10 Common Gemstones For Jewelry Makers
Learn about the 10 most common gemstones used by jewelry makers. Join Joel and Dev as they discuss gemstones, their origins and other nifty facts.
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Making Jump Rings with Jump Ring Mandrels
You can learn how to make your own jump rings! Sandra Lupo, metalsmithing expert, shows how to use wire and a mandrel to form these jewelry-making powerhouses.
Product Spotlight: Boss' Bead Bag
Discover the endless design possibilities of the Boss' Bead Bag as jewelry designer Rose creates an eclectic Bohemian-style bracelet from miscellaneous pieces.
Firing Metal Clay with a Butane Torch
Award-winning artist Lisa Pavelka shares terminology, techniques and safety tips for firing metal clay with a butane torch.
How To use Anti-Tarnish Strips
Learn how to use anti-tarnish strips to keep your jewelry shining bright.
Learn How to Finish Elastic and Powercord® Jewelry
Learn how to finish elastic and Powercord® jewelry like a pro to create popular gemstone energy bracelets and more.
Sawing Metal
Learn tips and tricks on how to use a jeweler's saw blade on metal.
Using Crimp Tubes with Accu-Flex® Professional Quality Beading Wire
Professionally secure your Accu-Flex stringing designs with handy crimp tubes. Jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman demonstrates how in this video tutorial.
Using Crimp Tubes with Cording
Watch as Tammy Honaman, author, jewelry-making expert and educator, shows how easy it can be to use crimp tubes with cord in jewelry designs.
Using Crimp Ends with Accu-Flex® Beading Wire
Crimp ends secure your beading wire and make it easy to add your favorite clasps. Jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman walks you through how to use these handy little findings.
Securing a Donut with a Donut Bail
Turn a gemstone or glass donut into an eye-catching pendant with donut bails.
Making a Silk Thread Needle
Follow along to learn how to create a silk thread needle, a helpful technique when hand knotting pearls and other beads.
Hand Knotting Pearls
Hand-knotting with thread places evenly sized knots in between each pearl or bead in your design.
Steel Hole Punch, How-To
The easy way to use a steel hole punch, makes holes with smooth edges and a good round shape.
Making Beads with the Paper Bead Roller
Watch as Tammy Honaman demonstrates how easy it is to create paper beads with the paper bead roller tool and a little Mod Podge.
How to Use French Wire
French wire is a versatile finding known for protecting thread from wear and tear. Watch as designer Marlynn McNutt shows how to use it with Accu-Flex® wire.
Crochet with Wire: The Chain Stitch
Crocheting isn't just for yarn! Watch this video to learn how to use the chain stitch to incorporate beads and other items into your jewelry designs.
How to Use a Disc Cutter
Save time and effort with metal disc cutters! Watch Michael show how to use these handy tools to shape metal for your jewelry.
How to Use Ribbon Ends in Jewelry Designs
Finishing your ribbon jewelry is a snap with ribbon ends. Learn how in this helpful video.
Personalize Jewelry Using Steel Letter and Number Punches
Jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman walks you through how to add the flair of personalization to metal jewelry with letter and number punches in this handy video.
How to Use a Ring Stretcher
Introducing our user-friendly Tabletop Ring Stretcher, perfect for effortlessly stretching rings up to half a size without the need for heating, making your jewelry crafting a breeze!
E6000® Adhesive Comparison
Learn the differences between these three 5-star rated E6000 adhesives to discover which will work best for your jewelry or embellishment projects: Jewelry and Bead™, Extreme Tack™ and Shoe Dazzle™.
How to Open and Lock a Link Lock
In this video, we'll show you how to effortlessly open and lock a Link Lock, providing a secure and solder-free solution for connecting and linking your favorite jewelry components.
DIY Earrings
Learn how to use the disc cutter tool with Award winning designer Lisa Pavelka as she creates a pair of crescent moon earrings
Using a Need A Bead Now™ Organizer Tote
The Need A Bead Now™ organizer tote is easy to use for storing jewelry supplies. Video hosted by internationally renowned polymer clay artist Judy Belcher.
Inserting a Saw Blade into a Jeweler's Saw Frame
Welcome, jewelry enthusiasts! In this video, we'll show you how to expertly insert a saw blade into a jeweler's saw frame, a must-have tool for precision metal sheet cutting in your jewelry-making endeavors.
How To Use The EUROTOOL® Stamp Holder
See how the EUROTOOL stamp holder keeps everything in place for stamped jewelry designs.
Using Memory Wire Finishing Pliers
Wyatt White, formerly of Beadalon®, shows off a wonderful tool for working with memory wire. You'll wonder how you designed memory wire jewelry without them.
How to Use the Artistic Wire® Ring and Bracelet Finding Forms™
Wyatt White, formerly of Beadalon®, is here to show you how to make adjustable round rings and oval bangle bracelets using your favorite jewelry-making wire.
Perfect Knots with the Tin Cup Knotter from Beadalon®
Wyatt formerly of Beadalon®, demonstrates how the tin cup knotter makes quick-and-easy work of consistently spaced knots.
How to Use the Artistic Wire® Ear Wire Findings Form™
Wyatt, formerly from Beadalon®, explains how to use the Artistic Wire® Ear Wire Findings Forms™ to create beaded earrings in this video and written tutorial.
Basic Wire-Weaving Techniques
Want to get into wire weaving? This how-to video will teach you how three basic wire-weaving patterns.
Why You Need a Bead Reamer
Not all bead holes are created equal, which is why a bead reamer is a necessary jewelry-making tool. Just see how convenient (and easy) a reamer is to use for enlarging bead holes.
Basics to Kumihimo
Get creative with beads and the basics of kumihimo, a traditional Japanese braiding technique.
How to Make a Brick Seed Bead Stitch
The brick stitch is ideal for a myriad of seed bead patterns. Watch this video to learn how to incorporate it into your jewelry designs.
Create Your Own Crushed Stone Inlay Jewelry
Make your own gemstone inlay pendant by watching this quick how-to video.
What are Designer Quality Gemstones?
Learn more about our "designer quality" gemstones and what that means for you in this quick video.
Mod Podge® and Other Surface Sealants
Looking for a surface sealant to use on your jewelry projects? Watch as Chris explains some of the most popular jewelry sealants to help you get exactly what you need.
How to Create a Bullseye Cane Using Polymer Clay
Learn the basics of creating a bullseye cane with in-house jewelry designer Rose Wingenbach. It's so easy!
Purely Silk™ Thread
See why Purely Silk™ is considered one of the best jewelry threads for stringing gemstones and pearls in this product show-and-tell.
How to Use Bead and Pearl Reamers
Sometimes the most beautiful beads have the smallest, roughest drill holes. Watch to learn how to use different types of bead and pearl reamers to fix this common problem.
How to Create the Intermittent Stringing Technique
Watch and learn how to use the sophisticated and simple intermittent stringing technique, also know as a floating necklace, that showcases your beads by incorporating your beading wire into the design.
How to Use Bead Caps in Your Jewelry
Learn how to top off a bead using a bead cap for a finished and professional look.
Chalcedony
Various types of colored quartz, usually with a milky appearance, including carnelian, agate, cat's eye and jasper.
Choker
A tight-fitting necklace that is worn close to the base of the neck. May be plain or with pendants or ornamentation. Measures approximately 16 to 18 inches.
Cuff Link
A decorative closure used to fasten the two sides of a man's dress shirt sleeve. The finding is often hidden by a cabochon, carving or other design motif.
Cubic Zirconia
Synthetic gemstone developed in 1977 to simulate a diamond.
Cabochon
An undrilled gemstone with a smooth rounded top and a flat back. A cabochon is not faceted.
Bezels
The metal groove or flange holding a gemstone in its setting, or the slanting face of a cut gem.
Bayonet Clasp
Find the definition of "bayonet clasp" for finishing jewelry designs.
Box Setting
Find the definition of "box setting."
Box Clasp
A clasp with a tab which is inserted into a decorative frame or box. Some styles come with safety latches or safety chains, which prevent the wedge-shaped tab from pulling out and the jewelry from dropping off. Some styles are accented with gemstones, enamel or inlay work. They are commonly used for lightweight necklaces, bracelets and anklets. Can include Bayonet Clasp, Bead Clasp and Filigree Clasp styles.
How to Use Accu-Guard™ Wire Protectors
Not quite sure how to use Accu-Guard wire protectors? This instructional video shows how easy it is to protect your jewelry from wear and tear.
Biwa
A cultured pearl originally non-nucleated, grown in a freshwater mussel from Lake Biwa in Japan. Only those actually produced there should be called Biwas.
Button Toggle Clasp
Find the definition of "button toggle clasp" for finishing jewelry designs.
How to Use Screw-Tite Crimps™
Learn what makes Screw-Tite Crimps™ different and how to use them for a secure hold.
Beeswax
Wax used in beading to make the surface of a thread smooth and slightly sticky. This keeps fibers together and protects against fraying and water damage.
Brass
An alloy of copper and zinc which creates a metal with a bright gold-like color.
Barrel Clasp
A low-profile clasp with a threaded closure, which is twisted or screwed to open and to close. See also Bead, Screw and Torpedo Clasp styles.
Product Spotlight: Quartz Crystal
Jewelry-making expert Stephanie Girdlestone is here to show you how sparkly and shiny A-grade quartz can be. Something you can't always get with just pictures.
Barrel Bead
A tubular bead which that is wider across the center and narrows at the ends, with a flat non-tapering end. It is shaped like an old wooden barrel.
Ask the Experts Cabs & Faceted Stones Q&A
Q: What is the difference between a gemstone setting designated "low profile" and a setting that does not have the low profile designation? If I have an 8mm stone can I use either setting?
Create Compliments® Jewelry
Enjoy a preview selection of elegant jewelry from the Create Compliments® Jewelry line exclusively available at Fire Mountain Gems and Beads.
Baroque Pearls
An irregularly shaped pearl, whether natural, cultured or manufactured. Can also refer to a highly- embellished artistic style from the 1600s to 1750s.
Why I Like Premo! Polymer Clay
Renowned polymer clay artist Christi Friesen explains her favorite qualities of Premo! polymer clay and why it's her top choice for clay creations.
How-To Use Bead Tips
Bead tips give jewelry designs a clean and professional finish. In this video, learn how to use bead tips to conceal and protect knots while creating a secure connection.
Maxi Shear Flush-Cutter by EUROTOOL®
Learn more about Xuron® Maxi-Shear™ flush cutter jewelry pliers in this informational video.
Xuron® Flush-Cutters
Xuron® deluxe flush-cutters made smooth, precise cuts on jewelry wire—even in tight spaces. Learn more about these American-made pliers in this informational video.
Bronze
An alloy of copper and tin which creates a metal with a dark golden-brown color.
Intro to Jump Rings
Jewelry-making expert Tamara Honaman shares how handy and versatile jump rings are for connecting components.
Bar-and-Ring Clasp
A two-piece clasp with a T-shaped bar and a loop. The loop is usually a circle, but sometimes other shapes are used. See also Toggle Clasp.
Bracelet
A form of jewelry worn around the wrist created from leather, fibers, plastics or metals. Some bracelets are used for medical or identification purposes.
Brooch Convertor
A finding used to convert a brooch into a pendant. Styles are available for horizontal or vertical pins.
Bolo
Find the definition of "bolo," a popular neckwear item.
Bent Chain-Nose Pliers
Chain-nose pliers with bent jaws, used to reach into tight places or odd angles. The bent tips allow access into all areas without blocking the line of vision.
Bangle
An inflexible circular bracelet, often narrow. Some styles may be hinged, however, most bangles have no clasp and must be slipped over the hand to be worn.
How to Add Textured Finishes to Metal
Brush up on your metal-finishing techniques by learning how to add matte and brushed textures to metal by following along with jewelry-maker Hazel Wheaton.
How to Straighten Wire
Love wirework, but hate prepping your supplies? This video tutorial from Hazel Wheaton shows you easy, effective ways to straighten out your wire for any project.
How to Use Dimple Forming Pliers
Love the look of embellished metal pieces? This video from Anni Pennington shows you how to use dimple-making pliers to decorate your jewelry components.
Wire Heart Earrings
The minimalist design of these wire heart earrings is perfect as-is or with a few customizations. Follow along with Naomi Fujimoto in this handy how-to video.
Blister Pearl
A pearly excrescence formed inside of the shell of a mollusk (oyster) enclosing a foreign body, such as a bit of mud or parasite. Often irregular in shape.
Bail Pendant Mount
Bonds to any flat-backed item to make a pendant.
Abalone
An iridescent mother-of-pearl harvested from certain saltwater mollusks. Paua shell is a variety of abalone.
Discover the Art of Bead Embroidery
Join Jody Young for "Unlock Your Heart," her 8-part seed bead embroidery video series. It begins with the basics, then moves through other techniques.
Ball Joint Clasp
A clasp which uses pressure on the ball portion to keep the clasp closed.
How to Make a Simple Loop
Watch as Tammy Honaman, author, jewelry-making expert and educator, shows how easy it is to create simple loops in wirework designs.
How to Create a Diamond Chain Stitch
Follow along with this video to create the diamond chain seed bead stitch. This stitch is ideal for jewelry, hat bands, clothing decorations and more.
How to Use a Wire Jig
A wire jig lets you consistently make great shapes from wire. Learn how to make a variety of designs with this how-to video and instructions.
Product Spotlight: Preciosa Czech Crystal
Join Patti as she explores the beauty and history behind Preciosa Czech crystal beads and components.
6 Ways to Finish Tubular Bead Stitches
Not quite sure how to bring your tubular bead project to a close? Never fear! Rose is here to teach you 6 great options for putting the finishing touches onto your fabulous beaded pieces!
5 Steps: How to Rehydrate Old Metal Clay
Has your metal clay gone bone-dry? We'll show you how to bring it back to life! LauraLynn demonstrates how in just 5 easy steps: break up, grind, sift, rehydrate and reform!
How to Use Hollow Diamond-Coated Drill Bits
Rose demonstrates the creative potential of diamond-coated core bits. Watch as she transforms materials into wearable jewelry with just a simple drill hole.
Top Six Types of Bails
Explore ice picks, up eyes, donut bails and more! See how these top bail types quickly and easily transform your favorite jewelry-making elements into finished pieces.
Product Spotlight: Metal Clay
Get to know metal clay and the tools you'll need to make your own one-of-a-kind jewelry designs.
Obsidian: Lava Glass
Said to possess powerful protective qualities and a warrior’s fighting spirt, obsidian has been adored by humans since the Stone Age.
How to Cast Resin Pendants
Casting with resin is easy and fun with flexible, silicone molds. Learn how to use these faceted molds to create personalized three-dimensional drops, pendants, wire-wrapping elements and more.
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