Jewelry Making Resources | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

Wireworking Tips: Wire Coils, Pliers and Jigs

Jewelry-making expert Sandra Lupo gives us the scoop on Beadalon® tools, including their banding pliers and improved Coiling Gizmo®. Learn all about these popular tools and tips for using them in this illustrated article.

Ask the Experts Findings/Earrings Q&A

Q: I have a faithful customer who wears clip-on earrings. What can I use to make them less painful for her? Is there something similar to the coating for tools that could be used?

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How to Use the Artistic Wire® CONETASTIC™ Mandrel

Follow these instructions for the Artistic Wire® CONETASTIC™ tool to create custom coiled wire cones. Developed by metalsmith Sandra Lupo, this tool set includes three sizes of cones mandrels.

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Ask the Experts Metal Sheets Q&A

Q: Thank you so much for providing answers to my many questions. I hadn't realized this was an option. I've been fascinated with Argentium, but I can't find much in the way of instructional materials. I have several questions for you, and I thank you in advance for taking time to answer.

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Ask the Experts Tools Q&A

Q: I understand that tools such as pliers, etc. should be conditioned before use. How do I do this?

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Ask the Experts Stonesetting Q&A

Q: What tools should I use to stretch the Sterling silver bezel for a cabochon that has fallen out of it's setting? Which tool do I use to get the bezel down around the stone again?

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How to Use the Artistic Wire® CONETASTIC™ Hourglass Mandrel

Follow these instructions for the Artistic Wire® CONETASTIC™ tool to create custom coiled wire double cones. Developed by metalsmith Sandra Lupo, it includes three sizes of two-piece hourglass mandrels.

Design Idea F64H

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How to Use the Artistic Wire® CONETASTIC™ Inverted Mandrel

From the ingenious mind of metalsmith Sandra Lupo comes the Artistic Wire CONETASTIC mandrel for creating custom wire-wrapped cones. Use this tutorial to create three different sizes of inverted cones using these full instructions.

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How to Create a Wire Band

Getting frustrated with hand-wrapping wire bands? This handy instruction guide shows how to use banding pliers to make perfectly started wraps every time.

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Designing with Wire Coils

Wire coils created with tools, gadgets and forming devices have limitless possibilities in jewelry making.

Design Idea A55Y

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Forming Wire Coils

Create wire coils with tools, gadgets and forming devices designed to make consistent coils for limitless jewelry-making. Have fun choosing from all the different wires to then make different coils.

Video Length 5:13

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Making Ball-Tip Headpins with a Butane Torch

Use a Microtorch for butane fuel to make ball tipped headpins out of sterling silver wire.

Video Length 5:11

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Forming Complex Wire Shapes

Although jewelry wire is often used to support other components, it can also take center stage. Learn how to make sculptural wire pendants in this informative video with jewelry designer Sandra Lupo.

Video Length 5:57

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Forming Basic Wire Shapes

Handmade wire components can take any jewelry design from "okay" to "wow!". Learn how to make an S-clasp, pendant hanger and bead cage with this how-to video with renowned metalsmith Sandra Lupo.

Video Length 6:19

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Making Head Pins from Wire

It is easier than you might think! Follow along with this video to learn how to make four fancy head pin shapes.

Video Length 6:26

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Creating and Designing with Links

Follow along with this video tutorial to learn how to use sew-on components as bracelet links.

Video Length 3:00

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Wrapping Stones and Beads with Half-Round Wire

Renowned jewelry artist Sandra Lupo demonstrates how to wire wrap a freeform stone in this video tutorial that also has written instructions so you can follow along whichever way you want.

Video Length 4:23

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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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Making Jump Rings with Jump Ring Mandrels

You can learn how to make your own jump rings! Sandra Lupo, metalsmithing expert, shows how to use wire and a mandrel to form these jewelry-making powerhouses.

Video Length 3:53

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