Findings are sold at various brick and mortar and online craft retailers such as Walmart, Hobby Lobby, and Halstead. A quick search online will show you the local and virtual options. To ensure quality, always purchase from reputable stores like Hemptique.
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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Creating handmade necklaces, bracelets, earrings, or rings is a very gratifying experience that gives you a sense of accomplishment, purpose, and pride. As any other hobby, it gives you opportunity to craft unique items, learn new skills, become more creative, and improve your well-being. Plus, you can turn your hobby into a source of income, as handmade jewelry is one of the best-selling crafts today.
However, to be able to create high-quality pieces which will stand the test of time, you must have the right supplies. With proper tools you will be able to work faster, improve efficiency, and able to craft a wide range of different styles and designs like making beaded bracelets, pearl necklaces, leather bands, natural stone and crystal drop earrings, wire wrapped jewlery, or resin jewelry.
Depending on the type of bling you plan to make, to get started, you may need things such as set of pliers, wire cutters, tweezers, cord, beads, hammer, saw blades, and others. This is not a final list; you can add more items according to your project’s requirements and your needs.
In this article, we will explore the world of jewelry craft supplies to help you pick the right ones for your DIY projects. Continue reading to learn about the basic materials you’ll need to start crafting beautiful decorative pieces. We’ll provide guidance on how to choose and where to find the best tools to help you create with confidence.
Create Handmade Jewelry With Hemptique’s Eco-Friendly Supplies
Hemptique is a manufacturer and your go-to-supplier for jewlery making craft. We supply hobbyists, artists, craft stores, and retailers with top-quality, biodegradable cords and hemp bracelet DIY kits. Our products are made of highly durable, natural materials enabling you not only to create unique, enduring pieces of various designs and styles, but also to contribute to a greener planet. Our #10 (0.5mm) hemp cord is a hit among the crafters as it is easy to bead, it does not fray, it’s strong, hypoallergenic, and resistant to mold and mildew. It's 100% natural and is offered in a range of different colors free from toxic substances. If you’re just getting started with jewlery making, you may also be interested in our other products, such as DIY bracelet kits and finished layered bracelets, leather cord, linen thread, and many more. For more information call us at (760) 602-4864. ext. 403 and 405. You can also apply for wholesale account or order in bulk to enjoy discounted prices.
What Do You Need to Make Jewelry?
There are lots of jewelry making supplies on the market, so our list is not complete. Instead, we have compiled a list of essential tools used by novice crafters who are starting this journey. As you progress and improve your skills, you may advance to more intricate designs and pieces which will require additional equipment. Start simple, with basic supplies, until you figure out what you like to make and what additional items you need to acquire.
Stringing material & wire
Your journey of creating intricate bling will most likely start with stringing beads. There are different materials you can use, such as:
- 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.
NOTE: Stringing wire is not suitable for seed beads.
Jewelry pliers
If you are new to DIY jewelry making, you might be surprised to find out that there are so many different types of pliers used in crafting beautiful pieces. Selecting the right pair of pliers is vital if you want to deliver top quality items. Naturally, there's no need to purchase tools you will never use, so consider acquiring only the basic types.
NOTE: Stringing wire is not suitable for seed beads.
- 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
Wire cutters provide clean and strong cuts of wire and knots, while scissors are specially designed to cut materials other than metal (ribbon, cord, thread, memory wire, etc.). There are also heavy-duty scissors that cut metal sheet, and they are intended for more experienced jewelers.
Measuring tools
Jewelry is all about precision, accuracy, and intricate detailing. If you want to get into this hobby, you will have to acquire adequate measuring tools for small components. Depending on which items you are crafting, you may want to look into metal rulers, ring sizers, bracelet gauges, calipers, digital micrometers, and diamond gauges.
Glue
At some point you may also need to use glue to secure various elements together. This will especially be the case when working with knots or fabric-based jewelry. Select the right glue based on the material you’re working on – rubber, leather, metal, stone, glass, fabric, ceramics, rhinestones, sequins, etc.
Half-hard and hard wire
If you want to give more structure to your handmade pieces, or if you are doing wire wrapping, coiling, or weaving, pick half-hard or hard wire that holds its shape. It is offered as plated wire, copper, brass, silver, sterling silver, gold, memory wire, or French wire, and comes in different sizes, starting from very thin (0.2mm) to thicker one (4mm or more).
Choose thinner wire to wrap beads or make cuffs, bangles, and rings and thicker ones for chunky and statement designs. Unlike stringing wire, wrapping wire is stiffer and comes in different shapes – round, half round, square, and twisted.
Jewelry Findings: What They Are And Why They Are Important
Findings are an essential part of jewlery crafter’s tools. They refer to elements used to connect pieces, to fasten different parts, and ultimately to put jewelry together. They are typically made of metal (gold, silver, brass, or nickel) and are offered in various shapes and sizes. Below, we’re including the most common findings you may need during the creation process. Depending on your creative abilities and goals, you might need more specialized kinds.
Jump rings
If you are planning on making jewelry in the long run, you should always have a good stock of jump rings in various sizes. Jump rings are small metal rings used to connect various pieces of jewelry together. They can be opened and closed as needed, and are typically used for attaching pendants, charms, or beaded components.
Ear wire hooks and hoops
If you're earring making beginner, you will want to start with a good supply of ear wires and hoops, rather than making them yourself. They can be made of various materials such as sterling silver, surgical stainless steel, and gold. Different styles include French hooks, V-wires (Marquise), kidney wires, lever backs, hinged hoops, and many others.
Jewelry pins (studs)
Jewlery pins, also referred to as ‘studs’, are tiny pieces of wire with small loop acting as links between different components in earrings, necklaces, or bracelets.
Various types include:
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
Clasps serve to fasten the two ends of necklaces, anklets, or bracelets. There are many varieties on the market, such as snap, screw, magnetic, box clasp, clip, sliding. Bolt rings and lobster claw clasps are the most popular choices among artisans, as they are sturdy, secure, and budget friendly.
Crimp beads (crush beads)
Crimp beads are small, hollow beads used to fasten the ends of stringing wire or threaded material and keep them secure, preventing them from slipping off the wire. You will typically use them to anchor beads at specific points on the string.
Bails
Bails are pieces that connect pendants to strings or wires. They are offered in many sizes and types (glue-on, snap-on, clasp) and are commonly made of metal. They are typically placed in the center of the necklace and holds a diamond, a pendant, or a gemstone and allows it to slide down the necklace.
Time To Decorate: Beads, Pearls, & Charms
To decorate and personalize a piece of bling, you can use pearls, charms, pendants, beads, or other elements.
Beads
Beads are probably what every crafter starts with. When choosing beads for your project, consider their material, size, color, and shape.
- 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
Charms and pendants are decorative elements which are attached to earrings, bracelets, or necklaces. They come in various shapes, sizes, and themes, and can be made of many different materials. Charms are smaller than pendants, and both are made with holes or loops for attaching a jump ring. They typically come with jump ring already included.
Sequin
In jewelry making, sequins are attached either by sewing, wiring, or gluing. The most common types used are round flat, leaf-shaped, flower-shaped, square, cup, and beaded. They come in many colors and can have metallic, color-changing, or iridescent finish.
Pearls
The most popular method to use pearls in jewelry making is to string them onto a silk thread by knotting. They can also be wire wrapped or woven into bead pattern or be grouped together to create an attractive focal point. They come in cultured and natural forms. Cultured pearls are those created with assistance from humans and they come in 5 varieties :
- 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)
Sea of Cortez pearl is the rarest cultured type in the world. Common shapes include perfect round, near-round, button, baroque, drop, and circled baroque. For classic look, choose perfect round shape and drop shape for a chicer and more unique look.
Jewelry Making Accessories
Magnifying glass
Magnifying glass can help you see and inspect the components you are incorporating into your design. Loupes are commonly used, because they can be folded, they offer different magnifying powers, and they are affordable.
Apart from basic tools and supplies, you may also look into various accessories that can help make your crafting more enjoyable.
Bead mats and bead boards
To keep your beads organized and sorted, you can use bead boards or bead mats. They are very helpful for selecting appropriate beads ana maintaining everything in order while working on your project.
Storage boxes
Finally, having proper storage will keep all your supplies in order. You can find many options on the market today, such as bead organizers, jewelry storage boxes, and tackle boxes. To quickly and easily find a certain piece, make sure you label each compartment.
Standard Necklace, Bracelet, And Anklet Lengths
See the chart below for guidelines on standard lengths of jewelry pieces. Please bear in mind that different lengths are suitable for different styles and outfits. Whenever you can, consult with the person who’s going to be wearing your pieces to see which length is most comfortable for them.
| 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.
In Summary
The above list of tools and accessories for beginner jewlery artisans contains the basic items which are most commonly used by crafters around the world, however, this list is not exhaustive. In time, you will discover which style and which materials you prefer, so it’s best to start with less, and upgrade as you progress, and as you improve your skills. Thankfully, there are countless materials to choose from. Get started with essentials – pliers, wire, beads, and get creative and start making the bling!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where can I buy jewlery findings?
2. How can I prevent tarnishing?
Tarnishing is natural chemical process known as oxidization and it affects metals like copper, silver, and brass. Tarnishing cannot be avoided, but there are things you can do to prevent or remove tarnish from your handmade jewelry. You can use household items (baking soda, lemon juice, toothpaste, or vinegar) or use store bought products like polishing cloths, liquid jewelry cleaners, wand cleaners for jewels, anti-tarnish papers, water based acrylic lacquer, and others.
3. How do I choose wire hardness?
Wire hardness feature indicates how malleable or stiff specific metal is and how much it resists shaping and bending. There are three major groups of hardnesses – dead soft, half hard, and full hard. If you are looking to coil, form spirals, or work on something that does not require sharp angles, choose soft wire. Half hard wire is most commonly used among crafters as it is easier to work with, but still hold structure well. Use half hard wire to craft kidney ear wires, latched hoops, jump rings, and clasps. Finally, full hard wire is very hard to bend and also very brittle, so you must use special tools to work with it. Choose hard wire if you are making sharp angles and if you need your jewelry piece to have structure.
