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?

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.

Explore the world of loomwork, where every bead is a pixel in your artistic vision. Learn about the types of looms, materials and other resources you'll need to embark on this creative journey in this article.

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.

This detailed article explains the best adhesives for a variety of projects. Learn tips and techniques suited to your design needs.

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.

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.

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.

See the results of an independent lab study on Comparison Testing of three types of coated beading wires.

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.

Looking to brush up on your understanding of geology? Dive into this informative article that explores the distinctions among rocks, minerals, crystals and gemstones.

Pearls are a classic that is always in style. This article gives you some pearls of wisdom concerning the different types of pearls, how to care for them and more.

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 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.

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 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?

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.

Explore the fascinating history of dichroic glass and learn ways to incorporate this iridescent wonder into your jewelry designs.

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.

Learn what turquoise is, types of turquoise gems, typical gemological enhancements and buying tips for this popular blue-green gemstone.

Do you remember the saying: build a better mousetrap and the world will beat a path to your door? With Wubbers, Patti Bullard has invented a better set of pliers that jewelry makers are beating a path to.

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.

Discover interesting beading facts and new insights into the jewelry making industry with articles from Fire Mountain Gems and Beads. Article: All About Rhinestones

Bead reamers are an important tool. Use this helpful guide to choose the correct reamer for all your jewelry-making needs.

What do the ancient Egyptians, Native Americans, 1970's celebrities and people today all have in common? A love of turquoise! This article highlights this gemstone's popularity throughout history.