Essential Resources

Gaspeite

Discovered in 1977, gaspeite is an intriguing rare mineral that is found in only a few places. Make sure one of those places is in your handmade jewelry designs!

Beryl

Beryl isn't so much a gemstone as it is a family of gemstones. While specific beryl varieties have their own properties, precious beryl tends to be affiliated by its color.

Charoite

Sources may disagree whether Charoite was named for the Chara River or the Russian word "chary" (meaning "charms" or "magic"), but we can agree it has a beautiful, striking appearance.

Hypersthene

The name "hypersthene" comes from the Greek word for "over strength," no doubt in reference to its hardness, but could also be related to the stone's protective metaphysical qualities.

Corundum

Corundum has been historically known as the gemstones ruby (red corundum) and sapphire (other colors). Corundum is very hard, tough and stable, making it ideal for a variety of uses.

Pietersite

How pietersite forms is an interesting process involving one mineral changing into another. Learn how this happens, why pietersite is called the tempest stone and more intriguing facts.

Hemimorphite

Hemimorphite gets its name from the Greek words hemi ("half") and morph ("shape") because each end has a different shape--a quite unusual behavior in crystal formation.

Opal, Peruvian

Peruvian opals were originally thought to be a gift from the Incan goddess Pachamama. Peruvian opal doesn't have the fiery play of light, but it does possess a beautiful iridescent quality.

Verdite

Verdite, sometimes mistaken for jade, can resemble an abstract canvas with varying earthy color patterns, making the gemstone a beautiful and unique addition to jewelry.

Seraphinite

Seraphinite is a soft gemstone, which can make designers nervous to use it, but the beauty of this greenish stone named after angels can't be emphasized enough for use in jewelry.

Pipestone (Catlinite)

Pipestone has a robust brick red color and can contain quartz or mica for a bit of sheen and shimmer, making this gemstone a favorite for both women's and men's jewelry designs.

Variscite

While variscite is mostly a collector's gem due to its rarity, the mineral is fabulous in jewelry with its vivid green color and intriuing array of associated metaphysical properties.

Sugilite

Sugilite offers lots of designing possibilities whether it's beads, cabochons, inlays and more. Like amethyst, sugilite's variety of purples makes it go well with just about everything.

Andesine

A fairly new gemstone, andesine is believed to have been discovered in 2003. You may be surprised to learn much of what was originally sold as andesine was actually enhanced labradorite

Jade, Mountain

Called mountain ''jade,'' this stone is actually high-grade dolomite marble from Asia. For jewelry, this material is frequently dyed rich, vivid colors, but its white form is also beautiful.

Calcite

Calcite is an effective abrasive cleaning agent and in the metaphysical world is believed to be a spiritual cleanser, helping change perspective and renew commitment to positive change.

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.

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.

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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. Learn more about this radiant gemstone in this article.

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

Learn about the discovery and properties of the incomparable, rare gemstone, Larimar.

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.

How to Create a European 6-in-1 Chainmaille Weave

Learn to create one of the most common forms of chainmaille using these step-by-step instructions.

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How to Create the Cubic Right Angle Weave

Here's an easy solution to learning the cubic right-angle weave. Simply follow this illustrative guide and start designing today.

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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.

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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.

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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!

Design Idea J414

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How to Create the Square Stitch

The square stitch is an integral seed bead stitch to add to your jewelry-making technique repertoire. These instructions don't cut corners, making sure you can master the stitch.

Design Idea J418

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How to Create a Japanese 6-in-1 Chainmaille Weave

For a less-than-linear look similar to the 4-in-1 Japanese chainmaille weave, design using this easy 6-in-1 method.

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Mounting

A jewelry setting designed for the placement of faceted gemstones or cabochons.

Filigree

Lace-like ornamental work of fine gold or silver wire.

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.

Design Idea D91W

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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.

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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.

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Bezel Setting Stones the Easy Way

Learn how to easily set stones into pre-made bezel cup settings for your jewelry designs.

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Designing with Wire Coils

Wire coils created with tools, gadgets and forming devices have limitless possibilities in jewelry making.

Design Idea A55Y

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Using a Ring Guard

Learn how to use ring guards to tighten loose rings without resizing in this handy tutorial.

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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.

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The Braided Look: 3-strand Bracelet

Braiding multiple strands of small beads gives body to the design and creates visually captivating textures. These easy-to-follow instructions for three-strand braids will get you started.

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Using Omni-Gel™ Photo Transfer Liquid

Learn how to use Omni-Gel™ to create custom photo transfers.

Design Idea 63EN

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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.

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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

A method of cord knotting that creates a rough, lace-like band. Commonly used in jewelry and décor, macramé popularly uses cotton, hemp, silk and leather cords.

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.

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