Jewelry Making and Beading For Dummies

When starting jewelry making or beading projects, make sure your jewelbox contains the basic supplies. Use different types of pliers for specific jewelry making jobs, use the correct wire gauge, and follow the recommended lengths for types of jewelry and beading. You can personalize your jewelry and beading by using birthstones.

Basic Jewelbox Supplies

Make sure your jewelbox is fully equipped with supplies you need for jewelry making and beading projects. Include these must-have jewelry and beading tools and accessories:

Wire cutters
Round-nose pliers
Flat-nose pliers
Bead organizer with a variety of glass beads
Beading cord or thread
Memory wire
Assorted earwires
Assorted clasps
Assorted headpins and eyepins
Crimp beads
Ruler or tape measure

Types of Jewelry Making Pliers

Jewelry pliers are made to handle more delicate jobs than pliers from a hardware store, and they vary in shape and size depending on the job. These are types of jewelry pliers:

Jewelry Making Wire Size Chart

When you’re dealing with wire gauge remember: the larger the number, the smaller the wire diameter. Pick the right size wire for your jewelry making and beading needs.

Necklace Lengths — in Inches — for Making Jewelry

When you’ve put a lot of time into making jewelry you don’t want a necklace that’s too long or a choker that’s too tight. Use these recommended lengths when making jewelry for people:

	Women	Men	Plus sizes	Kids	Baby
Necklace	17–35+	20	18–36	12–14	10–12
Choker	14–16	18	17–19	8–10	n/a
Bracelet	7–7 1/2	8–11	8	5 1/2–6 1/2	3 1/2–5
Anklet	9–9 1/2	11–14	10–10 1/2	7–8	4–4 1/2

Using Birthstones in Jewelry Making

Want to make a jewelry gift more personal? Add the birthstone (or crystal alternative) for the person to whom you’re giving the gift. Here are the months and corresponding birthstones:

Month	Stone	Crystal Alternative (Stone Color)
January	Garnet, rose quartz	Siam, garnet, or rose (deep to light red)
February	Amethyst, onyx	Amethyst or jet (light purple or black)
March	Aquamarine, red jasper	Aquamarine (very pale blue)
April	Diamond, rock crystal	Crystal AB (clear)
May	Emerald, chrysoprase	Emerald (dark green)
June	Moonstone, pearl	Light topaz, smoky topaz, or light tan or pearl
July	Ruby, carnelian	Siam or garnet (rich deep red)
August	Peridot, aventurine	Peridot (light green)
September	Sapphire, lapis lazuli	Sapphire or Montana sapphire (dark blue)
October	Tourmaline, opal	Smoky topaz (dark tan-purple)
November	Citrine, topaz	Topaz or Colorado topaz (tan)
December	Zircon, turquoise	Light sapphire or topaz (light blue or orange-red)