Essential How-Tos | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

How to Create a Full Persian Chainmaille Weave

Sue Ripsch, author of Classic Chain Mail Jewelry teaches the full Persian chainmaille weave. She demonstrates using shower rings in place of jump rings to make it easy to follow along.

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How to Use the Hidden Crimp End Clasp

Hidden crimp end clasps give a finished, professional look to any strung bead design. Learn how to incorporate them into your jewelry creations with these animated instructions.

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How to Use the Miracle Mount™ System

The Miracle Mount™ system was designed to hold sparkling Crystal Passions® fancy stones and gemstone cabochons. Rose explains how jewelry designers can add loop and peg inserts to create customized links, centerpieces and stations.

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Threaded Plastic Clasps

Twist-in or screw clasps look like double beads when closed, giving jewelry designs a smooth, continuous appearance. Silent animation shows how to use them in jewelry designs. Also included are full step-by-step instructions below the video.

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How to Clean, Condition and Sharpen Your Clay Blades

Keep your jewelry clay blades from getting dull and rusty by following these tips from renowned mixed media artist Lisa Pavelka for cleaning, conditioning and cleaning your polymer clay blades the right way.

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How to Make Faux Dichroic Jewelry Components Using Apoxie® Sculpt

Learn how to create faux dichroic designs with jewelry-maker Lisa Pavelka in this detailed step-by-step video.

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How to Add Photographic Images to Components

Follow these steps to add photographic quality images to flat beads, polymer clay and other surfaces with waterslide image transfers created by renowned mixed media jewelry artist Lisa Pavelka.

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How to Add Photographic Images to Apoxie® Sculpt

Add photographs to Apoxie® Sculpt clay adhesive with waterslide image transfers by following along with this tutorial led by Lisa Pavelka, award-winning mixed media jewelry artist and instructor.

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How to Create Steampunk Gears and Embellishments Using Metal Clay

See how to create steampunk gears and embellishments from metal clay as you follow along with this jewelry-making project by award-winning artist and author Lisa Pavelka.

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How to Use the Tri-Bead Roller™

Make use of scrap clay or match polymer clay focals using this handy roller tool to create identical round, oval and bicone bead shapes. Polymer clay guru Christi Friesen shows it works and offers tips from her experience. Follow along with her or use the written instructions below the video.

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How to Make Gemstones "Pop" in Polymer Clay

If a rhinestone doesn't have a foil back, then the stone can lose shine when set in polymer clay. Christi Friesen, award-winning jewelry artist, shows a trick for ensuring rhinestones stay sparkly no matter what they're set in.

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How to Make Silicone Molds

Christi Friesen, polymer clay artist and guru, is here to teach a simple trick of how to make a silicone mold out of a two-part molding material for creating consistent jewelry components from found objects.

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How to Use the Wubbers® Looping Pliers

This how-to video with Wubbers® inventor Patti Bullard shows you how to save time and energy on jewelry-making projects with Wubbers looping pliers.

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How to Use Cupchain Connectors

Use sparkling cupchain without soldering! Silent animation shows how to insert the end of a length of cupchain into the connector finding and secure it in place. Below the video are full written step-by-step instructions.

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How To Use a Thread Burner

Thread burners make a clean burn and seal the ends of thread. This handy how-to video shows why a thread burner is a versatile tool ideal for any thread project.

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Rotary Hole Punch Tool

Hand-held rotary punch is ideal for leather work—and this silent animation shows how to use it. Also includes full written step-by-step instructions below the video.

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Herringbone Stitch

Add the spiral herringbone stitch to your seed bead repertoire. Whether you’re just getting started or are a seed bead pro, find everything you need to know in one place.

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Opening Jump Rings and Split Rings

Learn how to easily open jump rings and split rings with this video tutorial.

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Using Brads and Washers on Leather

Using brads and washers on leather is a foundational skill for mixed media and cold connections jewelry designs. Watch the silent animation—or follow the full written step-by-step instructions below the video—to learn this technique.

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Sassy Spirals Techniques

Lisa Pavelka walks you through the process of making your own bead caps, wire cages and spiral accents in beginner friendly wire working tutorial videos.

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How to Use The Magic Finding™ and Pliers

Silent animation displays how to use Magic Finding™ crimps, Magic Finding Omega inserts and Magic Finding Pliers. Below the video are full written step-by-step instructions.

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Applying Magic-Glos® Top Coat

Jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman demonstrates the process of applying Magic-Glos® Top Coat for a flawless finish.

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Creating an Eye Pin from a Length of Wire

Silent animation displays how to create an eye pin from a length of wire. Below the video are full written step-by-step instructions by jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman.

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Using Waterslide Image Transfers

Welcome to our tutorial on using Waterslide Image Transfers for your creative projects!

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How to Open Magnetic Clasps

Learn the easy way to open magnetic clasps without risking damage or losing the magnets.

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Creating a Sheet of Kato Polyclay™ Clear Medium Liquid

In this video, we'll guide you through the process of creating a sheet of Kato Polyclay™ Clear Medium Liquid.

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Weighing with Digital Scales

Discover the precision of digital scales for your crafting needs when accuracy in weight measurement is essential.

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Using EUROTOOL® Coil Cutting Pliers

We're diving into the world of jewelry-making with EUROTOOL® Coil Cutting Pliers -- designed to effortlessly handle wire coils. Complete with comfortable cushion grip handles and a center spring for smooth cutting action.

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Measuring with Calipers

Calipers make measuring small things, like beads and holes in beads, a snap.

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Using Spacer Bars in Multi-Strand Designs

Spacer bars are a great way to bring structure—and style!—to your multi-strand jewelry creations. Expert jewelry designer Tammy Honaman shows how they work in this video.

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A Complete Guide to Jooltool™

View in-depth how-to videos courtesy of Jooltool™ and renowned mixed media artist Lisa Pavelka that unveil the magic behind the Jooltool polishing system. Also find a helpful guide to Jooltool disc attachments.

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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.

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How to Polish Glass

Learn the art of polishing glass jewelry effortlessly using grinding wheel discs with the Jooltool™ sharpening and polishing system in this insightful tutorial by Jooltool.

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How to Lap and Polish Jewelry

Learn the art of jewelry lapping and polishing using the Jooltool™ sharpening and polishing system in this informative tutorial.

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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.

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Cleaning Metal and Jewelry with Polishing Cloths

Learn how to clean metal and jewelry to a brilliant shine using our expert tips and polishing cloths.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Using an Ice-Pick Bail

Ice-pick bails may sound complicated, but using them isn’t! Learn how easy they are to use with pendants and other drilled components in this video.

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How to Anneal Metal

Learn about annealing metal with award winning jewelry artist Lisa Pavelka. Includes tips on working with butane torches.

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How to Make Your Own Jump Rings

Award-winning author, designer and instructor Lisa Pavelka is here to walk you through making your own jump rings from scratch! Learn several different tips on jump ring making.

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How To Use Resin

Love the look of resin, but aren’t sure how to get started? Tammy Honaman demonstrates the beginning processes of resin in this video tutorial.

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Polishing Metal with Lisa Pavelka

Finishing and polishing metal is an artform. Lisa Pavelka, jewelry-making expert, demonstrates how to select the right tools and products to get the job done correctly.

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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.

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Dangle Earrings: Jump Ring Solder Techniques

Follow along as Lisa Pavelka, award winning designer, artist and author, shows you the basics to soldering jump rings.

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Firing Metal Clay with a Butane Torch

Award-winning artist Lisa Pavelka shares terminology, techniques and safety tips for firing metal clay with a butane torch.

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Cleaning Jewelry with Liquid Cleaners

Join us in this informative video where we explore the art of cleaning jewelry using liquid cleaners.

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How To use Anti-Tarnish Strips

Learn how to use anti-tarnish strips to keep your jewelry shining bright.

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Learn How to Finish Elastic and Powercord® Jewelry

Learn how to finish elastic and Powercord® jewelry like a pro to create popular gemstone energy bracelets and more.

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Sawing Metal

Learn tips and tricks on how to use a jeweler's saw blade on metal.

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Using Crimp Tubes with Accu-Flex® Professional Quality Beading Wire

Professionally secure your Accu-Flex stringing designs with handy crimp tubes. Jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman demonstrates how in this video tutorial.

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Using Crimp Tubes with Cording

Watch as Tammy Honaman, author, jewelry-making expert and educator, shows how easy it can be to use crimp tubes with cord in jewelry designs.

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Using Crimp Ends with Accu-Flex® Beading Wire

Crimp ends secure your beading wire and make it easy to add your favorite clasps. Jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman walks you through how to use these handy little findings.

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Securing a Donut with a Donut Bail

Turn a gemstone or glass donut into an eye-catching pendant with donut bails.

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Making a Silk Thread Needle

Follow along to learn how to create a silk thread needle, a helpful technique when hand knotting pearls and other beads.

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Making Beads with the Paper Bead Roller

Watch as Tammy Honaman demonstrates how easy it is to create paper beads with the paper bead roller tool and a little Mod Podge.

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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.

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Crochet with Wire: The Chain Stitch

Crocheting isn't just for yarn! Watch this video to learn how to use the chain stitch to incorporate beads and other items into your jewelry designs.

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Using Ribbon Ends

Finishing your ribbon jewelry is a snap with ribbon ends. Learn how in this helpful video.

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Personalize Jewelry Using Steel Letter and Number Punches

Jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman walks you through how to add the flair of personalization to metal jewelry with letter and number punches in this handy video.

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How to Use a Ring Stretcher

Introducing our user-friendly Tabletop Ring Stretcher, perfect for effortlessly stretching rings up to half a size without the need for heating, making your jewelry crafting a breeze!

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E6000® Adhesive Comparison

Learn the differences between these three 5-star rated E6000 adhesives to discover which will work best for your jewelry or embellishment projects: Jewelry and Bead™, Extreme Tack™ and Shoe Dazzle™.

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How to Open and Lock a Link Lock

In this video, we'll show you how to effortlessly open and lock a Link Lock, providing a secure and solder-free solution for connecting and linking your favorite jewelry components.

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Using a Need A Bead Now™ Organizer Tote

The Need A Bead Now organizer tote is so easy to use for securely storing beads, polymer clay canes and other jewelry supplies. Video hosted by internationally renowned polymer clay artist Judy Belcher.

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Inserting a Saw Blade into a Jeweler's Saw Frame

Welcome, jewelry enthusiasts! In this video, we'll show you how to expertly insert a saw blade into a jeweler's saw frame, a must-have tool for precision metal sheet cutting in your jewelry-making endeavors.

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How to Use the Artistic Wire® Ring and Bracelet Finding Forms™

Wyatt from Beadalon® is here to show you how to make adjustable round rings and oval bangle bracelets with your favorite jewelry-making wire.

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How to Use the Artistic Wire® Ear Wire Findings Form™

Wyatt, a special guest from Beadalon®, explains how to use the Artistic Wire® Ear Wire Findings Forms™ to create a unique dangle-style pair of earrings.

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Seed Beading 101: How to Make a Brick Stitch

The brick stitch is ideal for a myriad of seed bead patterns. Watch this video to learn how to incorporate it into your jewelry designs.

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What are Designer Quality Gemstones?

Learn more about our "designer quality" gemstones and what that means for you in this quick video.

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How to Use Bead and Pearl Reamers

Sometimes the most beautiful beads have the smallest, roughest drill holes. Watch to learn how to use different types of bead and pearl reamers to fix this common problem.

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Using an Intermittent Stringing Technique

Watch and learn how to use the sophisticated and simple intermittent stringing technique that showcases your beads by incorporating your beading wire into the design.

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Using Accu-Guard™ Wire Protectors

Not quite sure how to use Accu-Guard wire protectors? This instructional video shows how easy it is to protect your jewelry from wear and tear.

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Create Compliments® Jewelry

Enjoy a preview selection of elegant jewelry from the Create Compliments® Jewelry line exclusively available at Fire Mountain Gems and Beads.

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How-To Use Bead Tips

Bead tips give jewelry designs a clean and professional finish. In this video, learn how to use bead tips to conceal and protect knots while creating a secure connection.

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Part 2: Introducing Accents

Join Jody Young for part 2 of her seed bead embroidery series. Learn how to beautifully accent cabachons with a couching-style stitch.

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Origins of Friendship Bracelets

The origins of friendship bracelets are actually very mysterious! What do ancient China and Mediterranean sailors have in common with their origins? You'll just have to watch to find out.

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Part 3: Add a Peyote Stitch Bezel to an Existing Component

Move on to part 3 of the Jody Young series to learn how to add a Peyote stich bezel.

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Part 4: Caterpillar Stitch with Jody Young

In part 4 of Jody Young's bead embroidery series, learn Jody's favorite stitch: the catepillar stitch.

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Part 5: Picot Seed Bead Stitch

In part 5 of Jody Young's bead embroidery series finish off your components with a picot stitch.

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Part 6: Taking Seed Bead Embroidery Technique Further

Find out how to combine bead embroidery components with Jody Young in part 6 of her series.

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Seed Bead Jewelry Finishing Techniques

Finally, after all of your beautiful hard work, it's time to assmble your beaded collar. Find out how in part 8 with Jody young.

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Part 7: Assembling a Collar Necklace from Seed Beaded Components

Bring your creations together in part 7 of Jody Young's bead embroidery series.

Video Length 13:22

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How to Add Textured Finishes to Metal

Brush up on your metal-finishing techniques by learning how to add matte and brushed textures to metal by following along with jewelry-maker Hazel Wheaton.

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How to Straighten Wire

Love wirework, but hate prepping your supplies? This video tutorial from Hazel Wheaton shows you easy, effective ways to straighten out your wire for any project.

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Personalized Friendship Bracelets

No rules. No limits. Just have fun--Friendship bracelets are easy to make and customize.

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Wire Heart Earrings

The minimalist design of these wire heart earrings is perfect as-is or with a few customizations. Follow along with Naomi Fujimoto in this handy how-to video.

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Unlock Your Heart

Join Jody Young for "Unlock Your Heart," her 8-part seed bead embroidery video series. It begins with the basics, then moves through other techniques.

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Making a Simple Loop

Watch as Tammy Honaman, author, jewelry-making expert and educator, shows how easy it is to create simple loops in wirework designs.

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Diamond Chain

Follow along with this video to create the diamond chain seed bead stitch. This stitch is ideal for jewelry, hat bands, clothing decorations and more.

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How to Use a Wire Jig

A wire jig gives lets you consistently make great shapes from wire. Learn how to make a variety of designs with this how-to video and instructions.

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6 Ways to Finish Tubular Bead Stitches

Not quite sure how to bring your tubular bead project to a close? Never fear! Rose is here to teach you 6 great options for putting the finishing touches onto your fabulous beaded pieces!

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5 Steps: How to Rehydrate Old Metal Clay

Has your metal clay gone bone-dry? We'll show you how to bring it back to life! LauraLynn demonstrates how in just 5 easy steps: break up, grind, sift, rehydrate and reform!

Video Length 7:17

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How to Use Hollow Diamond-Coated Drill Bits

Rose demonstrates the creative potential of diamond-coated core bits. Watch as she transforms materials into wearable jewelry with just a simple drill hole.

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Top Six Types of Bails

Explore ice picks, up eyes, donut bails and more! See how these top bail types quickly and easily transform your favorite jewelry-making elements into finished pieces.

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Christmas Tree Earrings

Deck the halls with Celestial Crystal® Christmas trees! These simple, stacked designs are an easy addition to your seasonal jewelry lines and collections.

Video Length 13:07

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