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.
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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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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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