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.
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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.
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.
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.
How to Create a Half Persian 3-in-1 Chainmaille Weave
Looking for a new style of chainmaille to add to your jewelry-making repertoire? Learn to create a half Persian 3-in-1 weave with these instructions.
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
Decoration made by carving or engraving a design into a gem or other hard material. Intaglio is the opposite of cameo.
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.
Adjustable Cord Necklaces, Bracelets and Anklets
Follow this handy tutorial to learn how to take a pair of cords and a focal and turn them into an eye-catching adjustable necklace!
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.
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