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