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