Essential Resources

Liquid Silver/Liquid Gold

A group of identical silver (or gold) tube beads strung in an uninterrupted group of strands. The jewelry created this way looks like flowing, liquid metal.

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.

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

A component that connects one component to another, or to a single loop in a chain. A link has the same amount of loops or holes on each end.

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.

How to Form a Wire Spiral

Jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman shows you how to form a wire spiral with step-by-step instructions. This simple technique makes a decorative addition to any design repertoire.

Design Idea 9A7S

Learn How

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

A mechanical bonding with a silver alloy of at least 92.5% fineness, which must be at least 1/20th of the metal in the piece. Also called silver overlay.

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.