The Talk About Pliers
Explore the many types of pliers to help you find the right one for every project.
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Essential Resources
What Is a Cabochon?
Take a deep dive into the marvelous cabochon and its sister the cameo. Learn about how they're created and dozens of ways a designer can use them.
Bezels
Bezels are an ideal finding to use when you're working with cabochons and flat back crystals. Tammy Honaman, author and jewelry-making expert, is here to tell you all about them.
Metaphysical Properties
When jewelry makers encounter information about gemstones, they frequently discover where a stone is mined, what it's made of and the phrase "metaphysical properties." What is that information and how can a jewelry maker use it in designs?
Loving Lavender
Fall in love with lavender! See how these soothing shades can enhance your designs to create for a number of styles and timeless appeal.
Everything You Need to Know About Thread Conditioners
Feeling all tangled up in a sea of rough, frayed thread? Thread conditioners could be just the solution you need to get back on course.
Choosing Jewelry for Your Color Season
Color seasons have been applied to jewelry and fashion for decades. Find ways to match your designs to the 12 designations in this article.
Beginner's Guide to Loomwork
Explore the world of loomwork, where each bead is a pixel in your artistic vision. Learn about the looms, materials and resources you'll need in this article.
Which Metals Should You Use?
Choosing the right metal to use in your jewelry involves balancing a number of factors beyond gold vs. silver. Get the lowdown on all materials metal.
Organic
Refers to a bead made of a carbon-based material. Many jewelry-making components composed of pearl, wood, bone, horn and shell fall into this category.
How Many Beads per Strand?
Use this handy chart to determine the number of beads per strand according to bead size and strand length, which can vary from batch to batch.
The Right Adhesive for the Job
This detailed article explains the best adhesives for a variety of projects. Learn tips and techniques suited to your design needs.
Non-Marring Wire-Wrapping Pliers
Looking for wireworking pliers that won't mar wire or metal sheet? Jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman shares pliers that won’t make marks on wire in this informative article.
A Pastel Mood
Embrace a romantic sensibility for your wedding with the pastel mood wedding style.
Monochromatic Jewelry
Discover why designers and style-savvy patrons around the world are embracing the modernity of this controlled-color trend.
An Earring Finding Guide
Different earring styles suit different needs, and the findings make all the difference! This handy guide explains the unique benefits of each type of earring finding.
Wireworking Tips: Wire Coils, Pliers and Jigs
Jewelry-making expert Sandra Lupo gives us the scoop on Beadalon® tools, including their banding pliers and improved Coiling Gizmo®. Learn all about these popular tools and tips for using them in this illustrated article.
Independent Lab Report
See the results of an independent lab study on Comparison Testing of three types of coated beading wires.
Spotlight on Celestial Crystal®
Celestial Crystal® is our line of crystal beads and components. Explore a few of our favorites and discover how to bring their dazzling versatility to your jewelry designs.
Upcycled Jewelry: Sustainable Beading for the Eco-Minded
Upcycling jewelry is an eco-minded trend that everyone can get behind. Just take existing materials and repurpose them into jewelry!
Minerals, Rocks, Gemstones, Crystals - What’s the Difference?
Looking to brush up on your understanding of geology? Dive into this informative article that explores the distinctions among rocks, minerals, crystals and gemstones.
I Dream of Druzy
Get excited about druzy jewelry! Adorned with tiny, glistening crystals, these gemstones have the potential to become the focal point of your latest jewelry masterpiece.
Learn Simmon's Polymer Clay Blend
Take your polymer clay blending skills to the next level with Simmon's polymer clay blend. Witness firsthand how this technique creates a stunningly balanced spectrum of colors.
How To Care For Plated Jewelry
This article will teach you the best practices for preserving the beauty and quality of your gold- and silver-plated jewelry pieces over time.
Negative Space in Jewelry Design
Incorporating negative space into your jewelry designs adds a distinctive touch that will set your creative efforts apart. This article explains how.
The Glorious Pearl
Explore the beauty of pearls with this complete guide to types, grading, care, pricing and stylish ways to wear them.
Polymer Clay Succulents
Capitalize on the growing popularity of succulents' eye-catching aesthetic by using sculpted polymer clay to form plants sans soil.
Everything You Need to Know About Jeweler's Saws
Find everything you need know about jeweler's saws in this video and informative article. Learn the tips and tricks to using a jeweler's saw to get the design you want.
Ergonomics for Beaders
Ergonomics is the actions and equipment designed to prevent injury to the human body. This article explains why beaders and jewelry makers need to consider how repetitive motion, vibration and awkward posture can affect their health, productive ability and enjoyment of their craft.
Accu-Flex® Professional Quality Beading Wire Review
Read what Paula S. Morgan of about.com has to say about Fire Mountain's Accu-Flex Professional-Quality Beading Wire in her expert review.
Face Shape and Jewelry Choices
Learn how to create beautiful jewelry to flatter any face shape.
Size Does Matter: Making Jewelry with the Proper Fit
It's an old joke, in some circles: size doesn't matter. Yet, jewelry that doesn't fit simply doesn't get purchased. And if purchased, could get returned, with cost to the jewelry maker in both money and reputation. This is especially important for...
PANTONE® 2024 Color of the Year: Peach Fuzz
Discover Pantone's 2024 color choice, described as a “velvety, gentle peach tone, whose all-embracing spirit enriches mind, body, and soul.”
How to Strengthen Hands and Fingers
How many times have you been working on a beading project, only to have your fingers and hands seize from cramping and fatigue, which force you to take a break?
Clay Clean-Up
Award-winning mixed media artist Lisa Pavelka shares her polymer clay tip for keeping your finished clay project clean free of surface contaminants and any pesky spots.
Make Your Own Inlay Jewelry Easy as 1-2-3
Inlay jewelry is a beautiful way to display stones without the use of traditional setting techniques. Learn more about this exciting trend.
Tree of Life Jewelry
The tree of life is an ancient symbol that appears in numerous cultures the world over. Learn how to incorporate them into your designs for stylish results.
All You Need to Know About Jewelry Cleaners and Polishers
Keeping your jewelry well cared for and beautiful for years to come is just as important as designing it. All the info you'll need about the different maintenance supplies available to care for your treasures in is this article.
Saltwater Copper Etching
Etching copper with saltwater might sound like a magic trick, but it's actually simple science! Learn how to etch jewelry pieces with this video.
What is Dichroic Glass?
Explore the fascinating history of dichroic glass and learn ways to incorporate this iridescent wonder into your jewelry designs.
Work Hardening Metal
Jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman explores work hardening metal in this informative article. Learn how to make gold, sterling silver, sterling silver-filled, copper, brass, bronze and nickel metal rigid or malleable to suit your design needs.
A Complete Guide to Turquoise
Learn what turquoise is, types of turquoise gems, typical gemological enhancements and buying tips for this popular blue-green gemstone.
Wubbers® Pliers
Patti Bullard has invented a better set of tools, and jewelry makers are beating a path to buy her line of Wubbers pliers.
Everything You Need to Know About Jewelry-Making Cutters
What type of cutters are for which types of jewelry-making techniques? Nip over to this article to learn more about these essential tools of the trade.
Make Your Own Wind Chimes with Jewelry Supplies
Why make wind chimes with jewelry-making materials? Well, why not? Wind chimes provide a melodious tune and can be aesthetically pleasing--plus they make great gifts!
The Beadmakers' Handbook
The first openly available resource for the beader and jewelry maker, the Beadmakers' Handbook includes bead-stringing designs and techniques. Download the free PDF and discover where it all began!
All About Rhinestones
Discover interesting beading facts and new insights into the jewelry making industry with articles from Fire Mountain Gems and Beads. Article: All About Rhinestones
The Psychology of Color and Jewelry Design
Delve into the psychology of color and learn how it can play an important role in jewelry design.
The Benefits of Stainless Steel for Jewelry Design
Explore the benefits and properties of this sturdy and stylish metal.
Selecting the Right Bead Reamer
Bead reamers are an important tool. Use this helpful guide to choose the correct reamer for all your jewelry-making needs.
Turquoise: Then and Now
What do the ancient Egyptians, Native Americans, 1970's celebrities and people today all have in common? A love of turquoise! Explore this gemstone's popularity throughout history.
Gemstone Grading
Our buyers are experts in the field with years of accumulated training and maintain ongoing training of industry standards and availability of gemstone materials. This article is offered to create an understanding of the intricacies of gemstone...
A Guide to Jewelry-Making Hand Tools
In jewelry making, it's important to have the right tools. Check out this guide to learn the right tool for every job, ensuring a professional finish each time.
Blushing Beauty
Popular fashion is leaning toward blush hues for clothing, handbags and jewelry. Find design ideas and more in this article.
A Guide to Metals
What does your choice of metal say about you? This article explores the meaning of different metals in jewelry designs to help you learn what your jewelry is saying.
Crystal (Glass)
A material made by adding lead oxide to molten glass. Crystal glass has high density and refraction, creating brilliant sparkle. Also leaded crystal or glass.
Acrylic Resin
A form of plastic which can be molded into a variety of shapes, including beads, components and findings.
Crow Bead
A bead cut from a tube of glass or plastic, then tumbled and polished to smooth the edges. Used on cornrow braids, fringe and in Native American styles.
Carat
The unit of weight used for precious stones. One carat equals one-fifth of a gram. Also a measurement of fitness in gold. Pure gold is expressed as 24Kt.The term ''carat'' dates back to the traders of the ancient world.
Crimp Tube
A metal bead or short metal tube used with all beading wires and some beading cords to secure the beginning and finish the end of a strand.
Crimping Pliers
Pliers with a grooved opening for folding, rolling and smoothing crimp beads and tubes. Crimping pliers create a smooth, rounded or curved crimp.
Crimp Clasp
Has structural crimps for attaching to the end of beading wire or cord with Crimping Pliers. Can include Hook-and-Eye, Lobster Claw and Magnetic Clasp styles.
Crimp Bead
A metal bead or short metal tube used with all beading wires and some beading cords to secure the beginning and finish the end of a strand.
Crimp
A metal bead or short metal tube used with all beading wires and some beading cords to secure the beginning and to finish the end of a strand.
Cord Coil
(see also Coil End) A wire coil bead with an end loop.
Cord
A thin, flexible length of twisted fibers.
Curb Chain
A form of chain with oval links that have been twisted, so that the entire chain lays flat.
Ice-Pick Bail
Similar to a prong bail, it will create a loop to attach a chain to when the prongs are closed into a cross-drilled pendant.
Cane Glass
Beads resembling old-fashioned candy sticks. Small canes of colored glass are fused together to create a larger rod, then coated with clear glass and fired.
Cone
Necklace terminator or beading finding used to bring multiple strands together at one point to attach a clasp or be part of the design.
Component
A smaller, self-contained part used in jewelry-making and beading.
Cameo
A carved gem or shell, in which the carved design stands out against a background of a different color.
Cultured Saltwater Pearl
Pearls created by a farmer, who inserts a "seed" of mother-of-pearl into a saltwater oyster. The oyster coats the seed with layers of nacre, creating a pearl.
Pearl, Cultured Freshwater
Pearls created by a farmer, who inserts a "seed" of mother-of-pearl into a freshwater oyster. The pearl oyster will coat the seed with nacre, creating a pearl.
Clasp
A fastener that connects two or more ends of a piece of jewelry together. Clasps can be utilitarian and purely functional, or embellished design elements.
Cloisonne
Enamel with surface decorations set in hollows formed by strips of wire welded to a metal plate.
Coil End
(see also Cord Coil) A wire coil bead with an end loop.
Celluloid
Thermoplastic material that was commonly used in jewelry before the invention of injection molding. Now used to simulate tortoiseshell.
Coil Bead
A bead created using coiled wire. Some styles can be pinched like a crimp bead.
Chevron Beads
Learn about chevron beads (also called rosetta beads or star beads). Explore their origins, evolution, and cultural significance in this enlightening article.
Chaton
A particular shape of cut glass or crystal, most commonly known as Crystal Passions® rhinestones. A chaton has a faceted, pavillion-shaped (pointed) bottom.
Chatelaine
A chain, pin or clasp worn at a woman's waist, to which trinkets, keys or other articles are attached. Also used for pins with two figures linked by a chain.
Charms
Small ornaments worn as pendants or on bracelets.
Chain Tabs
A small, flat metal finding that is often hung on a piece of precious-metal jewelry and stamped as a "tag" identifying the precious metal content.
Chain-Nose Pliers
Pliers with flat gripping surfaces, used to reach into tight places, at difficult angles, to grip components, bend wire and stabilize a design while working.
Accurate Measuring in Jewelry-Making
Learn how to save time and money by taking the guesswork out of wireworking and metalsmithing by learning how to accurately measure. In this article jewelry-making expert Sandra Lupo teaches us how to accurately measure for jewelry-making success.
A Guide to Bails
Ever wonder what a bail is? How do you use it and what should you look for to find what you need for your designs? All of that has been compiled in one handy location.
A Dozen Ways to End a Necklace
Sometimes it's not easy to know how to end a necklace, especially when there are so many ways that you can start it. Well take a breath of relief, here are a dozen ways to help you.
Mandrels for Jewerly-Making
Have questions about mandrels? Learn all about this valuable metalsmithing tool and the different options available in this article on mandrels.
A Brief History of Czech Glass Bead Making
Travel to the Crystal Valley and explore the rich heritage of Czech glass beads.
Marketing with Displays: Color Theory
According to the psychology of color, people are emotionally affected by different colors and combinations. Learn how to use color theory to boost your jewelry marketing efforts.
The Rosary
Learn more about the holy rosary and how it's been a treasured devotion in the Catholic Church for centuries.
Life in Color: How to Use Oh! Ring™ Components
Oh how we love the flamboyant bright neon colors of soft and pliable rubber Oh! Rings™. Twisty little circles are so versatile and you can even add to jump rings for chainmaille.
Enamels in Jewelry-Making
Author and jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman provides you with plenty of tips and tricks for using enameling in your own jewelry-making processes.
The Differences Between Soft and Hard Soldering
Tammy Honaman shows you the tools and techniques needed for soft and hard soldering.
Torch-Fired Enameling for Jewelry
The benefits of torch-firing enamel can be incredible for your designs as you don't need to rely on a bulky kiln. The end result is beautiful enameled beads and metal just for you.