How to Make Your Own Jewelry

So, you’re ready to start making your own jewelry, but don’t know exactly how to start? Before you jump head first, gather some materials and tools to help you out.


Materials

Before you can start making jewelry, you obviously need the jewels, right? But before you go out and just start buying everything you like, you should sit down and think about what it is that you want to create. If you want to create large statement necklaces, you probably need different stones than if you are just looking for a singular pendent. Spend some time looking at design inspirations—Pinterest is a rich source of ideas—and then decide your style. After you have a better grasp on what it is that you want to create, look into buying the beads or stones. It would be beneficial to get a wide variety of what you like so that, if you are working on a piece and you want to add something or change it, you can do it then instead of having to go out and buy it. For a wide variety of beads, stones and charms, check out www.beadsofcambay.com.


Tools

With just a few basic tools, you can create almost any type of jewelry or beading project. 

    1. Flat Nose Pliers

Flat nose pliers are the most common and most useful tool in jewelry making, and you will probably use these the most. You might want to consider purchasing two pairs so that you can grasp anything with both hands. Just make sure you get ones that have a smooth surface between the jaws. 

    1. Round Nose Pliers

Round nose pliers are much like flat nose pliers. They can help you with a multitude of things, especially for anything you want to have a smooth curve—make sure you use the round nose variety. 

    1. Wire Cutters

If you are planning on using wire, then you need wire cutters of some sort. These do a lot of hard work, so they can wear out pretty quickly. If you can invest in a good pair of wire cutters, then it will most likely be worth it in the end. 

    1. Toenail Clippers

If you don’t have the money to invest in a good pair of wire cutters, or if yours wear out in the middle of a project, toenail clippers can be a great substitute. 

    1. Beading Cord or Thread

If you are beading or aren’t using wire to string your jewelry, you need to pick out the right beading cord or thread. There are many types, so you need to pick one that will work for the design you are planning. 

    1. Ruler

Likely something you already have in your ownership, a ruler is a basic tool that can quickly become your best friend when making jewelry. You might want to consider getting a graphing ruler if you don’t have one, though, because you are able to see through it and see what you are doing. 

    1. Adhesive

Some jewelry makers don’t believe in using glue, but it is useful in many projects. Make sure you get glue that is strong enough for what you are using it for. In most cases, super glue will do the trick.

    1. Practice Materials

Especially when you are in the beginning stages of making jewelry, it is important to have practice materials handy so that you don’t have to use the expensive materials that you have set aside for the project. Base metal wire works great to help you understand how to use wire.

After you get your materials and tools, the only other thing you need is your imagination. Jewelry making is left completely up to what you can imagine. If you need help with technique, or don’t understand how to do something, remember there is a wide source of tutorials online, so don’t give up. Check out YouTube or Pinterest and do your best.

July 21, 2015 — Arun Yadav
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