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.
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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.
Grip Length
The depth of the grip range of an ice-pick bail. The grip length measures the distance of a stringing hole from the edge of a drilled focal.
Granulation
Intricate patterns are created through granulation. Tiny ball shapes are fashioned into patterns, heat fused, then carefully antiqued and polished.
Patina
The coloration that occurs in certain metals when they are exposed at length to the atmosphere. Can be greenish or reddish depending on the type of metal.
Prong Bail
A finding used to attach a chain to a cross-drilled pendant.
Gunmetal
Discover "gunmetal": its origins, the inspiration for its name, and its role in jewelry making. Explore gunmetal and its versatile applications here.
Princess Length
A 17- to 19-inch length necklace.
Pearl Essence
Explore the mystery of pearl essence and its origins in this enlightening entry from the EncycloBEADia®.
Gem Setting Pliers
A pair of pliers used to set or tighten the prongs on gemstone settings. The structure of these pliers gives them and parallel jaws and exceptional leverage.
Pearl Reamer
A specialized file or hand drill used to complete or widen the drill hole in pearls.
Precious Stones
Rare and costly gems: diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires.
Porcelain Bead
Created from ceramic material and fired at a high temperature, leading to a stronger and tougher bead or component.
Opera-length
An especially long strand necklace. Length is 26 to 36 inches.
Pony Bead
A bead cut from a tube of glass or plastic, then tumbled and polished to smooth the edges. Used on cornrow braids, fringe and in Native American styles.
Pendant
An ornament suspended from a single chain.
Platinum
A rare grey-white metal (and element) used in jewelry. It is resistant to tarnish and wear-and-tear.
Riveting with a Wire Rivet
Learn the art of cold-joining with wire rivets, seamlessly bringing metal pieces together with precision and craftsmanship.
Designing with Invisible Cording
Follow along in this video to create a necklace with 'floating' crystal rings using Invizi™-Cord.
Almost Instant Jewelry®
Almost Instant Jewelry® is a line of settings made specifically for Swarovski® crystal fancy stones. In this jewelry-making product show-and-tell, see how fast and easy it is to use these earring, pendant and other mounts.
How to Set Up the Rotary Tool
Follow along with Joel Peterson to see how to change out the various bits or attach a flex shaft to the rotary tool and use this jewelry-making tool for inlaying, cutting, carving, cleaning and polishing.
How to Set Stones in Cupchain with the Prong Pusher Set
Silent animation shows how to assemble the prong pusher tool with the appropriately sized prong head, and then how to use the prong pusher tool to set a stone. Includes written instructions below the video.
Eurotool® Punch
The EUROTOOL® spring-loaded steel punch is that handy tool you never knew you needed for making clean, accurate and professional holes without scratching metal surfaces. This informational video shows how the punch's adjustable spring lets cold connection, metalworking and mixed media artists prepare hole locations in a variety of flat metal pieces.
Tube Cutting Jig
In this video learn how to use this wire cutting jig to cut jewelry wire, tubes and more to the exact same length every time.
Tronex® Pliers
Learn all about ergonomic Tronex® jewelry-making pliers and discover their precision-cutting benefits in this informational video.
How to Use the Beadalon Ring Weaver Tool
Introducing the Beadalon® Threaded Plastic Clasps – your ultimate tool for effortlessly weaving intricate rings in various sizes and materials, designed by renowned international designer Kleshna.
Using the Kumihimo Square Plate to Create Square Braids
Learn how to make a square kumihimo braid with these illustrated instructions. All it takes is a square kumihimo plate, cord, and this guide.
LED Magnifier Kit
Learn all the benefits of this five-in-one lighted magnifier with 5 different lens strengths, an adjustable headband and more in this jewelry-making tool product spotlight.
3x3 Hole Punch
Easily make evenly spaced holes with smooth, clean edges for metalworking or cold connection designs using the 3x3 hole punch jewelry-making tool. See how it works in this informational video. Includes written instructions below the video.
Gemstone
A piece of mineral which, when cut and polished, is used for jewelry, clothing or décor. Some gemstone material is organic, such as amber, jet and pearl.
Galvanized Bead
A bead which has been coated with a protective or decorative metallic coating.
How to Use the Bead Buddy® Cabochon Mandrel
Follow along with Rose to see the easy way to wrap an oval cabochon using the amazing Bead Buddy® cabochon mandrel.
Caring for Rubber Texture Stamps
Rubber texture stamps can be used for a range of projects and medium types—if they're cleaned and maintained properly to avoid contamination. Watch world-renowned mixed-media artist Lisa Pavelka share tips on how to care for stamps. Written instructions included below the video.
Secrets to Using Bead Caps
Bead caps add a professional touch to bead dangles and strung jewelry. In this video, jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman shows how to stack a bead cap on beads using a headpin and simple loop technique. Written instructions included below the video.
Fimo® Professional - True Colours
Lisa Pavelka, award-winning mixed-media artist, explains why she loves the Fimo® Professional artist-quality polymer clay line.
Secrets to Using a Bead Knotting Tool
Tammy Honaman demonstrates how to create pearl knotted jewelry easily with the help of The Bead Knotter™ tool.
How to Use the Hand Vise
Silent animation shows how to assemble the hand vise and load it with wire. Written instructions included below the video.
Secrets to Simple Loops
The simple loop is a must-learn basic jewelry-making technique. Follow along with step-by-step instructions by expert jewelry maker Tammy Honaman.
How to Use a Bracelet Bending Tool
Create perfectly curved cuff bracelets in just a few seconds with this handy bending tool. Animated instructions make it even easier.
Secrets to Professional Crimping
Learn a handy secret or two (or three) from expert jewelry maker, Tammy Honaman, on how to crimp as effectively as possible when professionally finishing jewelry designs.
Secrets to Opening and Closing Jump Rings
Learn the right way to open and close jump rings! Jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman shows how to avoid warping the wire and making connections less secure. Written instructions included below the video.
Secrets to French Wire
Learn all about the secrets to using French wire in this step-by-step tutorial with renowned jewelry artist Tammy Honaman.
Secrets to Finishing with Bead Ends
Complete memory wire designs stylishly with half-drilled bead ends. In this video, jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman shares this quick-and-easy jewelry-making technique. Below the video are also full written step-by-step instructions.
Secrets to Cutting Memory Wire
Memory wire is a favorite jewelry wire for quick bead stringing projects, but you need a special tool to cut the stainless steel so your wire (and pliers!) aren't damaged.
Secrets to Crimping with Crimp Tubes
Finish beading wire securely with crimp tubes. Expert jewelry maker and instructor Tammy Honaman shows how to use them to add clasps to the end of your jewelry.
Secret to a Surgeon's Knot
How to tie a surgeons knot? We've got you covered. Unlock the 'knot'-orious secrets of perfecting the surgeon's knot in this video for a surefire way to finish your jewelry designs!
Secrets to Crimp Covers - Hiding Knots
Did you know crimp covers aren't just for crimps? Renowned jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman shows you the secrets of using crimp covers to hide knots.
Amethyst
Despite being a common gemstone, amethyst is one of the most popular. This birthstone has an interesting Greek myth involving a nymph named Amethystos and the god Dionysus.
How to Use Beadalon® MULTIPLIERS™
In this how-to video led by jewelry designer Rose, see why two heads are better than one with these time-saving pliers from Beadalon®.
Wolf Tools® Groovy Looping Pliers
See how to create consistent, same size loops from jewelry wire with the Wolf Tools® Groovy Looping pliers in this video.
How to Use Beadalon® Double Banding Pliers
The Beadalon® double banding pliers are an amazingly handy tool to use when you want to secure double thickness of square wire. See for yourself!
Clay Carving Tools
The right clay tools make creating with polymer clay easier and more fun. Christi Friesen, polymer clay artist extraordinaire, explains why she loves this set of five double-ended clay carving tools in a fun jewelry-making product feature.
How to Remove the Waxed Coating from Lava Beads
Want to wear some fragrant bling? This video spills the wax-off secrets for creating aromatherapy-ready beads!
Designing with 2-Part Epoxy
2-part epoxy is a versatile medium. Not only is it a glue that will join two things together, it can be molded, shaped, textured and used to create stunning designs.
Making Ball-Tip Headpins with a Butane Torch
Use a Microtorch for butane fuel to make ball tipped headpins out of sterling silver wire.
Art Clay® Fundamentals Video
Learn tips from jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman for working with Art Clay®, including the tools to use when creating, finishing and firing this jewelry metal clay.
How to Use The Bead Buddy® E-Z Looper™ Pliers
Silent animation shows how to use The Bead Buddy® E-Z Looper™ Pliers to make standard, professional simple loops every time. Written instructions included below the video.
Glue
(see also Adhesive) A liquid, semi-liquid, gel or film that adheres or bonds items together. E-6000® and G-S Hypo cement are glues.
Gold Imitation
An alloy of zinc, tin and copper that results in a yellow the color of gold.
Secrets to Crimp Covers - Hiding Crimp Beads
Renowned jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman shows you the secrets of using crimp covers to hide crimp beads. Come get a taste of expertise that years of experience has led to.
Gold Electroplate
An electrolytic coating with gold or an alloy of at least 10% fineness to a minimum thickness throughout that is equivalent to seven millionths of an inch.
Secrets to Bead Tips with Thread
Bead tips create a professional finish for jewelry designs strung on thread. In this video, jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman demonstrates connecting beaded thread to a clasp using a bead tip.
EUROTOOL® Beader's Delight Pliers
This video demonstrates how versatile the EUROTOOL® Beader’s Delight Pliers are. From cutting wire to creating loops, follow along to see all you can do with these pliers.
Secrets to Bead Tips with Accu-Flex® Beading Wire
How to use bead tips for a clean, professional finish on Accu-Flex® and other beading wire. Watch this short video as jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman demonstrates how to get this professional finish.
Beadalon® Jewel Loom® Beading Loom Tips
Explore five different beading loom tips specific to the Beadalon® Jewel Loom®, including how to secure the ends of your design, how to add a ribbon clasp and other looming techniques.
Secrets to a Wrapped Loop
Learn how to make the perfect wrapped loop for creating secure and professional drops or connections in jewelry designs. Jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman shows each step of this foundational jewelry-making technique.
Secrets to a Split Ring Loop
Give a head pin its own secure connection by adding a split ring loop on the end. Jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman demonstrates technique for keeping dangles and drops attached. Below the video are also full written step-by-step instructions.
Using Earring Card Punch Tools with Adhesive Front PVC Earring Cards
Showcase your jewelry and your brand at the same time! Use these punch tools to transform your custom printed business cards into hangable earring cards. Watch the silent animation to see how to work and clean the punch tools—or refer to the full written step-by-step instructions included below the video.
Secrets to a Half-Hitch Knot
To finish a strung jewelry design, try using a half-hitch knot as demonstrated in this tutorial by jewelry-making expert and educator Tammy Honaman.
Secrets to a Double Wrapped Loop
Learn how to make a double wrapped loop with this informational video with Tammy Honaman. This technique can be used to create secure beaded links or drops.
How to Use the Beadalon® Tying Station
The Beadalon® Tying Station is a great way to create Shamballa-style, lashed wrap, knotted friendship and other bracelets. Video how-to and step-by-step written instructions walk you through the process—including using the extender pad for creating longer styles!
Secrets to a Double Simple Loop
This handy how-to video will show you how to make double simple loops. Create beaded links to use in necklaces, bracelets, earrings and more.
How to Use the Beadalon® Knot-a-Bead™ Tabletop Cord Knotter
Want to quickly and easily knot between pearls in your handmade jewelry? Wyatt White from Beadalon® demonstrates how to use the Knot-a-Bead™ tabletop knotter for this purpose.