Basic Jewelry Making Tools and Techniques

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Jewelry making is a fascinating, addictive hobby. If you are intrigued and think you might like to take it up for yourself, here is a list of materials that you will need to begin basic bead stringing and wire wrapping. Scroll down for a list of tutorials I have created for you.

Chain Nose Pliers taper to a fine point. They are used for getting into tight spaces and for opening and closing jump rings. You will reach for these more than any other, so invest in good quality.

Round Nose Pliers are, as the name suggests, round. They are used for making loops in wire. Again, you will use these freqently so invest in good quality. Make sure the ends are perfectly round, not oval-shaped.

Flat Nose Pliers do not taper to a point like chain nose pliers. They are handy as a second set of pliers for opening and closing jump rings.

Flush Cutters allow you to make a nice, clean cut in your wire exactly where you want it. You will be much happier with good quality flush cutters than with lesser expensive ones!

Crimping Pliers are specially shaped to close crimps tubes (pictured below), which finish off beading wire. Click here for a crimping tutorial.

Bent Nose Pliers are not absolutely essential to the beginner, but they do come in handy when wire wrapping. They allow you to place your wraps precisely.

Bead Stringing Wire is made by many different manufacturers and comes in many different sizes and strengths. Click here for more in-depth information.

Sterling Silver or artistic wire is the medium used for wire wrapping. It comes in varying sizes, shapes, and degrees of hardness.

Clasps (your choice of style) - You will need clasps to finish off your jewelry! There are lobster clasps, spring ring clasps, toggles, S-hooks, and many many many other styles.

Crimp Tubes are small round tubes that are shaped with crimping pliers. Click here for more information about crimps and a crimping tutorial.

Jump Rings are used to connect jewelry components together. There is an art to opening and closing them properly.

Ear Wires or Posts (your choice of style) - You will need some type of ear wires to make earrings. Eventually you can learn to make them yourself.

Jeweler's Cement dries crystal clear and will not damage your materials. Ordinary "super glues" can weaken and even eat through some bead stringing wire and can also damage the finish on beads and crystals.

Nylon Jaw Pliers enable you to straighten wire without marring it.

Head Pins are useful in making earrings and pendants. You can string beads or crystals on them, make a loop in the top, connect it to an ear wire, and you have an earring! They come in varying thicknesses and lengths.