A Glossary of Jewellery Making Terms

Welcome to the Glossary of Jewellery Making Terms!

Entering a new craft and getting to grips with new terminology can be daunting, so we have created this short glossary of common jewellery making terms, including tools, materials, techniques, and processes. Whether you are a beginner looking to learn the basics of jewellery making or a professional jeweler seeking to expand your knowledge, this glossary will help you navigate the intricate world of jewellery making with ease.

Bead:

A small, often spherical object used in jewellery making, typically made of glass, stone, or plastic.

Beading thread:

Strong, flexible thread used to string beads together and create beadwork designs.

Bezel:

A metal band that surrounds a gemstone to hold it securely in place.

Cabochon:

A highly polished, often domed gemstone or other material that is set into jewellery.

Chain:

A series of links that are interconnected to form a flexible, decorative accessory.

Charms:

Small, decorative pendants or trinkets that can be attached to a bracelet, necklace, or other piece of jewellery.

Clasp:

A device used to fasten a piece of jewellery around the neck, wrist, or ankle.

Crimp bead:

A small, metallic bead used to secure jewellery wire or thread.

Crystals:

Highly polished, often faceted glass stones that can be used to create jewellery and other decorative items.

Earring hook:

A finding that is attached to the earlobe and holds an earring in place.

Filigree:

Delicate, ornamental metalwork made from thin wire or sheet metal.

Gemstones:

Precious or semi-precious stones that are often cut and polished for use in jewellery.

Headpin:

A thin metal wire with a flat or decorative end used to create a hanging loop for beads.

Jump ring:

A small metal ring used to connect different elements of a piece of jewellery, such as a clasp to a chain.

Mandrel:

A tapered tool used for shaping rings and bracelets.

Pliers:

A tool used to bend, cut, and shape wire and other materials used in jewellery making.

Resin:

A clear, liquid substance used to create a protective coating over jewellery or to embed small objects.

Rivets:

Small metal fasteners used to join two pieces of metal together.

Seed bead:

A tiny, often cylindrical bead used for intricate beadwork and embroidery.

Spacer bead:

A small, often spherical bead used to separate other beads in jewellery making.

Soldering:

A process used to join two pieces of metal together using heat and a metal alloy.

Wire:

A thin, flexible strand of metal or other material used to create a variety of jewellery components.

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We hope this has helped break down the common terms used in jewellery making. Keep an eye out for future blogs and check our Hub for more helpful content!

JM