Essential Resources

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.

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