Getting Started in Jewelry Making
Ready to explore jewelry-making? Our step-by-step guide covers essential tools, techniques, and tips to create stunning pieces. Start your creative journey today!
Essential Resources
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Jewelry Medium (3630)
Bead Mosaics (29)
Resin & Mixed Media (164)
Polymer Clay (231)
Chainmaille (139)
Bead Stringing (1109)
Metalworking (259)
Seed Beading (614)
Wireworking (886)
Fiber & Textile (233)
Design Style (2832)
Awareness & Causes (18)
Boho (226)
Classic (90)
Décor (144)
Men's (91)
Minimalist (238)
Seasonal & Holiday (1358)
Statement (234)
Trends (120)
Vintage (55)
Wedding Jewelry & Décor (220)
Western (195)
Essential Resources (1145)
Charts (68)
Design Principles (40)
EncycloBEADia® (320)
Gemstone Meanings (183)
How-Tos (342)
Tools & Supplies (268)
Working With Color (27)
Obsidian, Black
Discover the history and properties of black obsidian, from ancient tools to modern jewelry. Learn how this volcanic glass has shaped cultures and design
Jet Black Jewelry
Explore the current trend of black gemstones in jewelry for a jet-black jeweled look.
Make Gifts with Resin & Molds
When thinking of gift giving, what better way to show your love than with handmade personal gifts? And because you can make several items with resin, it's easy on your pocketbook!
How to Be Inspired By (but not copy) Jewelry
Here’s a helpful guide and examples for jewelry makers on finding design inspiration without copying.
Single-Strand Necklace
Polymer clay has never looked as festive as in this ornate poinsettia necklace, featuring Crystal Passions® pearls, and glittering golden topaz flat backs.
Three-Piece Stretch Bracelet Set
Learn how to make your own Christmas bracelets for gifts and selling using Tila beads.
6 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid When Using Resin
Join Elaine to learn about 6 rookie mistakes to avoid when using resin, including accurate measuring, thorough mixing and more.
Garnet, Tsavorite
Explore the captivating journey of tsavorite—from its geological origins and rich metaphysical symbolism to its exquisite use in modern jewelry design.
4 Tools to Save Your Hands and Eyesight
Discover 4 must-have tools to save your hands and eyesight in DIY jewelry making.
Set of 6 Christmas Tree Earrings
Create these simple Christmas tree earrings for a quick and dazzling addition to your holiday inventory.
Commedia Dell'arte
Discover how Commedia dell'Arte and Carnevale shape today's fashion. Infuse this historic flair into your jewelry designs!
How to Create a Wire Woven Pendant Using the "Baby" Jewel Loom®
Enhance your jewelry-making skills with this step-by-step tutorial on using the Beadalon® “Baby” Jewel Loom® to create a charming necklace.
Fine Silver
Fine silver is a high-purity form of silver, consisting of 99.9% pure silver, often denoted as .999 or 999. This means it contains only a minimal amount of impurities, typically 0.1% or less. Fine silver is known for its lustrous white appearance and high reflectivity, making it a popular choice for high-quality jewelry, coins and investment-grade bullion.
Brick Stitch
Find the definition of "brick stitch" for bead weaving.
Matching Gemstones to Eye Color
Match your eye color with gemstones: aquamarine for blue, jade for green, and topaz for brown. Explore our curated or full collection to create your perfect piece.
Tension (or Stop) Bead
A tension bead (or stopper bead) holds your work in place. To make one, string a bead larger than those you are working with, then pass through the bead one or more times, making sure not to split your thread. The bead will be able to slide along but will still provide tension to work against when you're beading the first two rows.
Stringing
A technique in which beads are gathered on a strand. Beading wire, needle and thread and other materials are used for stringing.
Friendship Bracelet
The go-to accessory of our tween years is back! Mark adult friendships by offering friendship bracelets and personalize them using these tips and techniques.
Learn the Dot Stitch
Embark on your creative journey with seed beads today by mastering the fundamentals of the dot stitch. Follow along with Rose in this step-by-step video tutorial.
The History of Glass Beads
Discover the history of glass bead making, with roots in Ancient Rome and evolving through innovative techniques spurred by the advent of industrialization.
Tubular Herringbone Stitch
Begin with a foundation row of ladder stitch. Join the ends together to form a tube. String 2 beads. Pass down through the next bead and up through the bead after it. Repeat around the tube. At the end of the round, pass through the first beads of the previous and current rounds to step up to the new round.
Netting (Single Thread)
Begin by stringing a base row of 13 beads. String 5 beads and go back through the fifth bead from the end of the base row. String another 5 beads, skip 3 beads of the base row, and go back through the next. Repeat to the end of the row, passing through the fifth, fourth, and third beads of those just strung and exiting from the third. Turn the work over and go back across the same way.
How-To: Single Strand Slider Bracelet
Join Caitlyn of Busy Beader as Elaine shows her how to make a slide-clasp knot closure for stylish bracelets.
You supply the creativity, we supply everything else! ®