Friday, March 29VintageJewelrySupplies.com

Tag: bead caps

Natural Elements
Free Jewelry Making Lessons

Natural Elements

In this design example, I will show you one way to use a gemstone pendant bead which might not be perfectly drilled or evenly cut. This happens quite often when using a natural element of any type. Shell cabochons, gemstones or handmade glass stones are not always perfectly even or smooth, but I always try to make use of them. When I bought this black agate druzy geode pendant bead, it looked good in the poor lighting of the bead show. However, as I started to work with it in better lighting, I discovered that the hole was lopsided making the pendant hang at an odd angle. Usher in plan B. When the holes are not drilled properly in an otherwise beautiful gemstone, the layering technique can be employed to salvage the stone. Here I covered the hole completely with other elements....
Create Unique Settings
Free Jewelry Making Lessons

Create Unique Settings

When you find a beautiful cabochon in a non standard size, you may reject it knowing how hard it is to find settings for those stones. The lesson below shows you how to create a setting for any size or shape stone. #F81, #A724, #A566, #G34 Step 1Choose a flat stamping with openwork or a filigree as the base, which will allow lots of open areas from which to attach strands of beads or chain. Step 2Glue the cabochon in the center. Let the glue set up according to the instructions on the tube.  (More about this on our page "E6000 Glue Tips".) Step 3Add chain, beads, stones, trim or other stampings to rim the cabochon so that it appears to be in a setting. In this picture you s...
Step by Step
Free Jewelry Making Lessons

Step by Step

Mixing natural gemstone beads and cabochons with vintage glass beads and the oxidized findings lends importance to your art. The colors are rich and the markings are always interesting. The stones are very earthy and flattering to your face. Look for natural, not dyed stones, since the dye will change and fade over time. Steps to a Project...  Here's the evolution of a necklace as it is being created. The focal pendant chosen for this piece is a Chrysocolla oblong gemstone bead with the hole passing vertically across the top. In my travels, I never pass up a bead store, rock shop or bead show. I want to see gemstones in person before I spend big money for something special like this bead.   I threaded a heavy beading wire (#W01) through the hole and then added...