Marble
Marble is viewed as a stone of potential. Marble has been used in architecture, decorative carvings and, of course, jewelry for centuries for its fantastic cutting and shaping properties.
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Pinolith
How much do you know about pinolith? That it's a very rare semiprecious stone? That it's believed to be a gemstone of optimism and balance? Or how it's fantastic for jewelry-making?
Rainbow Calsilica
Rainbow calsilica is a man-made material created for the gemstone market from carbonate rock, which means this intriguing material still possesses perceived metaphysical properties.
Ammonite
Ammonites are eoliths of now-extinct marine molluscs called ammonoids. It's no surprise that ammonites, with their spiral shape, are symbols of change and positive motion.
Andalusite
According to metaphysical beliefs, andalusite is the seeing stone that promotes the desire for self-realization, helping one to rebalance and re-align.
How to Assemble the Beading Loom
Craft intricate designs effortlessly with our precision beading loom. Elevate your creativity and create stunning beadwork with ease.
Magnetite
Magnetite (not to be confused with magnesite) is a rock mineral believed to alleviate negative emotions such as fear, anger and grief while promoting positive qualities in the wearer.
Stichtite
There aren't many purple gemstones, making purplish pink to purpose-red stichtite a delight to use in jewelry. Plus, it has metaphysical properties your customers may be looking for.
Fossil Coral
Fossil coral is a natural gemstone created when prehistoric coral is gradually "agatized." It stands to reason, according to metaphysical beliefs, fossil coral can help bring about change.
Jade, New
New "jade" is not actually jade, but is said to have the same spiritual values as green jade: easing feelings of depression, emotional cleansing and ideal for meditation.
Moonstone, Pink Flake
Pink flake moonstone is a beautiful stone in feminine jewelry designs, but the overall color isn't so pink (especially the redder specimens) it can't also be used in masculine designs.
Serpentine
According to metaphysical beliefs, serpentine provides clear thought to better facilitate meditation, but that isn't the only reason you should consider designing with this gemstone.
Jasper, Red Creek
Miners were looking for turquoise when they found Red Creek jasper. The lovely red, green, yellow, blue-gray and black stone offers the perfect autumn/fall color combination for jewelry.
Lava
The raw power of a volcano capsulated in the palm of your hand. Lava rocks have numerous uses, loved in both jewelry-making and by metaphysical believers.
Chalcedony
Chalcedony is believed to be the stone of communication and makes a beautiful addition to jewelry designs. Learn more about this stone's meaning and properties in this informative Gem Note.
Quartz, Green
Green quartz, a rare stone in nature, has often been mistakenly referred to as "green amethyst." Learn all about this soothing green stone from its geological properties to proper care and even metaphysical properties such as how it is thought to awaken love, empathy and compassion.
Petrified Wood
Petrified wood is known as a stone of transformation and is thought to provide a window to the past. Find out even more about this stone and its meaning in jewelry in this informative Gem Note.
Shungite
What do Russia and Nobel Prizes have to do with Shungite? There's a very interesting and varied history with this folklore favorite.
Slate
Slate is believed to preserve you from weakness. Made from pressed mudstone, this stone is black due to plants or plankton, and may contain fossils.
Thulite
Thulite, the stone of the mythical north, is a recent discovery in terms of gemstones. Find out how this stone influences the metaphysical world, how to care for it, and more.
Zircon
The brilliant colors and fire of zircon make it a luscious choice for jewelry. Metaphysical practitioners believe that is useful as a sleep aid.
Amethyst, Moss
Discover the intriguing exclusivity of moss amethyst. A transparent to translucent purple gemstone with rutile like inclusions.
Grandidierite
A rare gemstone not typically found in jewelry design, discover the unique possibilities of your creations with grandidierite.
Amber
The popularity of richly colored amber has been growing even as it becomes harder and harder to find. After all, 50-million-year-old fossilized tree sap doesn't exist in infinite supplies.
Magnesite, White
The most commonly occurring color of magnesite is white, with an appearance similar to unglazed porcelain. The stone is often dyed and used as an economical substitute for turquoise.
Dumortierite
Because of the perceived similarities between dumortierite and sodalite or lapis lazuli, it is often used as a cost-saving substitute for lapis, which can cost two to three times as much.
Jade, Jadeite
Originally used thousands of years ago for ax heads, tools and ritual artifacts, it didn't take long before ancient civilizations noticed jadeite not only for its durability, but its beauty, too.
Agate, Blue
Like many other variations of agate, the color in blue agate is most often achieved through dyeing, although some blue agate, such as "Holley blue agate" occur naturally.
Agate, Blue Lace
Agate gemstones were originally used as amulets of healing. With its soft blue color, it's no surprise blue lace agate is said to be a soothing stone, too.
Topaz, Blue
Blue topaz is the color of water, making it a wonderful substitute for more expensive aquamarine. No wonder this popular gemstone has been used for centuries in jewelry!
Blackstone
Blackstone is a trade name for a variety of abundant black stones. According to metaphysical beliefs, many black stones are said to intensify the spiritual values of other gemstones.
Jade, Black
Black "jade" is actually grey serpentine that has been dyed to imitate black jadeite's beauty, without its cost.
Tigereye
Discover the history, metaphysical significance and unique tigereye properties of this captivating gemstone.
Chrysocolla
Chrysocolla is the gentlest of stones. Its main metaphysical role is to soothe and calm. Its color alone is relaxing with a deep blue-green that might remind you of a distant mountaintop.
Turquoise
Turquoise has been a treasured gemstone around the world, captivating imaginations for millennia. The beauty and history of this December birthstone is hard to match.
Larimar
Discover the fascinating story behind Larimar, from its remarkable discovery to the unique properties that make it one of the world’s most rare and captivating gemstones.
Opal
This article explores the history, properties, and varieties of opal—including precious, fire, and common opals—highlighting their beauty, symbolism, and uses in jewelry design.
Tourmaline
Tourmaline holds a special place in the hearts of jewelry designers and gem enthusiasts for its incredible amount of colors. No wonder it was thought tourmaline traveled along a rainbow.
Quartz, Rose
Rose quartz came to be known as the stone of love and reconciliation from the Greek myth about Aphrodite and Adonis. See why else this gemstone is ideal for Valentine's Day jewelry.
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.
Lapis Lazuli
Lapis lazuli is one of the oldest opaque gemstones in history--more than 6,500 years old! Valued since antiquity, lapis lazuli is a highly sought-after stone in jewelry designs.
Diamond
Diamonds may be everything from a girl's best friend or coal that stuck to its job—either way it's a gemstone with a mystique all its own, a symbol of stability and dependability in an ever-changing world..
Garnet
Garnet gemstones were used for an amazing amount of purposes: gifts of passion, protection of travelers, proclamation of royalty and, of course, stunning gemstone creation.
Citrine
From the earliest of times, citrine was called the "sun stone" and the gemstone was thought capable of holding sunlight.
Aquamarine
Aquamarine, whose name originates from the Italian word for seawater, embodies the splendor of the sea and was even thought to help protect those at sea.
Onyx, Black
How onyx got its name involves an intriguing myth including Cupid and Venus. Black onyx is a neutral gemstone, making ideal to combine with different colored stones and all metal tones.
Sapphire
It's amazing how many cultures throughout history valued sapphire, but it stands to reason since this precious gem is absolutely stunning with its rich hues—which include more than blue.
Carnelian
Carnelian was the stone of courage to the Romans, for the Egyptians it assisted the dead in their afterlife journey and in the Middle Ages was used to release energy of other stones.
Bracelet
Bead your own Lush Embellished Bracelet using whatever beads strike your fancy. This detailed design by internationally recognized artist and author Sherry Serafini includes a video how-to with Sherry, plus full step-by-step written instructions.
How to Create the Russian Spiral Stitch
Learn a new seed bead technique! The Russian spiral stitch is yours to master with these instructions and enlarged images that help you see exactly what to do and where.
How to Create 3 Different St. Petersburg Stitches
Learn the double St. Petersburg stitch with jewelry designer Rose. How-to video includes written instructions for making this decorative stitch.
How to Create Tubular Brick Stitch
Follow along as Rose demonstrates how easy it is to create the tubular brick stitch. With just a few supplies, you can turn this stitch into necklaces, bracelets, clasps and more!
6 Ways to Finish Your Seed Bead Bracelet
Not sure how to finish your seed bead bracelet? Explore six different ways to give your seed bead jewelry designs the perfect closure--all with how-to videos!
Mounting
A jewelry setting designed for the placement of faceted gemstones or cabochons.
Filigree
Find the definition of "filigree," a design method used since antiquity.
Chain
A series of connected links, typically made of metal.
Applying a Counter Enamel and Top Coat of Glass Enamels
Learn how to apply counter enamel and a topcoat to metal for a smooth, durable finish that prevents warping and enhances your enameled jewelry designs.
Creating a Net with Square Knots
Creating a macramé net with square knots is easier than you think, especially when following along with this how-to video led by jewelry designer Jude.
How to Make a Spiral Kumihimo Braid
These simple, easy-to-understand instructions show how to make a spiral kumihimo braid. Illustrations with each step make this technique a piece of cake.
Disc Cutter Set User Guide
Learn how to create clean, consistent cuts in soft metals with a quality 12-piece disc cutter set. View this guide for tips and instructions on using this tool.
Bezel Setting Stones the Easy Way
Learn how to easily set stones into pre-made bezel cup settings for your jewelry designs.
Single-Strand Necklace
Put a twist on the standard brick stitch weave to create a woven twisted ribbon then transform the ribbon into a lariat, finished with a pearl accent.
Designing with Wire Coils
Wire coils created with tools, gadgets and forming devices have limitless possibilities in jewelry making.
Using a Ring Guard
Learn how to use ring guards to tighten loose rings without resizing in this handy tutorial.
How to Use Hot Tips®, Designer Bead Tips
Conceal knots and complete strung jewelry designs with artistic flair using Hot Tips® designer bead tips. Hot Tips might look complicated, but they're super easy to use—this instructional guide shows how.
Using Omni-Gel™ Photo Transfer Liquid
Learn how to use Omni-Gel™ to create custom photo transfers.
Pavé-Style Setting Using the Tweezer Vac™
The compact, vacuum tool allows for precision placement. It works great for placing chatons, flat backs and small stones and when creating pavé-style jewelry.
Maltese Cross
A cross with four broad arms of equal length, with tips that look like inward pointing arrowheads.
Millefiori
Created by fusion of several glass rods arranged so that the cross-section creates a flower or pattern with a mosaic-like appearance.
Mala
A set of beads used by Hindus and Buddhists for prayer and meditation, similar to a Catholic rosary. Mala sets are usually made of a loop of 108 beads.
Mohs Hardness Scale
A scale ranging from one to ten, which rates the hardness of a gemstone or mineral in comparison with other minerals and gemstones.
Magnetic Clasp
A two-piece clasp with one or more magnets. The magnets hold the pieces of the clasp together. Can include Bead, Crimp, Hook-and-Eye and Snap Lock Clasp styles.
Thread Heaven®
Unravel the secrets of Thread Heaven® and uncover how it can streamline your jewelry-making endeavors.
Omega Chain
A type of neckwire where bands or links of metal are assembled on a wire or woven mesh for structure, for a flexible design. Also called Omega Necklace.
Thread
A length of fine string composed of several fibers twisted or spun into a single strand. Thread can be made of natural or manmade fibers.
Micron
A unit of length equivalent to 0.001mm, used for measuring the thickness of electroplating.
Tigertail™
A braided stainless steel cable-style wire used for jewelry-making, with a nylon coating against corrosion, and stiff enough to be strung without a needle.
Macramé
Find the definition of "macramé," an intricate fiber art.
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.
Embossing
The process of raising a domed design on the front of a piece of metal by beating it from behind with punches and a hammer.
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.
Liver of Sulfur™
A sulfur- based oxidizing agent, used to create an antiqued finish on silver, copper and brass beads and components.
Swivel Clasp
A form of the Lobster Claw Clasp. The swivel allows the design to twist 360 degrees while the clasp stays in place, so they are ideal for bracelets and anklets.
Leverback Earwire
(also Hinged Earwire) A type of earwire which has a hinged locking mechanism at the bottom, for added security.
Crystal Passions®
A brand name for leaded crystal glass. Crystal Passions® products are renowned for their color, brilliance and high quality.
Setting
A frame, container or cage designed for the placement of faceted gemstones or cabochons.
Lavalier
A pendant with one stone, suspended from a necklace.
Sautoir
Find the definition of "sautoir," a popular style of necklace in the 1920s.
Lost Wax Casting
Discover lost wax casting: a jewelry-making technique where a wax model is encased in plaster, melted away to form a mold and filled with metal.
Satin
Find the definition of "satin" as it pertains to jewelry making.
Luster
How light interacts with a surface. Originally used for gemstones like pearl and opal, it's been expanded to include a glossy sheen on materials like glass.
Stick pin
A straight pin worn vertically on a scarf or tie, which has some kind of ornamentation on the top. Explore Stick pin products.
Stabilized/Stabilization
Stabilization is the use of a colorless bonding agent (commonly plastic) with a porous gemstone to give it durability and improve appearance.
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.
Sterling Silver-Filled
Made by combining an outer layer of sterling silver (.925/20) around a copper-alloy core. Completed with an anti-tarnish coating to preserve its beauty.
Liquid Silver/Liquid Gold
Find the definition of "liquid silver" or "liquid gold."
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