Jewellery Making - What Do You Need to Buy to Make Jewellery?
Published date: 09 July 2023
Join us as we delve into the world of jewellery-making and discover the essential supplies required to embark on this artistic adventure. We will guide you through the selection of basic tools, beads, gemstones, findings, and stringing materials, equipping you with the knowledge to make informed decisions. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned jewellery maker, this guide will serve as your compass, leading you to the necessary purchases that will bring your jewellery-making dreams to life. Let's embark on this exciting journey together!
Basic Jewellery Making Tools
To bring your jewellery making ideas to life, it's crucial to have the right tools at your disposal. Here are some essential tools for any jewellery maker
Jewellery Pliers
Chain-nose, round-nose, and flat-nose pliers are vital for manipulating wires, opening and closing jump rings, and securing findings.
Wire Cutters
These are used to trim and cut various types of wire, including beading wire, headpins, and eye pins. You will usually need some heavier wire cutters for cutting metals such as sterling silver or plated metals and some finer snips for cutting beading wire, etc., although a good pair of precise scissors will often do the job just as well.
Beading Mat
A non-slippery surface is essential for keeping your materials and findings in one place and stopping them from ending up on the floor. There are a number of options, from flexible fabric mats to beading boards with counted markings and groves
Measuring Tape and Ruler
Essential for precise measurements and achieving consistent sizing in your designs.
Bead Gauge
You may find that a bead gauge becomes your best friend once you start to build up your collection of materials and need to work out the size of a bead.
Jewellery-Making Tweezers
Handy for handling small beads, findings, and delicate components with precision. Also helpful for loosening and tightening beading thread.
Glues
Required for adhering cabochons to settings, securing beading elastic on bracelets, etc...
Organiser
You've got to have somewhere to keep all of your findings and components.
By acquiring these basic tools, you'll establish a solid foundation for your jewellery-making journey. As you progress, you may explore additional specialised tools based on your style and projects. Invest in high-quality tools that are comfortable to use and built to withstand the demands of jewellery making. With the right tools in hand, you'll be well equipped to unleash your creativity.
Jewellery Findings and Components
In the captivating world of jewellery making, findings and components play a vital role in transforming individual beads and gemstones into exquisite wearable pieces. Let's delve into the significance of these elements and explore the wide range of options available.
Jump rings, small metal rings with a cut that allows them to open and close, serve as connectors in jewellery making. They are essential for attaching clasps, charms, pendants, and other components to chains or beaded strands. They are also available as a solid ring and are usually called 'closed' or 'soldered'.
Lobster clasps, known for their secure closure, are commonly used as fasteners to ensure the jewellery stays securely in place. But an array of different clasps are available, including toggle bars, bolt rings, magnetic clasps, and more.
Ear wires are essential for creating earrings, providing the hook or loop that allows the jewellery to hang from the earlobe. Headpins and eye pins are thin metal wires with a flat or looped end used for creating dangles, drops, or connections in earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.
Crimp beads, small metal beads that can be flattened using specialised crimping pliers, are used for securing the ends of beading wire or cord, ensuring a secure and professional finish.
Bails are used to attach pendants or charms to necklaces or bracelets. They come in various shapes and sizes, providing a stylish and secure way to showcase focal pieces. Spacer beads, as the name suggests, are used to create spacing between other beads, adding visual interest and allowing the jewellery design to breathe.
Lastly, chain is a versatile component that can be used as a standalone element, a connector, or an extension in various jewellery designs. It comes in different styles, sizes, and finishes, allowing you to explore different textures and looks.
When selecting findings and components, it is crucial to consider the chosen design and material of the jewellery. Findings should harmonise with the overall aesthetic and complement the beads or gemstones used. Experimenting with different finishes, such as silver, gold, or rose gold, can add variety and a personal touch to your pieces.
Exploring the wide range of sizes and styles available allows you to create custom jewellery that perfectly matches your vision. It is advisable to have a variety of findings in your collection to provide flexibility and accommodate different design ideas. Jewellery findings and components serve as the backbone of jewellery construction, providing the necessary connections, closures, and accents. By selecting findings that align with your design concept and materials, you can achieve a cohesive and visually pleasing result.
Beads and Gemstones
There is an extensive variety of beads and gemstones out there. there for you to pick and choose from to create your own unique designs, each possessing its own unique charm and allure. Let's embark on a journey to explore the diverse options available and the importance of selecting high-quality materials.
Glass beads are a popular choice, offering a wide range of colours, shapes, and finishes. From intricate lampwork beads to delicate pressed glass beads, they provide endless possibilities for adding vibrancy and texture to your designs. Seed beads, known for their tiny size, are perfect for intricate beadwork and embroidery, allowing you to create detailed patterns and designs.
Gemstone beads are coveted for their natural beauty and unique characteristics and have been enjoying a resurgence in popularity as the meaning and style they bring to jewellery can't be rivalled. From the captivating hues of amethyst and turquoise to the timeless elegance of pearls, These beads add a touch of luxury and sophistication to any piece of jewellery.
When it comes to selecting beads and gemstones, quality is paramount. Choosing high-quality materials ensures durability and enhances the visual appeal of your creations. Look for beads with a consistent colour. smooth surfaces, and no visible flaws. Gemstone beads should display the unique characteristics that make each stone special, such as vibrant colour, interesting patterns, and a lustrous sheen.
Stringing Materials
Choosing the right stringing materials is crucial in jewellery making, as they not only affect the overall look of the finished piece, but also contribute to its durability. Let's explore the importance of selecting appropriate stringing materials based on the type of jewellery being made and delve into the pros and cons of each option.
Beading Wire: Beading wire, typically made of stainless Steel, or nylon-coated stainless steel, is a popular choice for stringing beads. It offers strength and flexibility, ensuring that your jewellery withstands regular wear. Beading wire is ideal for creating necklaces and bracelets with heavier beads or gemstones. Different gauges and strand numbers exist, which affect the bead hole size you can use and the resistance to kinking. You will also need crimps to work with beading wire.
Beading Thread: Beading thread, such as nylon or polyester, is thin and flexible, making it perfect for creating intricate beadwork and stitching. It allows for precise bead placement and is often used in weaving techniques like peyote stitch or bead embroidery. However, beading thread may not be as durable as other options, particularly when used with heavier beads or subjected to regular tension.
Stretch Cord: Stretch cord, typically made of elastic material, is excellent for creating stretch bracelets that easily slip on and off the wrist. It provides comfort and flexibility, accommodating different wrist sizes. Stretch cord is commonly used with beads that have larger holes, making it ideal for beaded stretch bracelets. These tie with simple knotting and can be glued for For extra security, the knot can usually be hidden in a wide holed bead, such as a metal bead to give a seamless finish.
Leather Cord: Leather cord adds a natural and rustic touch to jewellery designs. It is sturdy and suitable for creating necklaces and bracelets with larger beads or pendants Leather cord offers versatility. allowing for various knotting techniques and adjustable lengths. However, it may require additional care to maintain its condition, as exposure to moisture or excessive wear can impact its longevity. Special cord ends can be used so these can be fastened with clasps.
Silk Cord: Silk cord is known for its luxurious feel and appearance, is commonly used for stringing pearls and delicate beads. It adds an elegant touch to necklaces and bracelets Silk cord offers excellent drape and is ideal for designs that require a softer, more delicate look. However, it may not be as durable as other materials and may require occasional restringing to ensure longevity.
Chain: Chain is a versatile stringing material that can be used on its own or in combination with other stringing materials. It offers strength and stability, making it suitable for various jewellery designs, including necklaces, bracelets, and anklets. Chains come in different styles and sizes, allowing for a wide range of creative possibilities. Chain can also be used to create links between connectors and stations, which may add a design into your piece. However, certain chain styles may limit the flexibility and movement of the piece
Consider the type of jewellery you are creating and the weight and size of your beads, and the desired look and feel when selecting stringing materials. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages. By choosing the appropriate stringing material, you can enhance the overall aesthetics and durability of your finished jewellery piece.
Whether you opt for the strength and flexibility of beading wire, the delicate intricacy of beading thread, the convenience of stretch cord, the rustic appeal of leather cord, the luxurious touch of silk cord, or the versatility of chain, each material offers unique characteristics that can elevate your designs. Experiment, explore, and select the stringing materials that best suit your vision and create stunning jewellery pieces that stand the test of time.