Making Your Own Jewelry
Making your own jewelry can be a great way to get expensive trendy looking jewelry for less.
Not only can you make jewelry for yourself, but it’s really fun to make it as gifts for friends and relatives too. You can give them a unique one of a kind gift that doesn’t cost you a lot of money!
One thing about making your own jewelry is that you do have to invest in some tools to start with. First off, you need to decide what type of jewelry you want to make. Do you want to use semi precious gems like turquoise, garnet and amethyst? Will you be putting a lot of bali sterling silver beads in your designs? Maybe you love lampwork beads and want to design your own jewelry using beads? How about crystals and pearls? Perhaps you are attracted to the precise methods of working with seed beads? Or maybe you want to include all the above in the jewelry you make!
In addition to the materials you want to use, you also need to narrow down a method of construction. At first, I recommend that you focus on making one style. This will help keep down the cost of the supplies as well as help you to become an expert in that style of jewelry making. Once you have one method down, you can branch out and try some others.
The easiest way to get started is to make your own memory wire jewelry. Memory wire is flexible wire that holds it shape when released. It comes in bracelet, necklace and ring sizes. It’s quite easy to use and you don’t have to worry about sizing. You simply cut a length of wire to suit, close off one end by making a circle with pliers, string the beads on and then close the other end. Add a little garnish by hanging a beaded dangle off the end and you are done! The necklaces made with memory wire are nice because they sit tight against the throat and bracelets can be made with multiple wraps for a thick chic look.
Another method for making your own jewelry include stringing the beads on a flexible coated wire (tiger tail or beadalon) and crimping the ends shut with special beads and a crimp tool This allows for more flexibility in design than a memory wire piece but is a bit harder to make and the crimping does take a bit of practice. With this method, you will most definitely need a beading board to lay out your design on as you want to be sure it is symmetrical.
If you like the look of cascading necklaces and charm bracelets, you can make jewelry using lengths of chain. You can buy the chain in sterling, silver plated or gold filled and cut it to suit. Use headpins to attach the beads and finish off the piece with a clasp.
If you do decide to start making your own jewelry, you might need to rein in your impulse to buy every pretty bead and jewelry making component out there. Make a plan of exactly what you want to make and purchase only those things necessary for that design. If you don’t you might end up with a closet overflowing with excess beads like me!
Check Out our handmade beaded jewelry
Articles:
Making Beaded Earrings
Step by step instructions on how to make earrings
Earring Making Supply Needs
What you'll need to make earrings
Jewelry Making Book Review
My take on some of the books I'ved read.
Jewelry Making Wire
Learn about the different types of wire you can use to make jewelry
How to make Beaded Jewelry
Learning how to make beaded jewelry isn’t difficult, but there are a few technical skills you’ll want to master before you can really get creative in your designs.
The Beauty Of Turquoise
Turquoise has been used in jewelry making for centuries and is included in some of the most beautiful jewelry pieces today. Turquoise is mined in China, Iran, Turkey, Egypt, and Persia. In North America, it is found in Arizona and New Mexico. The stone can be rather porous and chalky and is usually treated before it is suitable for use in jewelry.
The Worlds Most Famous Diamonds
Throughout history, man has been fascinated with diamonds. Many a legend has been wrought around this fascinating gem including a whole city of diamonds guarded by snakes. Today, diamonds are still one of the most sought after gems and traditionally used in an engagement ring as a symbol of everlasting love.
The History Of The Diamond
Dazzling to look at, no other gem quite compares to the diamond. Throughout history, the diamond has been surrounded by tales of mystical power, beauty and love. The need to posses this brilliant stone has historically brought out the worst in man.
Picking Out A Diamond
Picking out a diamond is supposed to be fun, but more often than not it can actually be stressful. Wondering if you are getting a good deal, deciding whether to trade off quality for size. The average person simply does not have enough education in the diamond buying department to make an informed decision.
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