Essential How-Tos | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

How to Open and Close a Pop Clasp

Pop clasps are perfect for breakaway styles like lanyards and badge holders. They “pop” open when pulled and snap shut when pressed. See how to use them in these instructions.

Design Idea BBA9

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Knitting with the French Knitter Tool

French knitting can add a hint of flair to any jewelry design. Learn how easy it is to use the French knitter tool with this instruction guide.

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How to Create a Resin Pendant

Create a framed resin pendant—like a window into another place or time—using photo-illustrated instructions by jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman.

Design Idea BA5Z

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Single-Strand Necklace

Clusters of sparkling red rubies and lustrous freshwater pearls hang daintily from gold-filled chain on this elegant necklace

Design Idea EC8G

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Triple-Strand Necklace

This multi-strand necklace by Matthew MacMinn can be made in silver and Crystal Passions® peridot green, or opt for the colors you or your customers like most.

Design Idea EC6Q

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Earrings

The gemstones in these delicate earrings infuse this design with the essence of early morning rain. Follow our free tutorial to make your own pair.

Design Idea EC1T

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Pouch

Use peyote stitch with seed beads and 4mm fire-polished glass beads to create a luxurious small accessory case. Courtesy of Preciosa®, complete with step-by-step instructions.

Design Idea EA81

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Ornaments

You can never make too many Christmas designs. This tutorial from Preciosa teaches how to make a seed bead net to place over and dress up glass baubles.

Design Idea EA8P

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Endless Necklace

The possibilities are endless ... and claspless! Here's how to build a long necklace that slips over the head and has no visible beginning or end.

Design Idea 691Q

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Bell Ornament

Ring in some holiday décor designs with this beaded wire project from Preciosa®. Seed beads strung on high gauge wireworking wire forms the shape and supports the structure of this bell ornament.

Design Idea EA8L

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Viking Knit Made Using the Lazee Daizee™

These illustrated instructions show how to make Viking knit wire jewelry with a Lazee Daizee™ tool. Incorporating this technique into your creations is a snap!

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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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How to Use Scarf Jewelry Components

Embellish a beautiful scarf with these components and easy instructions.

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Cutting Glass with Glass Nippers

Lean how to safely nip small pieces of glass with these step-by-step instructions.

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How to Use Gilders Paste®

Gilders Paste is a professional wax-based medium that can be mixed and layered for an endless color palette that won't fade. Learn how with this informative article.

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How to Make Hair Comb out of Wire

These step-by-step instructions show you how to make a hair comb from wire. With helpful illustrations at each step, this accessory is easier than ever.

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Fusing Glass in a Microwave Kiln

Learn how to fuse glass at home with these helpful tips and a microwave kiln.

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How to Create a Colorful Liquid Polyclay™ Sheet

Learn how to create your own one-of-a-kind designs with liquid polymer clay sheets in this tutorial from author, jewelry-making expert and educator Tammy Honaman.

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Making a Butterfly Polymer Clay Cane

Polymer clay canes are a versatile staple in the jewelry-maker's skill set. Learn how to make butterfly-wing canes with these instructions.

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How to Use Bulldog Crimps™

Using Bulldog Crimps™ is easy. They work ideally as temporary crimps for stringing beads and holding multiple strands together for display or organization.

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How to Use the Kumihimo Plate to Create Flat Braids

Learn to create a new twist on kumihimo braiding and friendship bracelets with this guide. Using a square plate, it’s easy to create flat designs.

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How to Make a Wire Hook-and-Eye Clasp

Making your own clasps can save time and money. These instructions, complete with photos, show you how to make your own hook-and-eye clasps with wire.

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Peg Leg™ - Wire-Wrapping Jig

Create small wirework components using the hand-held Peg Leg wire-wrapping tool. Follow these written instructions to set up and use this handy tool.

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Art Clay® Gold Paste

Art Clay® Gold Paste is a liquid paste designed to add gold texture to ceramic, porcelain, glass and/or Art Clay® Silver fired clay pieces. This tutorial includes guidelines for preparation, application, kiln firing and finishing—plus handling tips and safety precautions.

Design Idea F93E

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Queen's Link Chainmaille

Add elegant detail to chainmaille jewelry using the queen's link chainmaille technique.

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How to Use Cord Coils for Lantern Chain

Shiny cord coils with loop ends create a neat finish to lantern chain.

Design Idea 999B

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Art Clay® Silver--Firing FAQ's

Art Clay Silver metal clay can be fired with a butane torch—sometimes. When? How? What happens after firing? Jewelry experts answer these and other questions in this FAQ.

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Décor

Branch out into holiday décor designs with this beaded wire project from Preciosa®. Seed beads strung on high gauge wireworking wire forms the shape of this holly branch. Add Preciosa’s pearls as red holly berries or white mistletoe!

Design Idea EA7Q

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How to Use Bezel Strips

Learn how to make a custom bezel setting for any cabochon using bezel strips. Clear images demonstrate every step in this how-to.

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Lashed Wrap Bracelet

Metallic Half Tila® beads stack up in this stylish lashed wrap bracelet, a strong on-going trend. Step-by-step instructions courtesy of Miyuki.

Design Idea E94M

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How to Make a Bib-Style Necklace

Ukrainian artist Elena Golovchenko blended purples and lavenders from gemstone, Czech fire-polished glass and seed beads to create this bib necklace. Follow Elena Golovchenko’s intricate design with Fashion Magazine’s instructions.

Design Idea D16F

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How to Use a Hotfix Transfer Sheet

Want to design your own bedazzled embellishments with hotfix transfer sheets? Here's how.

Design Idea E327

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Ornament

Stitch a glittering snowflake net over a round round Christmas ornament. Make this holiday treasure with full step-by-step instructions from Preciosa®.

Design Idea CAF9

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How to Use 2-Part Pendant Settings with Crystal Passions® Flat Backs

Learn how to easily use two-part pendant settings to mount Crystal Passion® flat backs.

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Embellishing Adjustable Charm Bracelets

Adding charms to your bangle charm bracelet is a breeze with these easy-to-follow instructions.

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Artistic Wire® 3D Bracelet Jig

This handy how-to video from Beadalon® explains how simple it is to use the Artistic Wire® 3D bracelet jig. Creating wire cuff bracelets has never been easier!

Video Length 7:59

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Home Décor Fish with Twin™ Seed Beads

Four fishy little figurines made using Preciosa Twin™ and size #11 seed beads. Use these step-by-step instructions from Preciosa® to make your own!

Design Idea CAF3

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Beaded Backstitch

A stitch that is used often in bead embroidery is the backstitch. This stitch is used to frame the components adhered to the beading medium.

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Ornament

Use off-loom beading stitches to create this lacy embellishment for a Christmas tree ornament using our full step-by-step instructions, courtesy of Preciosa®.

Design Idea CAEZ

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Ring with Seed Beads

To make a seed bead ring, choose your colors from Fire Mountain Gems' vast seed bead selection.

Design Idea 7255

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How to Use Sure-Set Mountings

Sure-sets are precision cast mountings designed with seats capable of accommodating most stone girdle widths. Setting may be done with ordinary precision pliers; however, the job is greatly simplified by using our notched stone setting pliers.

Design Idea 6917

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How to Use a WigJig Jewelry Tool

Learn how to use a wireworking jig with this step-by-step tutorial. Includes tips and tricks from the makers of the WigJig.

Design Idea A76E

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Memory Wire Bracelet

Have you tried Memory Wire yet? This great design is just the beginning of what you can do with Memory Wire.

Design Idea 4B10

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Firing Art Clay® with a Gas Stove

Not everyone has access to a kiln. In this tutorial, learn how to fire certain types of metal clay pieces on a gas stove rather than with traditional firing methods.

Design Idea 6909

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Picot Stitch

Learn the picot stitch from jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman in this step-by-step guide. Discover why jewelry makers love this versatile stitch for seed bead designs.

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Cork Clay

Cork clay is easily shaped and refined into a solid core for firing hollow metal clay beads and sculptural pieces. Learn the benefits and how to use it with this tutorial.

Design Idea 6907

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Stone Setting

Bezelite settings take all the mystery and headache out of stone setting. Even a beginner can get great results in seconds! They are made for faceted stones and most cabochons.

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Stitching an "X"

Jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman teaches how to create this "X" stitch used to embellish cabochons.

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Using Liver of Sulfur™

Create a vintage-style patina on copper, bronze or silver components with Liver of Sulfur™. Learn the proper techniques and get helpful tips.

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Prometheus Clays Information Sheet

Working with Prometheus® Clay is similar to working with polymer and ceramic clays. Find all the tips and techniques you need in this how-to guide from Prometheus.

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EnviroTex® Jewelry Resin

EnviroTex® jewelry resin is ideal for filling bezels and molds with shells, beads, paper and more. Learn how to use it in your designs with this instruction guide.

Design Idea FA3V

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How To Remove the End on a Caprice Chain

Easily create necklaces and bracelets with large-hole beads and bead keepers using caprice and Dione® Easy-On chains. These chains have two 8x5mm end caps. One has a clasp and the other unscrews for easy bead stringing. Clear images demonstrate every step in this how-to.

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How to Make a Custom Charm

Create a charm from metal sheet and use stamping tools to personalize it with this step-by-step tutorial.

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How to Thread a Needle with Ease

Learn an alternate way to thread a needle without holding it in the air. Clear images demonstrate every step in this how-to.

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Gluing a Half-Drilled Gemstone or Pearl onto a Peg Earstud

Create classic post earring designs with only a peg earstud and a half-drilled bead or pearl. Simple how-to walks designers through each step.

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How to Dye Pearls

Learn how to easily dye pearls to match any outfit or occasion, a process which has been a closely guarded trade secret.

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How to Use Cord Caps

Learn how to create a professional finish to designs using multiple cords with this step-by-step tutorial for using cord caps.

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Using a Stop Bead

Follow along with instructions for how to use a stop bead to keep beads on the thread when starting any off-loom stitch. The stop bead is temporary and easy to remove.

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Ring Mount Instructions

Learn how to glue a cabochon into a closed-back ring setting with this tutorial. Clear images demonstrate each step in this how-to.

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Applying a Counter Enamel and Top Coat of Glass Enamels

Learn how to apply counter enamel and a topcoat to metal for a smooth, durable finish that prevents warping and enhances your enameled jewelry designs.

Design Idea D91W

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How to Make a Spiral Kumihimo Braid

These simple, easy-to-understand instructions show how to make a spiral kumihimo braid. Illustrations with each step make this technique a piece of cake.

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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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How to Use Hot Tips®, Designer Bead Tips

Conceal knots and complete strung jewelry designs with artistic flair using Hot Tips® designer bead tips. Hot Tips might look complicated, but they're super easy to use—this instructional guide shows how.

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The Braided Look: 3-strand Bracelet

Braiding multiple strands of small beads gives body to the design and creates visually captivating textures. These easy-to-follow instructions for three-strand braids will get you started.

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Using Omni-Gel™ Photo Transfer Liquid

Learn how to use Omni-Gel™ to create custom photo transfers.

Design Idea 63EN

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Pavé-Style Setting Using the Tweezer Vac™

The compact, vacuum tool allows for precision placement. It works great for placing chatons, flat backs and small stones and when creating pavé-style jewelry.

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Firing Gemstones into Art Clay®

Adding gemstones to metal clay can increase the appeal of a piece, but it's important to know how the stones will react. This article discusses how to fire different stone types.

How to Form a Wire Spiral

Jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman shows you how to form a wire spiral with step-by-step instructions. This simple technique makes a decorative addition to any design repertoire.

Design Idea 9A7S

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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.

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Adjustable Cord Necklaces, Bracelets and Anklets

Follow this handy tutorial to learn how to take a pair of cords and a focal and turn them into an eye-catching adjustable necklace!

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Riveting with a Wire Rivet

Learn the art of cold-joining with wire rivets, seamlessly bringing metal pieces together with precision and craftsmanship.

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Designing with Invisible Cording

Follow along in this video to create a necklace with 'floating' crystal rings using Invizi™-Cord.

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Almost Instant Jewelry®

Almost Instant Jewelry® is a line of settings made specifically for Swarovski® crystal fancy stones. In this jewelry-making product show-and-tell, see how fast and easy it is to use these earring, pendant and other mounts.

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Using the Kumihimo Square Plate to Create Square Braids

Learn how to make a square kumihimo braid with these illustrated instructions. All it takes is a square kumihimo plate, cord, and this guide.

Design Idea C89L

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Secrets to Using Bead Caps

Bead caps add a professional touch to bead dangles and strung jewelry. In this video, jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman shows how to stack a bead cap on beads using a headpin and simple loop technique. Written instructions included below the video.

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Secrets to Simple Loops

The simple loop is a must-learn basic jewelry-making technique. Follow along with step-by-step instructions by expert jewelry maker Tammy Honaman.

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Secrets to Professional Crimping

Learn a handy secret or two (or three) from expert jewelry maker, Tammy Honaman, on how to crimp as effectively as possible when professionally finishing jewelry designs.

Video Length 1:41

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Secrets to Opening and Closing Jump Rings

Learn the right way to open and close jump rings! Jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman shows how to avoid warping the wire and making connections less secure. Written instructions included below the video.

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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.

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Secrets to Finishing with Bead Ends

Complete memory wire designs stylishly with half-drilled bead ends. In this video, jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman shares this quick-and-easy jewelry-making technique. Below the video are also full written step-by-step instructions.

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Secrets to Cutting Memory Wire

Memory wire is a favorite jewelry wire for quick bead stringing projects, but you need a special tool to cut the stainless steel so your wire (and pliers!) aren't damaged.

Video Length 0:41

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Secret to a Surgeon's Knot

Unlock the 'knot'-orious secrets of perfecting the surgeon's knot in this video for a surefire way to finish your jewelry designs!

Video Length 0:56

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Secrets to Crimp Covers - Hiding Knots

Did you know crimp covers aren't just for crimps? Renowned jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman shows you the secrets of using crimp covers to hide knots.

Video Length 1:16

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How to Remove the Waxed Coating from Lava Beads

Want to wear some fragrant bling? This video spills the wax-off secrets for creating aromatherapy-ready beads!

Video Length 3:11

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Designing with 2-Part Epoxy

2-part epoxy is a versatile medium. Not only is it a glue that will join two things together, it can be molded, shaped, textured and used to create stunning designs.

Video Length 2:19

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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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Secrets to Crimp Covers - Hiding Crimp Beads

Renowned jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman shows you the secrets of using crimp covers to hide crimp beads. Come get a taste of expertise that years of experience has led to.

Video Length 1:11

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Secrets to Bead Tips with Thread

Bead tips create a professional finish for jewelry designs strung on thread. In this video, jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman demonstrates connecting beaded thread to a clasp using a bead tip. Below the video are also full written step-by-step instructions.

Video Length 5:59

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How to Solder a Jump Ring with Solder Paste

Soldering jump rings closed helps create a secure connection in jewelry. Follow along with Chris as he walks you through the tools and steps needed for this handy skill.

Video Length 7:03

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How to Use Fancy Bezel Settings with Cabochons

Set cabochons quickly and elegantly within fancy bezel settings using a bezel pusher or bezel roller. Watch the silent animation to learn this professional technique, or use the full step-by-step instructions below the video.

Video Length 4:50

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How To Use Coiling Gizmo® Deluxe Econo Winder

A pair of videos show how to set up and use this handing wireworking tool that helps you create beautiful wire coils for your jewelry projects. The silent animation video offers a short-and-sweet overview; the longer video from Beadalon® walks the designer through the entire process. Also includes written step-by-step instructions below the videos.

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How to Use a Wire-Rounder Tool/Pin Vise

Make custom fishhook ear wires and other copper, brass and precious metal wire ends smooth and wearable with the wire rounder pin vise set. Learn how to assemble and use this tool from the silent animation—or follow along with the written step-by-step instructions below the video.

Video Length 0:25

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How to Knot Pearls with Perfection Using the easyknotter®

Quickly and easily enlarge the stringing holes of cultured pearls and soft gemstones such as malachite by using the blade of a jeweler’s saw. Watch the silent animation to see how it’s done, or use the full written step-by-step instructions below the video.

Video Length 4:24

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How to Create a Wrapped Gear and Crystal Rivoli Focal

Learn how to make a wrapped gear pendant using wire and a crystal rivoli with these helpful instructions. The animated instructions make this design effortless to create.

Video Length 1:16

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Using Ball Chain Connectors

Silent animation shows how to use ball chain connectors to terminate or add length to a section of ball chain.

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How to Use Two-Sided Bezel Settings

Easily set Crystal Passions® fancy stones or flat-backed cabochons using these these two-sided calibrated bezel mounts. Rose shows you how it’s done—all it takes is pliers and a prong pusher to create stunning pendants for jewelry.

Video Length 3:33

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