Its polish might wash away in water, so clean with a soft, dry cloth. Site design / logo 2022 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. The boards come in a number of different sizes to allow for large and small jewellery stringing projects. These are flattened disc like beads with a large central hole usually fashioned from glass, stone or wood. Aventurines granular appearance and particular translucence are its most distinctive characteristics. A loop made of wire or another material that is used as a connector for chains and pendants. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary. In 1863 it was discovered that the name Jade was being applied to two distinct minerals. Colours are blue green and pale green. Above are three faceted jet black fire polished Czech glass beads. Weaving can be done on a Loom or with a needle and thread, otherwise known as off loom. Learn more in our Guide to Seed Beads. Above is an antique silver filigree style cuff bracelet. Its main features are stripe, circles or spots with colours ranging from white to gray, pink, red, brown, yellow, and green. The hanging hole passing through the end of a Drop or Pendant. Also known as Fibre Optic Beads. you may use these Crimps at the ends of your work. A jewellery finding that can be attached to a chain or cord with a jump ring or bail. The higher the number of the needle, the finer it will be. Above are examples of Blue, Green and Red Aventurine. Though normally green in colour, chrysotine can also be cream coloured or light yellow. The American unit of measurement for the thickness of wire. A wooden handled jewellers Chasing Hammer. Czechoslovakia produces beautiful fire-polished beads in a myriad of colours and applied finishes. Absorbable sutures are, How much one can earn from tailoring? Above is an example of some vintage Japanese red heart green glass beads Colour Lined with an earthy red colour. They are typically used for lightweight necklaces, bracelets and anklets. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary. Above is an example of a bronze finish metal fancy Filigree beading embellishment. Examples would include brass, bronze, copper and nickel. No. These little tubes negate the need for knots in the stringing material. A collection of clear Czech glass farfalle beads with a Black Lining. A glass bead finish that is used with translucent or transparent beads to give a shiny pearlised finish. Above are examples of Baltic, Black Sarawak (Borneo), Ciapas (Mexico), Dominican Blue, Golling (Austria), Lee Creek (USA), New Jersey (USA) and Sabah (Borneo) Ambers. It takes its name from the theatre where it was necessary to accentuate the jewellery props used on stage so that they could be seen by the wider audience. The thin layers of metal over glass allow some wavelengths of light/colour to pass through and others to reflect, and this creates the shimmering chameleon visual effect. Above are three rolls of Nymo Size D bead thread. This type of finish can, unfortunately, be lost over time due to friction or acidity from the skin. Means that a Base Metal, such as brass, has been covered with a thin layer of real gold. Typically they will work up to wire guages diameter 14. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary. They have an end loop. The most common collective nouns for a group of fish in general are school and shoal. They are then turned as spirals or straight stripping, before being fashioned into into balls, teardrops or pennies. Sponge coral, when polished smooth, has visible pores like a sponge. Read more in our guide to Beading Tools and Jewellery Making Tools. Some claps come with safety latches or chains which prevent the wedge shaped tongue from pulling out and allowing the jewellery piece to fall off. However this does vary by type and size of bead, manufacturer and country of origin. Click to view a selection of our Aurora Borealis Beads. The thick inner layer of the shell is composed of a dichroic substance called nacre or mother-of-pearl, which in many species is highly iridescent, giving rise to a range of strong and changeable colors, making it ideal for jewellery and other decorative objects. An off loom bead weaving stitch which can be used to create daisies, gods eyes, and lightening eyes. You can coat the beads with a spray varnish in order to stabilise the finish and slow down the wear. Above are examples of Blue, Peruvian Striped and Orange Aragonite. Dont overload our Elastic Thread with heavy beads as it will stretch. Any metal other than gold, silver or platinum which are all considered Precious Metals. Similar to Rhinestones. Is an extremely variable stone in terms of colour but has an enviable glassy lustre and richness whatever the colour. Cylindrical beads manufactured by Toho in Japan that are precision made to be consistent in size and shape. Often a term applied to Pearls, but it can be applied to any bead type whether natural, cultured or manufactured. Named after its resemblance to the size and shape of the cuff of a shirt sleeve. Above are examples of Asparagus Stone (Spanish), Blue, Cats Eye and Violet Apatite. Africans often used beads for currency and wealth storage, with social status determined by the quality, quantity and style of jewellery worn. It is meant to slide onto the chain rather than to be soldered to it so that the pendant is not permanently part of the chain. It is also a descriptive term relating to the colour of amber. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary. A small decorative item such as a Charm designed to be hug from a chain. However, the bead itself is a countable noun. Above are examples of Emerald and Crystal Crackle Glass Beads. A bracelet made of solid or hollow metal, or wire. How can we send radar to Venus and reflect it back on earth? Above is an example of a Bakelite dog broocha and an orange barrel bead. Above are examples of Biggs (USA), Blood, Brecciated, Chinese Painting, Deschutes (USA), Firewood, Florence, Imperial (Mexico), Kambaba (Madagascar), Leopard Skin, Morrisonite (USA), Noreena (Australia), Ocean (Madagascar), Opal, Owyhee (USA), Peacock, Picasso, Picture, Polychronic, Poppy, Rainbow, Rainforest, Royal Sahara Picture (N Africa), Russian, Sagebrush, Silver Leaf, Spiderweb Imperial and Yellow (China) Jasper. Is better known for imitating other minerals than it is in its own right. The male and female leaders of the pack are called the breeding pair (formerly referred to as alphas). Above are some gold plated metal Calottes. A string or thread made up of twisted strands. Above are examples of Blue, Golden, Mangano and Yellow Calcite. Click to view a selection of our Bar and Ring Clasps. Click to view our selection of Bead Boards. A Clasp made of two parts that screw, snap or use magnets to come together to form a barrel shape. Typically refers to a Corrugated Bead which is made by corrugating a length of tube, then cutting it to length before forming the bead shape in a press. Above is an example of some Czech round glass green, blue and red Iris finish druks. A clasp mechanism that is hidden in a bead or pearl using a magnet, screw, tab or bayonet to ensure a secure closure. A form of Quartz, this semi precious stone has a purple translucent appearance created by the presence of iron and manganese when it was forming. Depending on the stone in question and the size, shape, quantity, position and colour of the inclusions they can have either a positive or a negative effect on a stones desirability or value. Strictly speaking an antique is an item over 100 years old but is also a term that can be used to describe styles and materials from another era such as 1930s Bakelite, Victorian cut beads, Native American beadwork, etc. Above is an example of Beadalon Flat Nosed Pliers. They are found in Australia, Brazil, India, Scotland, Tanzania, the United States and Uruguay. In general this is aluminium, brass, copper, silver, gold, silver-plated, gold-plated or gold-filled wire. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary. It was historically used to make body armour, but is commonly seen today in jewellery, sculpture, and fashions. Brings weaving techniques to beading allowing the creation of accessories, jewellery, and artworks. A tool or instrument used to precisely measure the dimension of small objects such as beads. To read more about this process see our Guide to Seed Beads. They are used to cut wire. I-cord has many potential uses in knitting such as, Popcorn stitch is a playful crochet stitch that adds dimension to your work. A mark stamped into precious metals to indicate its purity or fineness, the maker or sponsor, the Assay Office where it was tested, and the year that it was tested. A jewellery making technique used to add shape and form to a normally flat ornament, for example doming a plate metal ornament. Click to view a selection of our Bangles. Semi precious and precious stones assigned to each month or zodiac sign, purported to enhance qualities in the wearer or bring good fortune or health. Typically one side of the bar will have a single loop with the opposite side have multiple loops depending on how many are required for the design. This gemstone, found in Brazil, India, Madagascar, Namibia, Sri Lanka, the United States, Uruguay and Zimbabwe, has a semi transparent or translucent quality alongside a solid colour, commonly pale bluish grey. A clear transparent mineral formed from crystallised quartz. Are useful for general wire work, holding, and especially when working for prolonged periods of time for example when making Chain Maille. A flat backed domed or faceted bead that is usually applied using glue to a setting or woven into position. Are generally beaded Head or Eye Pins finished with a loop, or a small object with a top loop, attached to bracelets, necklaces or earrings in the same manner as a charm might be. Small metal finding used to hide the method of ending a strand. Not to be confused with Catalin which came later in the 1930s, was made by a rival company, and had a far wider range of colours. Wire-working techniques that dont require solder or heat i.e. Three antique ojime beads made in the Orient for the Western market during the Meiji Taisho era or the early 1900s. An ornamental bar with a pin and clasp mounted on the back worn as a hair ornament, similar in design to a hair grip or slide. Fire-polished beads do not contain lead, so they are distinct from crystal glass and should not be labelled as such. Read more in our informative Guide To Bugle Beads, or click to view a selection of our Bugle Beads. A very hard dark brown wood from the Tropics used to make beads as well as other decorative items. Above is an example of a vintage raw brass pleated cagework stamping. To learn more read our History Of Charms And Charm Bracelets, A bracelet worn on the wrist used to carry the aforementioned Charms, which are either purely decorative or have an important significance in the life of the person wearing the jewellery. Typically relates to Bugle Beads and Seed Beads where the bead hole has been lined with a black finish giving greater depth to the bead colouring. Because of the ways in which wolves have evolved and the special demands of their way of life, wolves have become one of the most highly social of all carnivores. Bead Caps can be purely decorative, serving to off set a bead but they can also be used to help cover up a large bead hole giving a neater finish. These rings cannot be opened and are therefore very secure. For example faux pearls is often used to describe imitation pearls. Click to view a selection of our Pendant Bails. A type of jewellery setting, usually made of metal, used for encircling and securing a crystal, stone or Cabochon. Above is an example of an antique bronze Bar and Ring Clasp. A Venetian glass making discovery. This term also refers to a foil backed cone shaped crystal or stone where the top circular edge is bevelled running to a point on the underside. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary. Around the outside of the grooves are measurements to help you determine the length of the finished piece. A short length of wire ending in a turned loop. A process perfected in Russia, they have been available commercially since 1976. The name is derived from the Greek for a gold-white spar. A two piece hinged mechanism attached to the back of an earring which closes around the ear lobe with just enough mechanical pressure to hold the earring in place. Click to view a selection of our Antique and Vintage Beads. Comes in many different designs and is made from a variety of different metals as well as light weight polyester for a modern alternative. Above is an example of a decorative bronze finish filigree Barette. They are generally domed in shape to neatly fit round a bead. Above are examples of standard and Citrine Chrysoprase. To this end the beads were usually large, bright, colourful and often cylindrical in shape. Above is an example of an Inlaid Abalone shell pendant. It's true that the plural of bead means a rosary or something similar. The ability for a metal to be drawn into wire. Above is a run of Toho Aiko beads in Dark Amethyst. It only takes a minute to sign up. Its vivd orange brown colouring has resulted in the nickname cinnamon stone. Above are examples of Soft Canadian, China, Green, Lavender, Nephrite, New, White, and Yellow Jade. The metal foil used can be 24 ct gold, Sterling Silver, or simply gold or silver coloured metal. Above is an example of a vintage Japanese turquoise glass Drop Bead. The term appears to have been first used by Swarovski and it comes from the French word meaning frosty. Also known as Thong Ends or Cord Ends. They are often used as pendants. Tiger Tail is the common name of a beading wire made up of 7 strands of wire, but wires are also availablemade from 19 and 49 strands, these have better drape than the 7 strand. A man made resin or thermoplastic used to make moulded plastic beads or applied to the surface of beads to give them colour or Lustre. Also known as a Pearl Enhancer. Is a nostalgic name for glass sourced from Czechoslovakia. So a female werewolf is called a she-werewolf or a werewolfess while a male werewolf is called a he-werewolf, obviously. Above are two patriotic enamelled Union Jack charms. What are the differences between "You always dress in a black suit" and "You are always dressed in a black suit" in spoken language? Likewise do not be tempted to use scissors for wire cutting as even the finest wire will make grooves in the blades and ruin them. To be classified as gold filled a piece must be at least 1/20 gold by weight. See also Rolled Gold and Gold Filled. Collapsible or large eye needles are easier to thread and they reshape as they pass through the bead. Now it is possible to buy Seed Beads of other sizes with a single facet, and these are called one cut or true cuts. What's something you've always wanted to learn? These additional materials, usually mica or iron oxide, give the stone a glistening effect. A selection of decorative vintage Hat Pins. An oversized ring with precious or semi-precious stones popular in the 1940s and 50s. It is often found with white, yellow or grey inclusions and a silky lustre or silvery sheen. Above is a contemporary Venetian chevron bead produced by acclaimed Italian bead artist Luigi Cattelan. They are also smooth faced to avoid leaving marks. Usually they are cut as cabochons providing a cats eye effect. The higher the first number, the smaller the bead. Glass beads traditionally processed with arsenic to create a rainbow or pearly lustre. Above are a number of vintage copper plated fold over clasps. The loop is used to attach the bead tip to the clasp. Genuine Murano glass beads use pure metal and this is reflected in their price. Ironically without a cut in sight these are crudely moulded round beads with irregular facets and traces of the mould remaining on the bead surface. Achieved by a stamping technique which is pressed into a plain area of metal to leave an impression in relief. An individual bead constructed of small beads such as Seed Beads or crystals, stitched together, usually over a base bead, to form a three dimensional shape. A simple metal bead manufactured using coiled wire and similar in appearance to a spring. A very short cylindrical sliced bead with parallel faces and a central or tabular hole (from edge to edge). Above is an example of Gold Plated metal round spacer beads. Strips of bent wire are soldered onto a metal base (usually both these are of copper) to form a pattern. To learn more about Seed Beads and Seed Bead sizing read our History Of Seed Beads. Gypsum is the defining mineral for 2 on Mohs Scale of Hardness. Closest equivalent to the Chinese jocular use of (occupational disease): job creates habits that manifest inappropriately outside work. This process of hallmarking dates back to 1300 when Edward I instituted the assaying and marking of precious metals to reduce fraud and to maintain fair competition. Swarovski and Preciosa are the two big names that make crystal beads and pendants, but crystal is also available from Chinese manufacturers. If you think that the posting of any material infringes your copyright, be sure to contact us through the contact form and your material will be removed! Pronounced hee shee bar is a narrow spacer bar used to hold heishe beads, bugle beads or seed beads in parallel without them twisting or tangling. A liquid or paste that is used when soldering metals together, both reducing the surface temperature of the two surfaces and protecting the fused metals from oxidisation. adding extra movement to piece of jewellery. A jump to index is provided at the top of each bead guide to help you find information quickly. They are also result in a heavier stone than similar sized diamond. Six sided hexagonally shaped seed beads cut to give maximum reflection and sparkle. Is a group of phosphate minerals found in sedimentary rocks. Sometimes called Slave Beads, these were decorative beads used between the16th and 20th centuries as a currency to be exchanged for goods, services and labour. Above are a number of turquoise coloured howlite round cabochons. Circles of wire or metal with a split in their diameter used to join together jewellery elements. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary. Wires most frequently employed for jewellery making are listed below: These are beads made from Precious or Semi-Precious stones. The smaller hole is attahced to the chain using a jump ring with the larger hole used to fasten the clasp through. They can be an intense purple, blue, green or yellow; also colourless, reddish orange, pink, white and brown. Is a form of calcium carbonate, like Coral or Marble, and is named after Molina de Aragon, Spain, where it was first found in 1790. To learn more read our History Of Charms And Charm Bracelets. A pair of flat nose pliers will flatten a crimp bead perfectly functional but Crimping Pliers will produce a rounded shape to the crimp that looks better and more professional if you are leaving them exposed.These pliers have two different shaped holes (when the jaws are closed) to squash and then round the crimp so that it securely grips the wire. An air hole is used to make the bead hole and when hardened they are usually tumbled or reheated to soften their edges give a more rounded finish. To learn more about Venetian glass manufacture look at our History of Venetian Glass and our Glossary of Venetian Glass. This clasp is then partially buried in a bead or pearl, giving the necklace a clean look when the clasp is screwed together. In this case they begin life as a larger cane of Moretti glass which is then melted into a soft ball on the end of a small blow pipe. Is a catch all term to describe jewellery for pierced parts of the body other than ears. Is a microcrystalline variety of Quartz characterised by its fineness of grain and brightness and range of colours. Above is an example of vintage Czech speckled green Half Drilled Beads. The intention being to avert the gaze of the Evil Eye. The metal cone covers and contains the knotted strand ends. Coral is much softer than other gem materials, and as a result it should be stored carefully to avoid scratches. Above is an example of a mixed size pack of John James Hard English Beading Needles. Has come to refer to different things over time. Its colour is normally apple green, but varies to deep green. Are cut to produce multiple flat sides or faces to reflect light and to create sparkle and different depths of colour. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary. An example of rich cobalt blue lampwork glass beads. They come in different sizes, but all have grooves into which you place your beads and components so that you can try out layouts. 10 carats means that the metal contains 10 parts gold to 14 parts other metals (24 carats is pure gold). Above is an example of Beadalon End Cutters. Crystal beads are nearly always faceted to show off the light refracting qualities of the glass, the best quality beads are precision cut by machine. Today these are usually plastic or glass beads with a coating that creates an imitation pearl look. They can be made of bone, clay, glass, metal, paper, plastic, porcelain and stone but beaders are ever inventive and other materials are used. The flat face or surface of a cut bead, gem, or crystal. Serves a similar purpose to the Overhand Knot, and can be used for securing tail ends of threads and weaving in new ones. You can read more about this area of jewellery and her work in particular in our History of Miriam Haskell. A group of Cone Beads handmade from rolled paper. Please feel free to reproduce this beading guide for personal or educational use, crediting Big Bead Little Bead as the source. Colours are a variety of green hues, off white and yellow. A wide bracelet which is either slipped over the wrist or hinged. A metal Finding used to finish off a strung necklace or bracelet by hiding the stringing knots. Gives a professional looking finish. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary. Typically 6 to 9mm in diameter with a 2mm hole or larger. Designed for pierced ears this is the straight part of the Earring that is passed through the ear. Jump to a jewellery making term: A B C D E F G H I J or K to Z. A decorative but inexpensive piece of jewellery. Above is an example of a winged heart lampwork Focal Bead. A bundle of bead strands, usually 10 to 12 strands of a approximately 18 ins in length.
collection of beads is called