Jewelry making is one of the few hobbies where you don’t need a ton of cash to get started. With just a few simple materials, you will have the opportunity to design and create beautiful pieces that will express your personality while enhancing your wardrobe. Here are a few of the tools and items that you will need if you want to start making your own jewelry today.
Tools
Jewelry Pliers Set
Every jewelry maker needs a good set of pliers, and there are several that you should keep on hand. Round-nose pliers will allow you to make loops, close jumprings and manipulate wire with ease. Flat nose pliers will give you a good grip so that your work is clean and precise, and chain nose pliers will help you to close bead tips and jump rings. You can also purchase the pliers you need in handy kits, which also typically include a pair of wire cutters. Wire cutters are essential because they allow you to cut the perfect lengths of wire as well as to trim excess wire from your projects.
Findings
Cones
Findings are all of the non-bead components that you use as you make jewelry. These include clasps, jumprings, connectors, links and embellishments. Ear wires, headpins and eye pins are also considered to be findings.
Findings come in many styles, metals and designs. Whether you wear silver or gold, website there are findings that will enhance your jewelry. There are simple findings as well as decorative ones on the market, which will allow you to find the perfect findings to suit your designs.
It is important to always keep a collection of various findings on hand. Imagine your frustration if you complete a project only to find that you are missing a portion of your clasp! When you keep your supply of findings fully stocked, you will always have what you need when inspiration strikes.
Beads
Greek Disk BeadsBeads have been around for centuries. They were initially made of natural materials, such as wood, clay and shells. They were often used as money or to identify someone’s high status in society. Today, beads are available to the general public, and there are thousands of styles, colors and types on the market. While wood, clay and shell beads are still popular, there are also other types, such as glass and plastic. There are also many sizes of beads, which makes it easy for you to find the perfect beads for your project.