Tools & Supplies

Where do gemstones come from? Discover the origins of your favorite gemstones from around the world (or beyond).

Love the look of crystal, but unsure which brand to shop? Discover the highlights of each of the top three crystal manufacturers.

The Federal Trade Commission Guides for the Jewelry Industry as revised April 10, 2001 are designed to prevent unfair or deceptive trade practices.

Discover the story of the Boss' Bead Bag, a unique mix of beads born from a serendipitous accident. Get your hands on a bundle of beading goodness in one grab bag!

Optical properties refer to the way gemstones interact with light. Color, interference and inclusions are all examples of optical properties. The first optical property is also the most obvious--color.

Learn how the Bead Storage Solutions™ system from Elizabeth Ward can keep your beads and jewelry supplies organized with this informative guide.

Good light is so important when beading. Here are some ideas about lighting and other ways to improve the beading workspace.

Delve into our extensive jump ring resource. Here you'll find a wealth of information about one of the most versatile jewelry-making resources, from sizes and materials to chainmaille weaves.

No need to be a blacksmith to join metal to metal—you can use cold connections! Here are 6 ways to connect metals (or other materials) without using fire or electricity.

Glass beads have been a favorite jewelry-making supply for thousands of years. Learn about the ancient techniques used to craft various types of beads.

View this helpful guide to the top 7 ways to finish jewelry chain from our in-house jewelry-making experts.

Read on to discover the differences between natural hematite and man-made Hemalyke™ beads and components.

Follow along as Patti shares her list top tools and materials every jewelry maker needs for various techniques.

Curious about silversmithing essentials? This article outlines key tools and their uses, giving you the knowledge to start your journey with confidence.

Toothpaste to clean jewelry? Indestructible diamonds? Join Leslie as she debunks these and ten other popular jewelry myths.

Patti demonstrates the Clover Quick Cut thread cutter and highlights its advantages.

Here's a helpful guide to the different styles of earring backs to ensure earrings stay in place.

We asked seven professional jewelry artists what tools are tops on their wish lists. Let this article help you grant wishes for the creatives in your life.

The modern locket takes a time-honored and traditional piece of jewelry and offers up fresh versions for the modern world. See what the locket's gotten up to these days.

Jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman shows how to finish and polish metal jewelry.

Explore the many types of jewelry-making tools to help you find the right one for every project.

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 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.

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?