Jewelry Making Dictionary: Grow Your Vocabulary

By Blake Pieck

1st Edition of the Jewelry Making Dictionary. Various categories covered and over 2300 words.

 

Dive into the sparkling world of jewelry making. An essential guide for both beginners and seasoned crafters. This is your gateway to the vocabulary of creating stunning jewelry pieces. Whether you're intrigued by the intricate designs of beadwork, the bold statements of metal stamping, or the elegant twists of wire wrapping, this dictionary has got you covered.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Blake Pieck
• Release date: Nov 29, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223579847

Book preview

Beadwork Dictionary

A

Ab Finish (Aurora Borealis)   -   Coating Type   -   A shiny, rainbow-like coating applied to beads to give them a shimmering effect, inspired by the Northern Lights phenomenon. 

Abacus Bead   -   Bead Type   -   Small cylindrical or disc-shaped bead with rounded edges, often used for creating intricate patterns and designs in beadwork jewelry. 

Abacus Counter   -   Tool   -   A tool resembling an abacus, used to count beads and keep track of patterns and designs during the beadwork process. 

Abalone Inlay   -   Technique And Material   -   The technique of setting abalone shell pieces into a surface, often to create intricate patterns or designs on jewelry items. 

Abalone Shell   -   Material   -   A shell material known for its iridescent interior, often used in beadwork to create beautiful and shimmering pieces. 

Abrasion Resistance   -   Material Property   -   Indicates the ability of a material to resist wear and tear, scratching, or chipping, commonly used in reference to the durability of a bead or gemstone’s surface. 

Abrasive   -   Tool/supply   -   Materials used to smooth, polish, or shape beads and other components in beadwork, including files, sandpapers, and polishing compounds. 

Abstract Design   -   Design Principle   -   Refers to jewelry designs that do not represent real objects but are based on imaginative or non-traditional combinations of shapes, colors, and patterns. 

Accent Beads   -   Bead Type   -   Beads used to accentuate the main elements in a beadwork design, often smaller and used to add detail and interest. 

Acetate Beads   -   Bead Material   -   Beads made from acetate, a plastic derived from natural sources, offering a lightweight and shiny option for various beadwork projects. 

Acrylic Beads   -   Bead Material   -   Beads made from acrylic plastic, offering a lightweight and affordable option for various beadwork projects. 

Acrylic Paint   -   Tool And Material   -   A type of paint used to decorate or add details to beads and other jewelry components, well-suited for adhering to a variety of surfaces including metals, plastics, and woods. 

Acrylic Resin   -   Material   -   A type of plastic used to create beads and other jewelry components, known for its lightweight nature and ability to mimic the appearance of other materials like glass or gemstones. 

Adapter   -   Tool   -   A device or component used to facilitate the connection of various types of strings or wires in beadwork. 

Adapter Clip   -   Jewelry Component   -   A small component used to connect different types of chains, cords, or other jewelry elements, aiding in the versatility and adaptability of beadwork designs. 

Adapter Ring   -   Jewelry Component   -   A ring used to facilitate the connection of different types of clasps, chains, or other jewelry components. 

Adapter Tube   -   Jewelry Component   -   A tube-shaped piece used to connect different types of beads or cords, enhancing the versatility of beadwork designs. 

Adhesive   -   Tool/supply   -   A substance used to bond materials together, often used in beadwork to secure knots or attach components. 

Adjustable Clasp   -   Clasp Type   -   A type of clasp that allows for the adjustment of the length of a piece of jewelry, providing versatility in wear. 

Adjustable Knot   -   Knot Type   -   A type of knot that allows for the adjustment of the length of a piece of jewelry, providing versatility in how it can be worn. 

Adjustable Loop   -   Technique And Component   -   A loop that can be adjusted in size, often found in bracelets and necklaces to allow the wearer to customize the fit to their preference. 

Adjustable Setting   -   Component   -   A type of jewelry setting that can be resized or adjusted, commonly used in rings to accommodate different finger sizes or in necklaces to allow for variable lengths. 

Adventurine Glass   -   Material   -   A type of glass infused with metallic particles to give it a shimmering or sparkling effect, used in beadwork for its vibrant aesthetic. 

African Trade Beads   -   Bead Type   -   Historically significant beads that were used in trade, often colorful and made from a variety of materials, used today in beadwork for their historical significance and unique designs. 

African Turquoise   -   Gemstone/material   -   A type of jasper that is mined in Africa, resembling turquoise and often used in beadwork for its vibrant colors and unique patterns. 

Agate   -   Gemstone/material   -   A variety of chalcedony with varied colors and patterns, often used in beadwork for its unique natural patterns and durability. 

Agate Bead   -   Component   -   Beads made from agate, a variegated type of quartz, often showcasing banded patterns and used for their aesthetic and potential metaphysical properties. 

Agate Slice   -   Material   -   A thin slice of agate gemstone, often used in beadwork as pendants or focal points due to their natural patterns and colors. 

Aiguille   -   Tool   -   A French term for a needle, a tool used extensively in beadwork to thread beads and create intricate designs. 

Alabaster   -   Material   -   A fine-grained, translucent form of gypsum, commonly used for carving ornamental beads and pendants. 

Alignment Guide   -   Tool   -   A device or tool that helps in aligning beads or other elements evenly while creating a jewelry piece, promoting uniformity and consistency in design. 

Alligator Clip   -   Tool   -   A tool with jaws that open and close like an alligator’s mouth, used to hold small items securely during the beadwork process. 

Alloy   -   Material   -   A mixture of two or more metals, used to create beads and jewelry components with specific properties. 

Alphabet Beads   -   Bead Type   -   Beads that feature letters of the alphabet, allowing for personalized messages and names to be incorporated into beadwork designs. 

Amazonite   -   Gemstone/material   -   A green to blue-green variety of microcline feldspar used for making beads and other jewelry components. 

Amber   -   Material   -   Fossilized tree resin that is used in jewelry making for its warm golden tones and potential inclusion of prehistoric plant or insect material, adding a touch of antiquity and nature to jewelry pieces. 

Amethyst   -   Gemstone/material   -   A violet variety of quartz, commonly used in beadwork for its vibrant color and purported spiritual and healing properties. 

Amulet   -   Jewelry Type   -   A piece of jewelry believed to have the power to protect or bring luck to the wearer, often created with specific gemstones or symbols in beadwork. 

Amulet Bag   -   Beadwork Object   -   A small bag created through beadwork, often worn as a necklace and believed to hold small amulets or charms that offer protection or luck. 

Anchor Bead   -   Beadwork Technique   -   A focal bead used as a starting point in a beadwork project, helping to maintain the design’s structural integrity. 

Anchor Chain   -   Chain Type   -   A type of chain resembling the chain used on ships’ anchors, often used in beadwork to create sturdy and visually interesting jewelry. 

Anchor Charm   -   Component   -   A charm shaped like an anchor, often used in nautical-themed jewelry to add a maritime touch to bracelets, necklaces, or earrings. 

Anchor Pendant   -   Jewelry Component   -   A pendant shaped like an anchor, often used in beadwork projects to add a nautical touch or as a symbol of stability and strength. 

Anchor Thread   -   Technique   -   The practice of securing the beginning thread in beadwork to ensure stability and prevent unraveling during the beadwork process. 

Ancient Beads   -   Bead Type   -   Beads that are from ancient times, often used in beadwork for their historical significance and unique appearances. 

Angled Tweezers   -   Tool   -   Tweezers with an angled tip, used in beadwork to pick up and place small beads and components with precision. 

Ankle Bracelet   -   Jewelry Type   -   A type of bracelet specifically designed to be worn around the ankle, often featuring delicate designs and sometimes incorporating small beads or charms. 

Anklet   -   Jewelry Type   -   A piece of jewelry worn around the ankle, often created through beadwork using a variety of beads and gemstones. 

Anklet Extender   -   Jewelry Component   -   A piece that can be added to an anklet to increase its length, allowing for a more comfortable fit. 

Annealed Wire   -   Material   -   Wire that has undergone a process of slow cooling to remove internal stresses and increase its ductility, making it more suitable for jewelry making applications such as wire wrapping and forming. 

Annealing   -   Process   -   A heat treatment process used to increase the ductility and reduce the hardness of metal components in beadwork. 

Anodizing   -   Process   -   A chemical process used to create a protective or decorative oxide layer on metal surfaces, often used in beadwork to add color or increase corrosion resistance. 

Antique Beads   -   Component   -   Beads that were manufactured in a bygone era, bringing a vintage touch to jewelry pieces and often sought after for their rarity and unique designs. 

Antique Finish   -   Finishing Technique   -   A type of bead finish that gives a piece a vintage or aged appearance, often achieved through various chemical processes or physical distressing techniques. 

Antler Beads   -   Bead Material   -   Beads made from antler materials, often used in rustic or nature-inspired beadwork designs. 

Apache Tear   -   Material   -   A type of black obsidian that is often polished and used in jewelry making for its glossy surface and deep black color, sometimes used in mourning jewelry or for its perceived protective properties. 

Apatite   -   Gemstone/material   -   A group of phosphate minerals often used in beadwork for its range of colors, including yellow, blue, and green. 

Applicator   -   Tool   -   A tool used to apply small beads or other elements in beadwork, helping to place items precisely and efficiently. 

Appliqué   -   Beadwork Technique   -   The process of sewing beads onto fabric or another backing material to create decorative designs or patterns. 

Appliqué Beads   -   Component   -   Beads featuring appliqué decoration, where small pieces of material are applied to the surface of the beads to create intricate patterns or designs. 

Aquamarine   -   Material   -   A blue to green-blue variety of beryl, used in jewelry for its beautiful color and clarity; often faceted or used as a cabochon in various jewelry pieces. 

Argentium Silver   -   Material   -   A type of high-purity silver alloy that is highly tarnish-resistant, used in beadwork for creating durable and beautiful jewelry. 

Art Clay   -   Material   -   A type of clay infused with metal particles, such as silver or gold, which can be molded and then fired to create solid metal beadwork pieces. 

Art Deco   -   Style/period   -   A design style characterized by rich colors, bold geometric shapes, and lavish ornamentation, influencing beadwork and jewelry designs in the early 20th century. 

Art Nouveau   -   Style/period   -   A design style characterized by flowing lines and natural forms, including plants and flowers, often inspiring beadwork designs. 

Art Wire   -   Material   -   Colored wire used in beadwork and jewelry-making to create intricate designs, shapes, and structures, providing a wide palette for artistic expression. 

Artifact Beads   -   Bead Type   -   Beads made from ancient artifacts or inspired by historical artifacts, used to add a sense of history and antiquity to beadwork creations. 

Artisan Beads   -   Bead Type   -   Beads crafted by skilled artisans, often featuring unique designs and high-quality materials. 

Artisanal Chain   -   Component   -   A type of chain that is handmade by an artisan, often featuring unique links and crafted with high-quality materials and techniques. 

Assayer’s Mark   -   Jewelry Marking   -   A mark placed on beadwork jewelry indicating the official standard of the precious metal used in the piece, providing a guarantee of the metal’s purity. 

Assembly   -   Process   -   The act of putting together various components to create a finished piece of beadwork jewelry. 

Assortment Pack   -   Supply   -   A pack of beads or other jewelry-making supplies that contains a variety of colors, shapes, or sizes, offering versatility and options in beadwork projects. 

Asymmetric Design   -   Design Principle   -   A design that lacks symmetry, often used in beadwork to create dynamic and interesting visual effects. 

Asymmetry   -   Design Principle   -   Creating a design that is not identical on both sides, often used to create interest and uniqueness in beadwork pieces. 

Attaching Clasp   -   Process   -   The act of securing a clasp to the ends of a jewelry piece to facilitate easy wearing and removal. 

Auger Bead   -   Component   -   Beads characterized by a long, spiral, and typically narrow shape, reminiscent of an auger shell, used in jewelry pieces to add a natural and possibly marine-themed aesthetic. 

Auger Shell Beads   -   Component   -   Beads created from auger shells or beads inspired by the elongated spiral shape of auger shells, bringing a natural and marine-inspired element to jewelry designs. 

Aura Quartz   -   Material   -   Quartz crystals that have been bonded with metals such as gold or titanium to create a shimmering iridescent sheen, used in jewelry for their vibrant colors and eye-catching sparkle. 

Auric Blending   -   Technique   -   The practice of combining materials with different metallic compositions in a single piece of jewelry, often to create visually stimulating contrasts or harmonies. 

Australian Jasper   -   Material   -   A type of jasper found in Australia, known for its vibrant and diverse color patterns, used in beadwork and jewelry for its aesthetic appeal and sometimes for perceived healing properties. 

Austrian Crystal   -   Material   -   High-quality lead glass crystals originally manufactured in Austria, known for their brilliance and used in beadwork to add sparkle and elegance. 

Aventurine   -   Gemstone/material   -   A form of quartz characterized by its translucency and the presence of platy mineral inclusions that give a shimmering or glistening effect. 

Awl   -   Tool   -   A pointed tool used for marking surfaces or piercing small holes in beadwork projects. 

Aztec Gold   -   Material/color   -   A rich gold color with a slight antique finish, reminiscent of the golden artifacts of the Aztecs, used to denote beads or components that carry this distinctive hue. 

Azurite   -   Gemstone/material   -   A deep blue to green mineral used in beadwork for its vibrant color and often polished to a high shine for use in jewelry. 

B

Baguette   -   Bead Shape   -   A rectangular bead shape, resembling a small loaf of French bread (baguette), often used in beadwork to create geometric designs. 

Baguette Cut   -   Material/technique   -   A gemstone cut featuring a rectangular shape with elongated facets, often used in jewelry for its elegant and modern appearance, named after the French word for a small rod. 

Bail   -   Jewelry Component   -   A metal component that is used to attach pendants or charms to a necklace or earring, facilitating a hanging arrangement in beadwork designs. 

Bail Making Pliers   -   Tool   -   Pliers designed specifically for creating bails, the part of a pendant through which a chain or cord passes, helping to form consistent and professional-looking bails. 

Bali Beads   -   Bead Type   -   Handcrafted beads from Bali, Indonesia, known for their intricate designs and high silver content, adding a unique touch to beadwork projects. 

Bamboo Coral   -   Material   -   A type of coral that has a skeletal structure resembling bamboo, often used in beadwork for its interesting texture and organic appearance. 

Bar-And-Ring Clasp   -   Component   -   A type of clasp consisting of a bar that fits into a ring, used to securely fasten necklaces and bracelets. 

Barrel Beads   -   Component   -   Beads shaped like a barrel, often used as spacers or as main components in a jewelry piece, adding a rounded, elongated aesthetic to the design. 

Barrel Clasp   -   Clasp Type   -   A clasp type that consists of two pieces which screw together forming a barrel shape, often used in beadwork to secure necklaces and bracelets. 

Bas Relief   -   Technique/design   -   A sculptural technique where the design is slightly raised from the background, used in creating beads or pendants with a three-dimensional effect. 

Basket Setting   -   Setting Type   -   A type of setting characterized by a basket-like structure holding the bead or gemstone, allowing more light to enter and enhance the sparkle in beadwork pieces. 

Basse Taille Enamel   -   Technique/material   -   A technique involving the engraving of a pattern into a metal surface, which is then filled with translucent enamel, allowing the underlying pattern to show through and creating a depth effect. 

Basse-Taille   -   Technique   -   An enameling technique where a low relief pattern is created on a metal surface and then filled with translucent enamel, showcasing the underlying pattern in beadwork pieces. 

Bead Board   -   Tool   -   A tray with measured grooves used to lay out beadwork designs before stringing, helping to plan and visualize jewelry pieces. 

Bead Cage   -   Jewelry Component   -   A metal cage designed to hold a single bead or several small beads, adding an interesting visual element to beadwork pieces. 

Bead Caliper   -   Tool   -   A measuring instrument used to determine the size of beads, helping jewelers and bead enthusiasts to choose beads with precise dimensions for their projects. 

Bead Cap   -   Jewelry Component   -   A small metal piece that can be added to both ends of a bead to enhance its appearance and provide a finished look in beadwork designs. 

Bead Capsule   -   Component   -   A small container or enclosure designed to house individual beads, sometimes used to create interchangeable jewelry designs where beads can be swapped out for different looks. 

Bead Crochet   -   Technique   -   A beadwork method that involves crocheting beads into patterns using a crochet hook and thread, creating a flexible and decorative fabric. 

Bead Embroidery   -   Technique   -   A beadwork technique that involves stitching beads onto fabric or leather to create decorative designs, often used in haute couture and artistic jewelry. 

Bead Gravy   -   Slang/community Term   -   Refers to a mixture of leftover beads from various projects, often used to create eclectic and one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. 

Bead Loom   -   Tool   -   A device used to hold beadwork threads in tension while beads are woven together to create intricate patterns and designs. 

Bead Mandrel   -   Tool   -   A tool used in bead making, often a rod-shaped instrument around which beads are formed, aiding in achieving uniform shapes and sizes. 

Bead Mat   -   Tool   -   A tool used to prevent beads from rolling around while working on beadwork projects; it is a mat with a textured surface that keeps beads in place. 

Bead Nabber   -   Tool   -   A tool used to pick up and hold beads more easily, generally a small device with a sticky surface to quickly grab beads during the stringing process. 

Bead Organizer   -   Tool   -   A storage container designed to organize beads efficiently, often featuring separate compartments to sort beads by size, color, or type, helping in maintaining a tidy workspace. 

Bead Press   -   Tool   -   A tool used in the creation of uniform beads, often from materials like glass or polymer clay, by pressing the material into a mold to shape it. 

Bead Reamer   -   Tool   -   A tool used to enlarge the holes in beads, allowing for easier threading and more versatile use in beadwork projects. 

Bead Releaser   -   Tool   -   A tool used to help release beads from a mandrel or other holding device, facilitating the bead-making process by preventing beads from getting stuck. 

Bead Retainer   -   Tool   -   A tool used to secure beads temporarily on a wire or thread during beadwork projects, preventing them from slipping off. 

Bead Roller   -   Tool   -   A tool used to create uniform beads from polymer clay or other malleable materials, ensuring consistency in beadwork projects. 

Bead Sealer   -   Tool   -   A solution applied to beads to seal pores and protect the bead’s surface from dirt and oils, helping to prolong the life of beadwork jewelry. 

Bead Soup   -   Technique/material   -   A mix of various beads differing in colors, shapes, and sizes, used to create a spontaneous and unique beadwork design. 

Bead Spinner   -   Tool   -   A tool that facilitates the quick threading of beads onto a wire or thread, increasing efficiency in beadwork projects. 

Bead Stitching   -   Technique   -   The process of using thread and needle to stitch beads together in a specific pattern or design, a fundamental technique in beadwork jewelry making. 

Bead Stopper   -   Tool   -   A tool used to prevent beads from falling off the end of the thread while working on a beadwork project. 

Bead Stringing Wire   -   Material   -   A type of wire specifically designed for beadwork, providing strength and flexibility for creating beaded jewelry. 

Bead Swarovski Crystal   -   Material   -   High-quality crystals produced by Swarovski, renowned for their brilliance and precision cuts, a popular choice in luxury beadwork designs. 

Bead Tip   -   Jewelry Component   -   A small metal component used to conceal knots or crimps in beadwork, providing a neat and finished appearance to the ends of a beaded strand. 

Bead Tray   -   Tool   -   A tray used to hold and organize beads while working on a beadwork project, helping to keep the working space tidy and efficient. 

Bead Weaving   -   Technique   -   A method of creating intricate patterns and textures by weaving beads together with the help of thread and needle, incorporating various stitches like peyote or herringbone to create detailed designs. 

Beaded Bezel   -   Technique   -   A technique in which beads are used to create a bezel setting, encircling and securing a focal bead or gemstone in beadwork designs. 

Beaded Chain   -   Component   -   A chain where beads are integrated into the links, creating a decorated chain that can be used as the foundation for various jewelry designs. 

Beaded Fringe   -   Technique   -   A technique involving the creation of a fringe-like structure using beads, often added to beadwork designs to create movement and texture. 

Beaded Rope   -   Technique   -   A method of creating a rope-like strand by stringing beads in a spiraled or tubular pattern, often used for necklaces or bracelets to showcase intricate patterns and detailed beadwork. 

Beading   -   Process   -   The act of creating jewelry or decorative items by stringing beads together, a foundational technique in beadwork. 

Beadsmith   -   Role   -   A person who is skilled in beadwork and specializes in creating intricate bead designs in jewelry and other ornamental objects. 

Bench Block   -   Tool   -   A hard, flat surface used for shaping and hammering metal components in beadwork, ensuring uniformity and precision in the crafted pieces. 

Bench Pin   -   Tool   -   A tool affixed to a jeweler’s workbench that assists in providing support for pieces being sawed, filed, or worked on, helping maintain stability and precision. 

Bezel   -   Setting Type   -   A metal rim that encases a gemstone or bead, holding it securely in place in a beadwork piece. 

Bezel Cup   -   Component   -   A jewelry finding that