Essential Resources

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.

5 Ways to Make a Bail for Your DIY Jewelry

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.

Video Length 10:58

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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.

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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.

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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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How to Use Fold-Over Bezel Link Settings

Effortlessly achieve a professional finish for your jewelry designs using fold-over bezel link settings. Learn how with these straightforward instructions!

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Setting up a Safe Kiln Firing Area and Firing Enamels with a Kiln

Firing enamel in a kiln might appear challenging, but fear not—these step-by-step instructions empower you to confidently and safely craft brilliant, gleaming jewelry projects.

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Ask the Experts Adhesive Q&A

Q: Sure hope you can help me. I'm making a necklace and my pendant is a lampwork bead, sort of rondelle shaped. I want to use a large jump ring, 17mm, but I am having trouble as it does not seem secure on the necklace. Is there something I can use or some technique to keep this ring securely closed? I really don't want to invest in or learn soldering. Thank you so much.

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Ask the Experts Organizing Q&A

Q: I need tips, please, on how to organize a large inventory of beads and findings. Not the physical components—trays, bags, etc.—but the logical organization. Do the experts find it most useful to organize by color? By size? By material? By shape? Which are the main categories, and how are items sorted within the main categories? For example, beads might be organized first by main color (pink, yellow, black), then by big category of material (gemstone, glass), then specific material (calcite, mookaite, crystal, crackle glass, lampwork). Then within material by size or shape. What logical organization works best for you to help you find what you need quickly? Do different people organize different ways? How do you organize strands that have mixed colors or materials?

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Ask the Experts Bead Reamer Q&A

Q: I was given a battery operated bead reamer as a gift, but am hesitant to try it. I was watching your bead reamer video and didn't even see a powered version mentioned as an option. It seems to me the hand versions offer more control. Do you have any recommendations?

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Ask the Experts Shells Q&A

Q: I have collected lots of abalone shells. What is the best way to drill holes in the shells, shine, polish, etc., to make jewelry?

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Ask the Experts Jump Rings Q&A

Q: I've seen Chainmaille sites online and thought, "Wow, that looks cool! I want to make it!" How can I cut the wire to make jump rings, without it flattening the end of the cut part? I know I can buy machine made jumprings that are perfectly shaped and cut, but I want to make my own, so I can fabricate the entire piece. I've been using regular wire cutters, and am looking for a cutter that won't flatten the jumpring ends. Thanks

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How to Make a Sterling Silver Pendant Setting

Create a custom cabochon setting using these step-by-step instructions. This project tutorial explores bench jeweler metal fabrication techniques such as sawing, soldering, filing and polishing.

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How to Add Color to Vitrium® Clay

Vitrium® clay—an air-dry resin clay—comes in transparent white or opaque white. Add color to either type using these two simple steps.

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Ask the Experts Pliers Q&A

Q: Please tell me the difference between "lap joint" and "box joint" pliers?

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How to Use the Hot-Fix Heater™ Tool

The Hot-Fix Heater™ rhinestone applicator streamlines the process of applying rhinestuds. Let these clear and concise instructions be your guide.

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How to Create a Loop in Loop Chain

Craft delicate, intricate and exhilarating chain designs. These user-friendly instructions will guide you in creating your own custom links.

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Using TierraCast® BeadAligners™ with Large-Hole Beads

Discover how to use TierraCast™ Bead Aligners™—with or without Mini Bead Huggers™—to create secure, stunning designs by following these simple instructions.

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Three Techniques for Fusing Glass Frit

Glass frit can be fused into glasswork shapes for jewelry, décor, gift items and more. This tutorial offers glass fusing tips and techniques.

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