Must-Have Supplies for Jewelry Makers: From Basics to Beads
From pliers to pearls, learn about the tools and materials every jewelry maker needs. Create stunning necklaces, bracelets, and earrings
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What Do You Need to Make Jewelry?
Stringing material & wire
- Cord – Cord is a perfect choice as it adds texture and authenticity to your customized pieces. Cordage can be made of materials like hemp, leather, polyester, cotton, or suede. When choosing a cord, consider the weight and size of beads or pendants. Pick finer cord for small and lightweight pendants, and bulkier and heavier for large adornments. Test various materials to see which one fits your needs best. Cord can be used to make necklaces, bracelets, and anklets.
- String – String is typically used for threading beads. It’s perfect for crafting flexible necklaces, with soft drape. Linen thread, tiger tail, polyester, and silk are known for their good tensile strength, durability, and slight stretch, which is why they are among the most commonly used supplies for stringing. Choose linen for summer jewelry as flax fiber doesn’t retain moisture and feels cooler than other materials. For stringing pearls, it’s best to choose silk to make it look more elegant.
- Chain – If you are working on a heavy statement necklace, a free-form multilayered choker with pendants, or a classic bracelet design, use chain. Chains are made of metal (gold, silver, rhodium) and they come in a variety of styles such as anchor chains, bar chains, cable, curb chain, rope, snake, wheat, and Venetian. They can be used to make any type of look, including formal, informal, sleek, contemporary, elegant, casual, for both men and women.
Stringing wire - This is a type of flexible wire that’s typically used to string beads and create fluid and drapey items and those that don’t need to hold their shape. It’s typically made of stainless steel and coated with nylon and it comes in various sizes and colors. The wire is made of multiple strands which determine how flexible it is. The larger the number of strands the more flexible the wire will be. Stringing (or beading) wire is mainly used for beading, but it can also be used for weaving with larger beads.
Jewelry pliers
- Cutting pliers – Use these to make clean cuts through cables, jewelry nails, and wire. Side cutters are great for cutting round wire, while shears are used to cut sheets.
- Flat-nose pliers – You can use these pliers for a variety of different tasks such as gripping, holding wires or small beads, opening and closing jump rings, to flatten crush pearls, etc.
- Nylon tip pliers - If you are working with metal, it’s recommended to choose pliers with nylon tips to avoid marks and scratches on the surface.
- Round-nose pliers – They are mainly used for bending wire, making chains, filigree work, loop making, rings, etc.
- Wire wrapping pliers – This is a specialized tool for wrap artisans or those crafters who need to make a few jump rings per project.
Wire cutters & scissors
Measuring tools
Glue
Half-hard and hard wire
Jewelry Findings: What They Are And Why They Are Important
Jump rings
Ear wire hooks and hoops
Jewelry pins (studs)
Head pins – This type has a flat “head” and is suitable for making dangles and links, but also for beading which will later be attached to chains. With loops at one or both ends, it is easily connected to other components. There are different varieties available, with various gauges, finishes, and lengths.
- Eye pins – Usually have one small loop on one end, and is used as a connector to chains, jump rings, or other beaded components.
- Ball pins – Often used as decorative accents, they have a ball-shaped closure.
Clasps
Crimp beads (crush beads)
Bails
Time To Decorate: Beads, Pearls, & Charms
Beads
- Material - Beads can be gemstone, Czech glass, acrylic, seed beads, ceramic beads, faceted beads, crystal, plastic, wood, etc. Crystal beads are famous for the sparkle, but are fragile and expensive. As a safe choice, pick glass beads. They are available in many shapes, sizes, and colors and will surely find the style that matches your design.
- Hole size – Drill options include fully drilled, half drilled, top drilled, and head drilled beads. Seed beads have small holes which limit the type of thread you can use based on thickness.
Charms & pendants
Sequin
Pearls
- Akoya (classic white pearls, perfect round),
- Freshwater pearls (pastel peach, pink, white, and lavender),
- Tahitian (natural black),
- South Sea (silver and gold),
- Sea of Cortez pearls (rainbow colors, natural black)
Jewelry Making Accessories
Magnifying glass
Bead mats and bead boards
Storage boxes
Standard Necklace, Bracelet, And Anklet Lengths
TYPE | RECOMMENDED LENGTH | STYLE WITH |
---|---|---|
Collar | 14” or less | Turtleneck, off-shoulder top |
Choker necklace | 14”- 16” for women (18” for men) | Strapless, collar |
Matinee | 20”-24” | V-neck, sweetheart, boat |
Opera | 28”-32” | Turtleneck, boat, crew |
Rope | 40”-45” | Halter neck, high neckline |
Lariat | 48”+ | Plunging, cowl, boat, scoop, V-neck |
Bracelet | 7”-8” | Consider occasion |
Anklet | 9” | Casual outfits |
Tips & Tricks for Beginners
Plan your design on a board or on a piece of paper before you begin working. This will give you a clear insight and a visual interpretation of the amount of beads, length, and anything else you may need to prepare before you begin.
- When beading, make sure the string fits inside the bead holes. If you are using various sizes in your design, always measure the smallest beads.
- Learn how to tie basic knots before you start working on your piece to prevent your beaded pieces from falling apart due to loose knots.
- Get creative and create unique pieces by using statement findings. clasps and closures. For example, large clasps on necklaces can serve both form and function.
- Get creative and create unique pieces by using statement findings. clasps and closures. For example, large clasps on necklaces can serve both form and function.