Essential Resources

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

Patterns or decorations achieved with punches or chasing hammers.

Rope necklace

Long, single-strand continuous necklace, 37 inches or longer.

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.

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