What to Know About Wire Pliers
Banding, mandrel and other specialty pliers can make wireworking faster, smoother and more efficient. Read on to see how each pair has its own purpose.
Tools & Supplies
Explore Resources
Categories
Jewelry Medium (3569)
Bead Mosaics (28)
Resin & Mixed Media (160)
Polymer Clay (226)
Chainmaille (138)
Bead Stringing (1066)
Metalworking (258)
Seed Beading (610)
Wireworking (885)
Fiber & Textile (231)
Design Style (2782)
Western (198)
Vintage (54)
Men's (89)
Seasonal & Holiday (1319)
Minimalist (238)
Awareness & Causes (17)
Trends (116)
Boho (222)
Classic (91)
Wedding Jewelry & Décor (218)
Décor (143)
Statement (233)
Tools & Supplies
4 Tools to Save Your Hands and Eyesight
Discover 4 must-have tools to save your hands and eyesight in DIY jewelry making.
Getting Started with Hammers
Discover how to choose the perfect hammer for each jewelry-making project with Patti in this product spotlight video.
Product Spotlight: Easy DIY Jewelry with Links
Discover the different links available and how to use these components in jewelry making to save time and create beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces.
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 Gemstone Information Manual by the American Gem Trade Association
The Federal Trade Commission Guides for the Jewelry Industry as revised April 10, 2001 are designed to prevent unfair or deceptive trade practices.
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.
All About Jump Rings
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.
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.
How Glass Beads are Made
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.
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.
12 Jewelry Myths Debunked
Toothpaste to clean jewelry? Indestructible diamonds? Join us as we debunk these and ten other popular jewelry myths.
DIY Clasps with Artistic Wire® Findings Forms™ Jigs
Learn how to create beautiful, consistently sized wireworked hook-and-eye and toggle clasps using Artistic Wire® Findings Forms™ jigs.
Product Spotlight: Thread Cutter
Patti demonstrates the Clover Quick Cut thread cutter and highlights its advantages.
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 metal materials.
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.
Independent Lab Report
See the results of an independent lab study on Comparison Testing of three types of coated beading wires.
Product Spotlight: 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.
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.
Pearl Jewelry Guide
Explore the beauty of pearls with this complete guide to types, grading, care, pricing and stylish ways to wear them.
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 involves tools and techniques that help prevent injury. This article covers why jewelry makers should consider how repetitive motion, vibration, and posture affect their health, productivity, and enjoyment.
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.
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?
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.
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.
What to Know About Wubbers® Pliers
Patti Bullard has invented a better set of tools to save you time and energy on jewelry-making projects. Follow along as she demonstrates how to use 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.
You supply the creativity, we supply everything else! ®