Essential Resources

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

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.

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