Delica® Bead
Explore the rich origins and meticulous manufacturing process behind Delica® seed beads.
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Jewelry Medium (3529)
Bead Mosaics (28)
Resin & Mixed Media (160)
Polymer Clay (223)
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Seed Beading (606)
Wireworking (878)
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Essential Resources
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.
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.
Flush-Cutting Pliers
Pliers used to trim headpins, eyepins, wire-wrapping wire and cable-style beading wire. The outside surface of the curved blades creates a flat, flush cut.
Cathedral Glass
Made by pressing glass into a steel mold, coating with color, then grinding and polishing every facet. The color coating remains on the ends of the beads.
Costume Jewelry
A category of jewelry is generally thought of as jewelry made from base metals, glass, plastics and other synthetics. It may also be comprised of shell, wood and other organic materials. Costume jewelry can be artisan-made or mass produced.
Crystal (Quartz)
(see also Quartz Crystal) Naturally occurring quartz in its clear or colorless form.
How to Clean Jewelry
Learn how to safely and effectively clean your jewelry using the right polishing cloths, liquid cleaners and maintenance tips to keep your pieces looking their best.