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Pearls bring to mind different images of elegance, like a bride on her wedding day or a classic Hollywood starlet. There’s a reason why these gems are a symbol of timeless beauty—they’ve been enchanting us for thousands of years. From ancient China to the Egyptians and Imperial Romans, pearls are one of the longest valued […]
Creative juices seem to flow a little easier with help from music. Heck, I’m plugged in to some my favorite tunes while I write this! Jewelry designing, or any form of art for that matter, is all about creativity. To get the fingers flowing at just the right angle, or to place the right beads […]
Photo Source: The Huffington Post If you’ve witnessed the amazing shimmer from an AB finish bead, then you understand why it’s worthy of being named after the Aurora Borealis. This extra sparkly finish on your favorite crystals is the brainchild of Swarovski and Christian Dior. AB, short for Aurora Borealis, is a bead treatment inspired […]
Every woman wants to shine, and every woman loves shoes. Strassing combines these two loves into the perfect pair of pumps. The term strass is traditionally a synonym for rhinestone, named after Georg Friedrich Strass who invented the flint glass as an alternative to gemstones. This technique is simply put—not simply achieved—as the act of […]
Jewelry links are an excellent way to create a multi-stranded design or to make a dangling focal for an elaborate piece. There are so many ways to use links it often becomes overwhelming and beginning beaders shy away from exploring new options. The simplest way to use a link is to create two separate strands […]
We’ve just launched some cool new anodized aluminum sheets from Lilypilly that are a great way to create unique jewelry components. You may be wondering how anodized aluminum is made. Well, we’re here to explain. Much like anodized niobium, the process of anodized aluminum increases the natural layer of oxide on the material by soaking […]
Want to create a dazzling display of seed beads around your favorite cabochon for a remarkable hand-made bezel? This simple two-bead backstitch is perfect for beginners. We’ll show you how to create a border around a large pendant, and then how to embellish it with floral accents. Just choose your favorite cabochon or pendant to […]
Lampwork glass is created by manipulating molten glass and shaping it into delicate beads. If you remember from our previous post, What is Borosilicate Glass, we explained that boro glass is a hard composite that can sustain extreme temperatures. Not all lampwork glass is made from borosilicate glass, though. Some is made from soft glass, […]
Learn how to make a love knot bracelet in no time! This simple yet stylish jewelry design has long been regarded as a symbol of love, representing the everlasting and constant bond between two people. You can make a love knot bracelet for a friend or family member as a thoughtful gift. We’ll show you […]