Jewelry Making Resources | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

Fine Silver

Fine silver is a high-purity form of silver, consisting of 99.9% pure silver, often denoted as .999 or 999. This means it contains only a minimal amount of impurities, typically 0.1% or less. Fine silver is known for its lustrous white appearance and high reflectivity, making it a popular choice for high-quality jewelry, coins and investment-grade bullion.

Single-Strand Necklace and Earrings Set

Dance in the heavens with this cosmic necklace and earring set, featuring an opaque moon and transparent blue star glass drops.

Design Idea QC2A

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Ask the Experts Finishing Jewelry with French Wire Q&A

Q: I think your how-to videos are a wonderful addition to your site. I was watching the bead tip and French wire videos in particular. My question/suggestion is that I don't have a problem with finishing my jewelry on the first end but after the stringing is complete it is the second end which gives me trouble, when you have to tighten the string so that there are no loose beads. French wire is very difficult to use, but doubly so when you are finishing the second end. For example: when I pull the loop, the wire tends to spread and becomes useless. Can you include the second half of the how-to as well as the first?

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Ask the Experts Using French Wire Q&A

Q: What is French wire and how do you use it?

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Ask the Experts Stringing with FireLine® Q&A

Q: I've been using Accu-Flex® wire in my necklace and bracelet projects, but I'd like to explore other stringing materials. In particular, I'd like to know how to select the appropriate weight of FireLine® and how to finish off ends attractively and appropriately.

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Ask the Experts Finishing a Multi-strand Necklace Q&A

Q: I believe the answer is a no-brainer but I cannot figure it out. I would like to find out how to finish off a multi-strand necklace, particularly when done on thread. When I go to How-To's, it brings up design ideas. I see the picture and the list of materials, but for the life of me, I cannot find instructions to go with it. How do I find what I want?

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Ask the Experts Pearls Q&A

Q: How do I string pearls with silk thread, what size thread do I use and how do I attach a clasp? Also, what type of finding should be used? Thank you.

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How to Use French Wire with Thread

French wire is designed to protect thread and other stringing materials from fraying at the loop of a clasp. Learn how to incorporate it in your designs with these illustrated instructions.

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Secrets to French Wire

Learn all about the secrets to using French wire in this step-by-step tutorial with renowned jewelry artist Tammy Honaman.

Video Length 2:26

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French Wire

Tightly coiled, fine wire that forms a flexible tube. Used to conceal and protect stringing materials from abrasion by metal jewelry findings. Also bouillon.

Adding French Wire and Clasp to Silk Thread

Learn how to expertly incorporate French wire and clasps onto silk thread to elevate your jewelry designs.

Video Length 3:10

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How to Make Sterling Silver French Ear Wire

Follow along as Lisa Pavelka, award-winning jewelry designer and author, demonstrates how to make French-style ear wires in sterling silver.

Video Length 18:15

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Using French Wire

French wire is a versatile finding known for protecting thread from wear and tear. Watch as designer Marlynn McNutt shows how to use it with Accu-Flex® wire.

Video Length 2:07

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Single-Strand Necklace, Bracelet and Earring Set

Re-Create this cohesive jewelry set using a repeated pattern of lustrous pink beads and French wire.

Design Idea NA2L

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Collar-Style Necklace

Stephanie J. Eddy was inspired by Van Gogh's famous painting when she sought to explore the ancient art of French beaded flowers to create this swirling piece.

Design Idea MH62

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