Essential Resources

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

A small pin usually a bird, insect, or flower worn in groups. Popular 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

The process in the last stage of metal finishing in which a rotating instrument is dipped in a polishing substance. Increases shine and eliminates flaws.

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.