Essential Resources

Fold Over Clasp

A low-profile clasp that is less likely to tangle or snag on clothes or hair than other styles. It folds shut, closing securely and locking with a quiet snap.

Foil

A thin leaf of metal placed behind a gem or stone to heighten its color or brilliance.

Creating an Eye Pin from a Length of Wire

Silent animation displays how to create an eye pin from a length of wire. Below the video are full written step-by-step instructions by jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman.

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Facet

A flat surface or plane on a cut gemstone. The movement of light from one facet to another creates the sparkle and flash of a stone.

Using Waterslide Image Transfers

Welcome to our tutorial on using Waterslide Image Transfers for your creative projects!

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Fiber Optic Glass

This glass gets its name from its similarity to Cat's Eye Quartz and the unique way the two materials refract light. Also called Cat's Eye Glass.

How to Open Magnetic Clasps

Learn the easy way to open magnetic clasps without risking damage or losing the magnets.

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Earwire

A thin piece of wire used to support ear jewelry. Ear wires come in many styles. The fishhook is popular often with a ball or coil to balance the finding.

Ear Thread

An earring form consisting of a short post with attached chain. The post serves as a "needle," allowing the chain to be threaded front-to-back through the ear.

Earstud

A finding, usually metal, used to create ear jewelry. The post or stud passes through the ear, and is secured by an earnut on the back. Also see Earpost.

Earpost

A finding, usually metal, used to create ear jewelry. The post or stud passes through the ear, and is secured by an earnut on the back. Also see Earstud.

Ear Cuff

A half-circle band or ring of metal pinched around the side or middle edge of the ear. Some styles have a dangle or a chain to an earstud on the same ear.

UNIVERSAL™ Magical Crimper Pliers

Jewelry designer Rose can't help but be excited when telling you about a pair of magical crimping pliers that turns a crimp tube into a round crimp bead. Don't blink, you might miss it!

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Weighing with Digital Scales

Discover the precision of digital scales for your crafting needs when accuracy in weight measurement is essential.

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How to Use the Crystal Katana Embellishment Positioner

The Crystal Katana is an invaluable tool when working with small crystals and embellishments, allowing you to easily grip and position them.

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Gold Filled

Explore the precise technical definition of "gold-filled" within this EncycloBEADia® entry.

EUROTOOL® Nylon Jaw Looping Pliers

In-house jewelry designer Jamie Smedley shows the benefit of EUROTOOL® nylon jaw pliers when working with jewelry-making wire you don’t want to mar or scratch.

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Gauge

The measurement of the thickness of wire or metal sheet: the higher the number, the thinner the metal.

Fishhook Clasp

A lightweight clasp with a fishhook-shaped interior hook which is inserted into an oval box. The hook stops jewelry from falling off if the clasps are opened.

Using EUROTOOL® Coil Cutting Pliers

We're diving into the world of jewelry-making with EUROTOOL® Coil Cutting Pliers -- designed to effortlessly handle wire coils. Complete with comfortable cushion grip handles and a center spring for smooth cutting action.

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Druzy

Name given to a layer of tiny quartz crystals which have formed on a gemstone.

Drop

A component that dangles from another component or the jewelry's body. A drop has one top loop or hole and any range of bottom loops or holes, including none.

Fire-Polished

A process in which beads are machine faceted, then polished by glazing inside a red-hot glass oven. This softens the edges and gives the beads a smooth feel.

Druk Bead

A high-quality round pressed glass bead imported directly from the Czech Republic.

Fringe Bead

A mostly round drop bead, created by Miyuki of Japan. Perfect for edges and the termination of a row of beadwork.

French Wire

Tightly coiled, fine wire that forms a flexible tube. Used to conceal and protect stringing materials from abrasion by metal jewelry findings. Also bouillon.

Donut

A flat component with a large center hole, usually round. Named after the pastry doughnut, the donut component is often used as a centerpiece.

Measuring with Calipers

Calipers make measuring small things, like beads and holes in beads, a snap.

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Dulling

Brushing a metal surface, sometimes with a matting punch or powder, to give it a duller (matte) finish.

Delica® Bead

Explore the rich origins and meticulous manufacturing process behind Delica® seed beads.

Adjustable Clasp

Has a short length of chain to vary the necklace length by attaching the clasp to different links of the chain. Includes Hook-and-Eye and Lobster Claw Clasps.

Adhesive

(see also Glue) A liquid, semi-liquid, gel or film that adheres or bonds items together. E-6000® and G-S Hypo cement are adhesives.

Collar

A broad, choker-like necklace of three or more strands that fit snugly on the neck. Length is 14 to 17 inches. Known as a plaque de cou if it has a front clasp.

Dead Soft

A term used for wire that is extremely malleable and can be bent easily into a myriad of shapes.

Add-a-Bead Clasp

A clasp narrow enough to allow large-hole beads to slide over the clasp and onto the chain or cord. Can include Bayonet Clasp or Bead Clasp styles.

Dichroic Glass

A glass material containing ultra-thin layers of metal oxides. The micro-layers create different layers and patterns of light refraction within the glass.

Czech Glass

Glass, usually in the form of beads, created in the Czech Republic. Also called Bohemian glass or Bohemian crystal.

Ceylon

The use of Ceylon before a bead color name indicates the addition of a luster coating or the inside coloring of an opalescent bead.

Cowrie/Cowry Shell

A shell, commonly white but also available in colors and patterns, which is smooth and glossy with a long, narrow, slit-like opening.

Using Spacer Bars in Multi-Strand Designs

Spacer bars are a great way to bring structure—and style!—to your multi-strand jewelry creations. Expert jewelry designer Tammy Honaman shows how they work in this video.

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A Complete Guide to Jooltool™

View in-depth how-to videos courtesy of Jooltool™ and renowned mixed media artist Lisa Pavelka that unveil the magic behind the Jooltool polishing system.

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Forming Complex Wire Shapes

Although jewelry wire is often used to support other components, it can also take center stage. Learn how to make sculptural wire pendants in this informative video with jewelry designer Sandra Lupo.

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Fine jewelry

Fine jewelry is jewelry that uses at least 14Kt gold or other precious metals and precious gems like diamonds, sapphires, rubies or emeralds.

Forming Basic Wire Shapes

Handmade wire components can take any jewelry design from "okay" to "wow!". Learn how to make an S-clasp, pendant hanger and bead cage with this how-to video with renowned metalsmith Sandra Lupo.

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Finding

A jewelry-making term for any metal component used to connect and/or assemble jewelry.

Flux

A liquid or paste used in metal soldering. Flux lowers the temperature of the metal surfaces to increase bonding and protect them from oxidization.

How to Use Magnifiers

Discover the art of using magnifiers in this informative video guide.

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Cat's Eye (Glass)

(also called Fiber Optic Glass) Created with manmade fiber optic glass, cat's eye refracts light in a way reminiscent of the oblong center of a cat's eye. This center appearance of movement is caused by chatoyance, which is defined as changeable luster or shine.

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