Firing Gemstones into Art Clay®
Adding gemstones to metal clay can increase the appeal of a piece, but it's important to know how the stones will react. This article discusses how to fire different stone types.
Essential Resources
Explore Resources
Categories
Jewelry Medium (3634)
Bead Mosaics (29)
Resin & Mixed Media (164)
Polymer Clay (231)
Chainmaille (139)
Bead Stringing (1113)
Metalworking (259)
Seed Beading (614)
Wireworking (886)
Fiber & Textile (233)
Design Style (2835)
Awareness & Causes (18)
Boho (226)
Classic (90)
Décor (144)
Men's (91)
Minimalist (238)
Seasonal & Holiday (1361)
Statement (234)
Trends (120)
Vintage (55)
Wedding Jewelry & Décor (220)
Western (195)
Essential Resources (1145)
Charts (68)
Design Principles (40)
EncycloBEADia® (320)
Gemstone Meanings (183)
How-Tos (342)
Tools & Supplies (268)
Working With Color (27)
Springring Clasp
A popular spring-loaded clasp used with a jumpring or chain tab. It comes in a multitude of sizes, for single-strand to multi-strand designs.
Loop-Closing Pliers
Pliers with an internal groove, allowing for the curvature of varied loops. These pliers are used to smoothly close loops, jump rings, bracelet links and more.
Split Ring Pliers
Pliers with a small hook on one tip, designed to open split rings just enough for use. The split ring can then close without distorting or warping the metal.
Split Ring
Double-wire ring findings, similar to those on a keychain, used to connect jewelry-making components. Stronger and bulkier than an equivalently sized jump ring.
Link
Find the definition of "link" for versatile jewelry design.
Spacer Bar
Jewelry finding used to hold multiple strands of beads in alignment and prevent tangling, are inserted at intervals while stringing the beads.
Snap Lock Clasp
A low-profile clasp that is less likely to tangle or snag on clothes or hair than other styles. It folds shut, closing securely and locking with a quiet snap.
Semiprecious Stones
Natural stones that generally have a lower value than precious stones, including amethyst, aventurine, carnelian, garnet, opal, rose quartz and others.
Silver Plate
A fine silver film deposited on a base metal by electrolysis, in the same kind of electrically-charged bath used to make gold electroplate.
Silver-Filled
Find the definition of "silver-filled" types of metal components.
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.
Slide Lock Clasp
A clasp consisting of a set of tubes, one of which slides inside the other and locks into place. See also Multi-Strand Clasp.
Shore Hardness
Three different scales ranging from 10-100 for measuring the resistance of gels, rubbers and plastics to indentation.
S-Hook Clasp
A double-ended clasp shaped like an "S." Available in many sizes and styles, some with two rings. Pinch or pull the arm of the "S" to close or open the clasp.
Loomwork
(see also Bead Weaving, On-Loom) The process of using seed beads woven between the warp threads on a Beading Loom, to create a design or pattern.
Seed Bead
A uniformly shaped significantly small bead used for beading and jewelry-making. Seed beads are available in a myriad of colors, finishes and sizes.
Scatter Pin
Find the definition of "scatter pin," which was a popular style in the 1950s.
Screw Clasp
A low-profile clasp with a threaded closure, which is twisted or screwed to open and to close. See also Bead, Barrel and Torpedo Clasp styles.
Scarab
Uncover the profound symbolism of the scarab, an ancient emblem revered for millennia to embody soulful concepts and spiritual significance.
Riviere
Necklace of stones, either all the same size or graded from a large central stone.
Rattail
2mm satin cord.
Lampworked Glass
A type of glasswork, commonly seen in beads or focals, that uses a gas-fueled torch to melt glass rods and tubes of glass to create patterns and designs.
Alloy
A blend of elements to create a new metal, usually in order to add strength and durability. Argentium™ silver is an alloy of silver, copper and germanium.
Polishing
Find the definition of "polishing."
Pliers
A precision hand tool used for a variety of purposes in jewelry-making: to hold objects firmly, to cut or bend wire, to crimp or flatten components and others.
Pickle
A liquid applied to a metal surface that removes surface impurities (such as stains, scale, rust and more).
Palladium
Palladium is a dense and lustrous, precious white-silver metal. A cousin of the platinum metal group, this rare metal is popular for fine metal jewelry.
Nymo
Nylon beading thread produced by the Belding Corticelli Company. Extremely fine thread popularly used in seed bead on-loom and off-loom bead weaving projects.
Nylon Jaw Pliers
A pair of pliers with attached nylon contact surfaces. Ideal for gripping round, square, twisted, coated, plated and precious metal wires during wireworking.
Antiqued
Metal beads and components which have a human-created patina which alters the surface colors and gives the appearance of age.
Electroplating
Coating a metal surface by means of electrolysis. The amount of electroplate on an object is measured in microns (one micron = 0.001mm).
Antique Finish
(see also Antiqued) A patina created on metal beads and components that alters the surface colors and gives the appearance of age.
Antique
An item, regardless of quality, which was manufactured 100 or more years ago.
Lobster Claw Clasp
A self-closing clasp in the general shape of a lobster's claw. However, this spring-loaded clasp is available in a range of shapes, sizes and styles.
Intaglio
Find the definition of "intaglio," a popular jewelry style from antiquity.
Annealing
Heating metal in order to activate, increase or change its strength, hardness, ductibility and other traits.
Enamel
Colored, opaque glassy material fused onto metal, pottery or glass.
Forming Wire Coils
Create wire coils with tools, gadgets and forming devices designed to make consistent coils for limitless jewelry-making. Have fun choosing from all the different wires to then make different coils.
Inlay
To set pieces of wood or ivory, for example, into a surface, usually at the same level, to form a design.
Anklet
A form of bracelet, usually chain, worn around the ankle. Anklets made of leather or fiber are increasingly popular.
Kevlar
A synthetic fiber used in bulletproof vests and adapted to jewelry-making for its high strength in relation to its thickness. Resilient to changes in heat.
Engraving
A pattern made by cutting away the surface of metal, wood or other surface.
Kidney Earwire
A type of earwire which loops through the ear and has a small hook on the bottom to latch the wire closed for added security.
Nuggets
Large, tumbled freeform pieces of gemstone or glass.
Jumpring
A piece of wire formed into a loop, usually round, and used to connect jewelry components. Jump rings are offered in round, oval, triangle, square and more.
Needle
A length of metal with a small hole on one end used to draw stringing material through beads and components, or used to draw thread through textiles.
End-Cutting Nippers
A pair of pliers with metal-cutting blades, ideal for cutting thicker posts, pegs or wires.
Jig
(usually Wire Jig or Wireworking Jig) A plate or frame with moveable pegs used for creating standardized and repeatable wire-based jewelry components.
End Cap
A finding which allows for a bead, component or stringing material to be inserted or otherwise attached inside it.
Nickel
A silver-white metal popular for plating because it is malleable and resists oxidation. The most common of metal allergies.
Matte
A dull finish, particularly on metals.
Hexagon Bead
A hexagon bead is usually a flat bead, with a drill hole that runs from one of the six sides through the middle of the flat bead to the side directly opposite.
Armature
A framework around which a sculpture is built. Large clay pieces may use armatures to reduce firing time and to stretch more expensive materials.
How to Create a Pondo Stitch
Join Rose in this easy beading tutorial to learn the Pondo stitch—a versatile and uncomplicated technique perfect for designing popular seed bead bracelets, necklaces, and more. Discover the joy of creating stunning beadwork with this step-by-step Pondo stitch guide.
Hex-Cut Bead
Seed bead with six sides, giving it a hexagonal shape. Available from many manufacturers, in a variety of colors, sizes and finishes.
Matinee Length
Find the definition of "matinee length" for necklaces.
Mousetail
1.5mm satin cord.
Mosaic
An image or pattern created by using small colored pieces set in mortar.
Mandrel
A wood or metal form used to shape metal into a desired shape and size, or to size rings or wrist bangles.
Manchette Bracelet
A broad bracelet in the form of a cuff.
Memory Wire
A steel wire which holds (remembers) its preformed shape. Memory wire jewelry does not require a clasp, using wire tension to keep jewelry on.
Multi-Strand Clasp
A clasp which secures jewelry with two or more strands. Some styles are accented with gemstones, enamel or inlay work. Can be called by a myriad of names.
Flat-Nose Pliers
A pair of pliers with smooth, flat jaws, used to bend wire, stabilize beads and components, flatten wire, create sharp corners in wireworking and more.
Rosary Pliers
Pliers created by blending Round-Nose Pliers with Side-Cutting Pliers. Round-Nose Pliers create round loops and curves. Side-Cutting Pliers cut wire smoothly.
Rosary
A particular configuration of beads and components used in the Roman Catholic religious belief.
Resin
A solid or semi-solid organic (carbon based) material, either natural or synthetic. In general, non-soluble in water.
Iris
An iridescent color, coating or finish which creates a play of colors on its surface. Similar to AB finish, iris has a darker, shorter spectrum of color play.
Aurora Borealis (AB)
Named for the northern lights, aurora borealis is a term for crystal stones that have a highly iridescent surface. Often abbreviated to AB.
Repousse
Find the definition of the "repousse" metal texturing method.
Rope necklace
Find the definition of "rope necklace" for dramatic style.
Round-Nose Pliers
A pair of pliers with round jaws, used to create curves and loops in a range of diameters in headpins, eyepins and other metal wire.
Rondelle Bead
A flat or disc-shaped bead. Typically round, rondelles are also available in square or triangular shapes.
Rivoli
A round crystal component which is faceted to a point on both sides.
Rhinestone
Originally quartz sourced along the Rhine. Today, it means colorless potash-and-lead glass that contains lead crystal quartz. Also called strass, diamante.
Rhodium
An expensive whitish-gray metallic element from the platinum family.
Organza Ribbon
Ribbon woven in a sheer fabric in a variety of colors.
Ribbon
A thin band of flexible material, usually fabric or leather, used for binding and tying. In jewelry-making, ribbon is used for stringing, embellishment and more.
Rocaille Bead
Rocaille seed beads are small, rounded beads perfect for adding texture and color to jewelry. With a variety of sizes and finishes, they’re ideal for creating everything from delicate necklaces to bold statement pieces.
Quench
A technique used in metalworking used to harden steel by immersing in air, oil, water or brine (salt water).
Horn
Bead and component material carved from the horns of animals like cattle and goats. Horn is a permanent growth on the head of an animal. Antler is shed yearly.
Hank
A grouping of multiple strands of beads tied together. Many forms of seed beads are sold this way, especially Czech seed beads.
Hematite
A gunmetal grey mineral form of iron oxide used in jewelry-making and décor objects. Sometimes magnetized. Believed to have metaphysical attributes.
Hemp Cord
A cord made from the fibers of the industrial hemp plant and commonly used in jewelry. It knots easily, making it ideal for knotting or macramé projects.
Hammering
Giving metal surface marks and textures by hammering.
Hemalyke™
A manmade material resembling natural hematite, at significantly lower cost. Sometimes magnetized or used as a base for a variety of finishes and coatings.
Half-Drilled Bead
A bead with a drill hole that only goes halfway through. Half-drilled beads are attached to various settings using a glue or other adhesive.
Hook-and-Eye Clasp
A clasp with a hook on one side and an open loop on the other. Can include Adjustable, Crimp, Hook-Style, Magnetic and Multi-Strand Clasp styles.
Headpin
A length of wire, usually straight, with one flattened or embellished end. The flattened end prevents beads from slipping off the end of the pin.
Peyote Stitch
An off-loom bead-weaving technique used by many cultures, in which beads are woven in a zigzag. Peyote stitch has both flat and tube-shaped variations.
Upeye
Finding that can be bonded to round bead or tumbled stone to add a loop and create a pendant.
Pavé Setting
The method of setting stones very close together so that very little metal shows between them.
Grip Length
Find the definition of "grip length" for acquiring the skill to use bails.
Granulation
Find the definition of "granulation," a beautiful method of decoration.
Patina
The coloration that occurs in certain metals when they are exposed at length to the atmosphere. Can be greenish or reddish depending on the type of metal.
Prong Bail
A finding used to attach a chain to a cross-drilled pendant.
You supply the creativity, we supply everything else! ®