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.
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Essential Resources
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.
Brick Stitch
An off-loom bead-weaving technique. In brick stitch, beads are woven in a pattern like a brick wall. Also called Cheyenne or Comanche stitch.
Brooch Convertor
A finding used to convert a brooch into a pendant. Styles are available for horizontal or vertical pins.
Bolo
A necktie style popular in the American Southwest, created using a length of cord fastened with a clamping slide finding, and finished with metal bolo tip ends.
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.