Jewelry Makers Toolkit | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

Gemstones Around the World

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

The Big 3 Brands of Crystal Beads

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

The Story Behind the Boss' Bead Bag

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!

Gemstone Optical Properties

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.

Easy on the Eyes—Tips to Improve Your Work Area

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

Six Ways to Create Cold Connections

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.

Top 7 Ways to End Jewelry Chain

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

Hematite OR Hemalyke™: Knowing the Differences

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

Getting Started with Basic Silversmithing

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

All About Earnut Jewelry Findings

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

A Jewelry Designer's Wish List

We asked nine 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

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.

Metal Jewelry: Finishing and Polishing

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

The Talk About Pliers

Explore the many types of pliers to help you find the right one for every project.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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