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Natural turquoise beads can be a fantastic addition to your collection of stones since its properties bring a healing and calming effect. Across the many shades of turquoise, there is a consistent connection to elements such as water and air, which bring pure energy to your life.

Turquoise beads can also protect you from negativity and help the body develop its flow of energy, strengthening your immune system. The peace of this beautiful blue stone can help bring clarity to stressful situations in life, such as financial or relationship issues. The guidance of turquoise can help you live a happier and more fulfilling life, free from the stress and anxiety of living in modern society.

Traditional Uses of Turquoise

Native American tribes quickly picked up the art of turquoise jewelry from Mexican traders and honed their craft. Through this medium, they can communicate aspects of their culture to the rest of the world since their artistry has become so well-known and popular. Especially for the Navajo and Zuni tribes, turquoise jewelry has become an essential part of their culture.

While each tribe has slightly different meanings attached to turquoise, there are some common themes. Many tribes, such as the Apache or the Hopi, use turquoise for physical strength and skill, encouraging success during hunts or other work. The turquoise stone can also be found in the famous dreamcatcher of the Ojibwe, protecting little children from their dark and scary dreams.

Navajo and Zuni Tribes

The Navajo also hold important symbolism for turquoise as it plays a part in their creation story. Their teachings say that the first man and woman used a stone disk decorated with turquoise to create the sun. Like many other cultures, the Navajo attach the meaning of turquoise to water and air and even tell stories of the Turquoise Woman, who symbolizes protection and prosperity.

Also known for their work with turquoise is the Zuni tribe, who attach turquoise to earth rather than water elements, seeing the different colors as representations for women, men, earth and sky.

Despite their slight differences in beliefs, each tribe who makes turquoise jewelry does so with expertise and precision, producing beautiful art. The Navajo are known for their distinct style of necklaces and rings, using little pieces of silver and large turquoise stones for their designs. The Zuni art differs slightly, focusing more on amulets and decorating figures and mosaics with the blue stone.

How to Identify Turquoise

Unfortunately, due to its gorgeous blue hue and healing properties, much of the turquoise on the market is not turquoise at all. Another mineral, called howlite, can be dyed different colors, including the signature blue-green of turquoise, passing itself off as the real stone. However, if you know how to identify legitimate turquoise, you do not have to worry about accidentally getting howlite instead!

One of the strategies to identify real turquoise is the price. If you find a turquoise stone at a severely discounted price or one that is well below other options for purchasing the stone, it is likely a fake.

Since it is possible for a business to sell fake turquoise for the price of genuine turquoise, there are a couple of tricks you can use to test the stone. One of them is to run your fingernail across the stone and if it catches on any parts of the stone, the chances are it’s genuine. If it’s completely smooth, you might have howlite instead. This only works for natural turquoise, as other genuine forms of the stone can be completely smooth as well.

Another property of howlite that can be used to the advantage of turquoise shoppers is its softness. Howlite is much softer than turquoise. If your turquoise stone scratches easily, it is likely howlite.

One of the unique aspects of a turquoise stone is its color, which is not uniform throughout. Since turquoise is made from a combination of different elements, its color varies, even on one single stone. Use this to your advantage, for if you spot a turquoise stone that is only one shade, you might be looking at another fake.

Best Uses

Protecting your turquoise is vital to ensure its longevity, so keep it out of direct sunlight and try to prevent scratches or falls. However, wearing it as jewelry to boost your day, putting some beads on your desk to increase prosperity or placing it throughout the home to maintain a peaceful atmosphere are excellent ways to reap all the rewards that turquoise can offer. 

Amethyst, with its easily recognizable rich purple tones, is at once both striking and calming, mesmerizing and exciting. A prized gemstone for centuries, amethyst can be found worldwide and is said to hold various healing and metaphysical properties.

Between its dazzling and unique color, rich history and the variety of shapes and shades of amethyst beads available to modern jewelry makers, it may just be the perfect addition to your jewelry collection.

What Is Amethyst?

Amethyst is a variety of quartz that appears in various shades of purple and violet. This unique hue is caused by the interaction of iron contained in each crystal and the gamma rays that pass through them.

It is regarded as one of the most popular and valuable quartz gemstones for a variety of reasons, not the least of which are its unique color in the gem world and easy moldability. In fact, the striking yet affordable material is often featured in a variety of jewelry and other decorative pieces, ranging from massive, raw geodes to eye-catching statement beads.

Amethyst in Culture

The name amethyst stems from the Greek word for sober, amethystos. In Greek mythology, it is said that Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, gave the stone powers to protect the wearer from drunkenness. For this reason, many individuals who are fighting problems with alcohol addiction wear amethyst as a talisman of mental clarity and support.

The ancient Egyptians, on the other hand, believed that amethyst gifted courage and protection to the wearer and the Egyptian princess Cleopatra was said to have worn an amethyst ring.

Today, Amethyst is one of the more well-known gems because of its use as the February birthstone. For spiritual individuals, amethyst also represents the spiritual center of the body as the crown chakra, and many cardinal rings and rosaries also feature the purple gem prominently.

Origins

Before the 19th century, amethyst was extremely expensive and only available to the wealthy due to its relative rareness. However, since then, large deposits have been found around the world, and it is now widely available and affordable.

Some of the largest producers of natural amethyst can be found in Bolivia, Brazil, Tanzania, Uruguay and Zambia, though it is also found in Arizona.

Six Types of Amethyst Beads

Amethyst beads appear in many shapes as well as various shades of purple. Amethyst colors range from light purple tints to nearly black gems.

Purple, ametrine, pink, mossy, cape and prasiolite are six of the most well-known types of amethyst.

Unlike other stones, amethyst’s value is based on its color rather than a carat weight, and the most valuable amethyst beads are those that are dark purple with reddish tints.

Some beads, like ametrine, are still considered part of the amethyst category, even though they are entirely different gems.

Pink amethyst beads, though still beautiful, are considered the least valuable, as they feature only a very light and indistinct lavender or lilac hue. Mossy amethyst beads can appear in both dark and light hues and have small veins that are visible throughout the bead.

Cape amethyst stones feature traces of milky white quartz throughout while ametrine, one of the rarest gemstones, contains a mixture of citrine (yellow) and amethyst (purple) in one single crystal. This rarely occurs in nature. However, the same effect can be produced using heat.

Prasiolite is quartz that features a yellow-green appearance with slight hints of purple throughout.

Pairing Amethyst with Other Gemstones and Metals

The purple tones of amethyst beads are relatively easy to pair with other colors and metals, and the standard color wheel can help you find colors that harmonize well with your purple amethyst.

For example, the colors that are found directly next to purple, such as other purple hues, pinks, blues and reds, represent a perfect harmonious color combination, meaning that rose quartz, lapis lazuli or even garnet beads can complement amethyst stones.

Contrasting colors, or those that appear directly opposite of each other on the color wheel, can make for a slightly different and more unusual jewelry combination. Purple gems contrast well with yellow crystals, like citrine beads, and amethyst with emerald beads is another stunning combination.

However, if you want the purple in your amethyst to really pop and remain the focal point of a piece, stick to gems like calcite, morganite or another toned down neutral.

When it comes to pairing amethyst with metals, the options are endless. White gold naturally enhances amethyst’s brilliance while a yellow gold pairing makes for a statement combination. In addition, brass and copper metals are excellent options for an amethyst jewelry piece.

Final Thoughts

Amethyst, with its range of distinct shades, is an excellent addition that rounds out any jewelry collection. The deep purple stones are the quintessential statement gem, while the more muted pastels are perfect for casual daily wear.

Whichever hue you choose, you are sure to love the variety and seemingly effortless glamour amethyst stones lend to your jewelry-making kit.

FAQ’s:

How much is a natural amethyst worth?

Amethyst is one of the most affordable gems. The average price may range between 20 and 30 dollars per carat. Even the particularly pure pieces of the gemstone can be bought at 40 or 50 dollars per carat. However, the price of the amethyst may vary as the value of this gemstone is based more on its color rather than a carat. The darker amethysts are the more valuable ones.

What are the different types of amethyst?

Amethyst beads are found in different shapes and various shades of purple. These are divided into different categories based on the color itself. The six popular varieties of amethyst are –

• Purple
• Ametrine
• Pink
• Mossy
• Cape
• Parasiolite

What does amethyst represent?

Amethyst, often described as a stone of peace, is one of the important stones in gemology. They are believed to be the carrier of soothing dreams where they bring the dreamer in tune with the divine. They provide clarity of thought and peacefulness to the mind. Experts believe that amethyst helps the mind flow freely in a mental as well as the metaphysical state.

How to tell if amethyst is genuine?

The color of an amethyst stone is the greatest indicator of its value as well as realness and fakeness. If you find a solid color amethyst, it is fake in all likelihood. Real amethyst gemstones have color zoning that includes shades of white and blue along with purple. You might find threads and impurities beneath the stone but real amethyst does not have bubbles.

What does amethyst represent?

Amethyst represents purity and the connection to divinity

Purchasing or designing a gemstone piece to add to your jewelry collection involves considering your personal taste and the cost. But when deciding on a specific piece, whether it is for a special occasion or even just for the season, have you ever noticed how certain colors really pop when you wear them?

Most people choose their jewelry based on their preference of silver, gold, white gold and platinum but you should consider choosing the gemstones and the color of the metal based on the tone of your skin.

Just like your clothing, specific colors of gemstone beads complement your skin tone better than others. Jewelry never looks exactly the same on two people, so to get the best from your gemstones determine if you have cool or warm undertones.   

How to determine your undertone

Your skin tone will fall into two categories–cool or warm. Finding your undertone is easy. The simplest way is to hold a piece of white paper next to your face. If your skin looks red or pink next to the paper, you have a cool tone, while a yellow hue represents a warm complexion.

Another easy way to establish your skin tone is by using natural sunlight to look at the underside of your palm, at your wrist. If your veins look purple or blue, you have cool undertones, but if they appear green with a yellow cast, you have warm undertones.

While out in the sun, if you burn you most likely have cool tones, but if you tan easily, you probably have warm undertones.

Your natural eye and hair color can also show what your natural undertones are. Grey, green or blue eyes with brown, black and blonde hair with platinum tones most likely means you have cool undertones. If you have hazel, brown or amber eyes with auburn, black or strawberry blonde hair with gold tones, you are most likely warm-toned.

The best colors for cool tones

Bright-colored gemstones like pink, purple, red, blue and green stones look best with cool skin tones. Emeralds, sapphires, tanzanite, topaz, rubies, amethysts and garnets are a perfect match for cool-toned ladies like Demi Moore. 

Certain metals also complement cool undertones. White gold, platinum, titanium and sterling silver beads, chains, toggles, clasps and findings can complete your look.  

Colors that are based off the sky, sea and water can make cool undertones explode. White, navy, royal blue and black are all examples of these accessory colors that are perfect for spacers and seed beads.

With cool undertones, it is important to avoid yellows as these can make skin appear pale and unhealthy.

Warm Tones

Earthy shades like cream, bright yellow, burnt orange, brown, dark green and autumn red look great on warm-tones. Browns such as camel, taupe and a heather brown also look fabulous. Currently on trend, rose gold can also bring out your skin tone’s warmth.

If your skin gives off a warm glow like Serena Williams, set your jewelry in these gorgeous gems–fire opal, citrine, peridot, aquamarine, peach pearl, orange sapphire and turquoise.

Metals that look best for warm undertones have a brown or yellow hue. These metals include copper, pewter, brass and yellow gold.

Use a color wheel to choose your perfect color combinations

If you’re looking to freshen up your jewelry collection with a pop of color, whether purchasing it or designing it yourself, select a hue that flatters your skin tone. The right color can accentuate your skin and your ensemble, boosting your confidence and making you feel great! A color wheel is an excellent tool for choosing combinations from subtle to dramatic. 

Once you have determined your skin tone, split the color wheel in half with an imaginary line. One half is cool and the other is warm. If you are looking for a conservative piece of jewelry, choose gemstones in the same color family. These colors are positioned next to and at a 90-degree angle from one another.

For a statement piece, select contrasting colors which are found across from each other on the color wheel.

Final thoughts

Your skin tone is only a guide to help you determine which gemstone beads are the most flattering choice for you. However, don’t let your skin tone limit your options. Also, consider the shape and texture of the piece, and if something holds a special significance or is truly spectacular, choose what feels right for you and wear a piece that you love! 

Whether you are a fledgling jewelry designer or an established small jewelry company, the profit margin of your business is a good indicator of the success and the direction you need to head in the future. There are several factors to consider when calculating the profit margins for your business. And adjusting any or all these factors can increase your profits and help your handmade jewelry business succeed.

1. Cost of materials

The biggest factor that influences profit margins is the cost of materials, but don’t be tempted to buy cheaper materials to save money. Buy quality materials such as gemstone beads, metallic parts and fasteners to build your reputation. A solid reputation is worth more than a few cents saved on cheaper materials. A good reputation builds trust and repeat customers.

Of course, precious and semi-precious gemstone beads cost more than acrylic parts and base metals, so price your jewelry according to the type of materials you use. Include your tools in the cost of materials as well. If you are looking to cut costs, buying cheaper tools can reduce your initial investment. But the best way to maintain your quality standards is to form a relationship with a trustworthy supplier, who can offer competitive pricing on your favorite supplies.

2. Labor costs

If your business makes small jewelry and presumably doing most of the labor yourself, this factor is probably the least variable, though it is still equally as important. Your time is precious. The effort you put in to creating your jewelry and maintaining your business should be reflected in your profits, so don’t forget to include your hourly rate in pricing and profit calculations.

If, after assessing your business model, you discover that your labor costs are where you could save some money, there are some ways you can reduce the amount of time you spend on your business.

Handmaking jewelry requires creativity, dedication and time. However, you can streamline your manufacturing process and cut labor costs by investing in the best tools for the job. A small investment up front can save you a lot of money in overall profits.

Outsourcing is another effective way to manage labor costs. Outsource tasks that take time away from your creative processes, such as hiring a virtual assistant to maintain your social media presence and website.

3. Shipping costs

If you run your business from a brick-and-mortar storefront, shipping costs may be irrelevant. However, most small jewelry-making businesses have at least some part of their business online, and understanding shipping fees can help you calculate your profit margins more accurately.

The cost of shipping items depends largely on the retail price, weight and the location the item is to be shipped. More costly items cost more to ship due to added insurance. Bulkier and heavier items cost more to ship as does shipping internationally. Most small businesses try to absorb some of the shipping costs to give their customers a lower flat rate. However, you can give customers the option of expedited shipping which will incur an additional fee.

4. Selling fees

Selling fees depend largely on whether you operate a brick-and-mortar store or market stall, sell from your own website or through a secondary marketplace such as eBay or Etsy. Each sales point has its advantages and disadvantages. However, the one thing you need to consider is how much it costs to sell your items from these points.

If you have a physical location, you need to include rent, utilities and insurance into your selling fee calculation. If you sell your jewelry from a market stall, don’t forget to factor in market fees, cost of gas and the cost of setting up your display. For sales from secondary websites, you may find there are listing fees or a monthly hosting fee.

5. Marketing

Marketing focuses on the other end of your business: your customers. Promoting your products typically leads to greater sales. You can do a lot of your own marketing by blogging on industry websites, running Facebook and Instagram accounts to showcase your items and attending jewelry expos and community events.

Doing your own marketing can save you some money; however, if this area is not your forte, outsourcing your marketing and promotions can be more effective. If you hire an agency to manage social media posts and advertising, be sure to factor in their fees.

6. Pricing

Pricing is typically the area that small business owners struggle with the most. There are hundreds of pricing models and finding the right price for your product depends not only on factors such as materials, labor and fees but also on market demand and whether the piece is one-of-a-kind or can be reproduced.

One effective formula for calculating the retail price of your jewelry is to multiply the cost of materials and packaging by four and then add that figure to your hourly wage. Find 10 percent of the total to cover overhead costs and add that to the labor and materials total. Then, round up depending on the uniqueness of the piece.

Final thoughts

Handmaking jewelry is a labor of love but don’t let your labors go unrewarded. If your profit margins are looking slim, reevaluate your business model and use some of these factors to recalculate and improve the financial success of your jewelry business.

Gemstone beads are meant to pop from a jewelry piece. They are often boldly-colored, dynamic in different lights or subtly elegant.

Whether you are choosing a gemstone to wear with an outfit, or if you are drawn to a piece of gemstone jewelry for its dazzling colors, you want your bracelet, necklace, earrings or rings to complement your style and maybe even be a conversation piece.

Metallic beads are an excellent way to either subtly contrast gemstones or enhance them, depending on the chosen gemstones and metal beads. They come in an array of different colors, designs and finishes, making them quite versatile for use with various gemstones.

However, that same variety can also make finding the right color and finish of metallic beads to mix with your gemstones somewhat overwhelming.

After all, if you are looking to incorporate a focal bead into your jewelry piece, you want to choose metallic beads that will help draw attention to that one, dynamic piece, not detract from it.

A little knowledge of basic color theory can help you as you shop for beads to integrate into your jewelry. With the right choice of a metallic bead, you can greatly enhance the look and quality of your gemstone jewelry, making it a favorite piece in your jewelry box for years to come.

Basic color theory

If you are not sure which metal bead colors will look best with your gemstone, the first thing to do is familiarize yourself with basic color theory.

Basic color theory encompasses three important aspects: the color wheel, color harmony and how colors are used in context. The color wheel, color harmony and color context are important in jewelry-making, but they are also important for when you are looking to redecorate your home or paint a room, among other scenarios, making it a nifty bit of knowledge.

In matching colors, it is important to find colors that enhance each other and do not clash. The color wheel presents a logically arranged sequence of “pure” hues, which gives us a sense of which colors are available and the gradations of those colors.

For instance, the color wheel presents the many hues of the color blue: from navy blue to cerulean to turquoise. The wheel displays many options for each color and their gradations from light to dark.

Color harmony is the next part of the basic color theory. Color harmony puts forward the natural harmony of colors based on three areas: analogous colors, complementary colors and nature.

Analogous colors sit next to each other on the color wheel, and the mix of the two colors create a pleasing effect on the eye when seen together. Complementary colors sit opposite one another on the color wheel and, as their name dictates, they complement one another well when used together. Complementary and analogous colors are excellent choices for creating harmonious color schemes.

Finally, looking around at examples in nature can be a powerful way to identify colors that are in harmony with one another. Colors that occur naturally together in the woods, in fields or in the sky will often reflect nicely in your jewelry or decorating options.

The final aspect of the basic color theory is looking at how colors are used in context. This refers to placing one color within the other.

For example, use one color as a background for the other and see how the two look in conjunction with one another. If the color in the foreground washes out or appears to be in direct contrast with the background color in a displeasing way, the two colors do not belong together.

With metal beads, looking at the context of your gemstone against the background created by the metallic beads will be important. Unless you are crafting a piece of jewelry solely made up of metallic beads, you will want your gemstones to stand out and not clash with the metallic hues beside or around them.

Utilize what you learn from basic color theory when choosing which metal beads to use with your gemstones. For example, you likely will not want to match a lemon quartz bead with gold metal beads because they will clash and one will wash the other out completely.

However, matching a lemon quartz bead with a darker copper bead or gunmetal will make both colors pop significantly. The contrasting darkness in the designs of copper metallic beads mixed with the yellow of lemon quartz beads also mimics the black-and-yellow of bees and other insects found in nature, which aligns it with basic color theory.

Remember, you are looking for harmony between the beads, and you want something that will be pleasing to the eye.

Which metals go best with your gemstone?

Since as early as 25,000 years ago, jewelry has been an important part of ornamenting the human body across various cultures.

Throughout our ancient human history, precious gemstones have been thought to protect against illnesses and evil spirits. For the wealthy kings and queens, gemstones were a symbol of power, authority and family traditions.

Today, gemstone colors are often selected and used in jewelry for their connotating birthday month, and as they fall in and out of trend. Perhaps not quite as magical and wealth-oriented as they once were, gemstones are still an important piece of any complete jewelry collection.

Metal beads are an excellent way to complement and enhance the look of a gemstone in a jewelry piece. Some finishes of metal look better with different gems, and it is essential to know–before selecting metal beads for your gemstones–which finishes will enhance the colors of your piece and which ones will clash.

The following is a simplified breakdown of different hues and their metal allies:

• Reds: gold, brass and silver
• Oranges: Silver and sometimes copper
• Yellows: Silver, sometimes copper, gunmetal and antique brass
• Greens: Gold, brass, silver and sometimes copper
• Blues: Gold, brass, silver and copper
• Purples: Gold, brass, silver and sometimes copper
• Whites: Gold, brass, silver, copper, gunmetal and antique brass
• Blacks: Gold, brass, silver and copper
• Browns: Gold, brass and silver
• Grays: Gold, brass, silver and copper

Gold and brass

The shine and hue of a rich gold or brass bead can elevate the look of a gemstone to new heights and enhance the overall impression of the jewelry piece.

Gold and brass complement a myriad of colors, but if you use the basic color theory and color wheel, you can get a better sense of which colors will match well with gold and brass.

As a warm tone, gold looks especially nice when paired with earth tones, such as amber, granite, sage, beige, moss green and light or dark browns. Pastel colors are also excellent colors to pair with gold and brass, including peridot, rose, azure and lavender.

Bright primary colors such as red and blue are also excellent pairs to gold, although the finish of the gold or brass should be considered with the gemstone beforehand.

Sterling silver

Silver is one of the most versatile jewelry metals because it matches and enhances almost any hue. The dynamic light-catching aspects of sterling silver make it a favorite jewelry neighbor for nearly every gemstone color.

In fact, silver can even complement other metallic colors, such as gold, brass and copper. However, silver does not look as good with the neon hues of metallic beads, as the two seem to almost compete for the spotlight and neon stones may be better served by gold, brass or copper beads.

Copper

The patterns in many copper beads lead to darker crevices and patterns in the finish of the metal, which creates a striking contrast with the brighter copper tint.

This makes it an excellent pair with bright colors and light pastels, and copper pairs especially well with turquoise and mint greens. It can be used to contrast with black and white and the primary colors of red, yellow and blue.

Copper stands up well next to silver, but not especially well against gold. If silver is mixed in with copper and gold, the three hold their own together in a piece quite nicely.

Brown hues, however, do not match with copper, as the two colors tend to wash each other out.

Gunmetal and antique brass

While not as popular as gold, brass, silver and copper, gunmetal finish beads are another option for your jewelry pieces.

Gunmetal is usually a black or dark silver colored bead. It makes an excellent complement to bright gemstones and primary colors, especially yellow, but it does not pair well with darker hues.

The gunmetal finish should be paired with brilliant colors, as the contrast between the dull tone of the gunmetal and the brilliance of the stone makes the gemstones stand out.

Antique brass is another metallic bead color that is darker in hue, and it is usually available in a dark brown. This color typically follows the same color rules as beads with a gunmetal finish.

Focal beads

Focal beads are an interesting twist to add to any jewelry piece.

On a necklace, a focal bead should draw the eye to the middle of the piece while complementing the stones and metal beads around it.

Focal beads often come in interesting shapes, patterns or multiple colors, making it a bit more challenging to match with metal beads. However, when done correctly, focal beads can enhance the metal beads and the overall impression of the jewelry piece.

Some focal beads already come set in a metal setting, making it easier to select metallic beads that match it for the jewelry piece.

Other focal beads are made of moonstones and opals, with iridescent colors that change in the light. These are whitish in appearance and go well with gold, brass or silver beads.

Solid black focal beads, while striking, represent a greater challenge. Their lack of brilliant color means that metallic beads must be selected to enhance the focus on the focal bead. Set next to gold and silver metallic beads, the stark contrast between the two colors is sure to draw the eye to your focal piece.

Enamel-plated brass beads

Enamel-plated brass beads are yet another way to enhance focal gemstones. Enamel-plated brass beads add more subtlety of colors throughout a jewelry piece, making the focal beads or gemstones stand out more.

For example, dark colors, such as burgundy or black that are paired with a yellow brass can be spaced by gold or brass beads and go well with a bright gemstone or brilliant focal bead.

The brass designs in these beads can be used as a focal point on their own as well, but when paired with a bright gemstone or focal bead, they really add to the overall impression of your jewelry.

Birthstones

Birthstones are one of the most popular choices for gemstone pieces in jewelry, and most look particularly exquisite when they are accompanied by metallic beads.

Birthstone jewelry is an excellent gift for that special someone, or for any occasion that merits sentimentality. The birthstones pair well with the following metallic bead colors beside them:

• January–Garnet: gold, brass and silver
• February–Amethyst: gold, brass and silver
• March–Aquamarine: gold, brass, silver and copper
• April–Diamond: gold, silver, gunmetal and antique brass
• May–Emerald: gold, brass and silver
• June–Pearl: gold, silver and gunmetal; Alexandrite: gold, brass and silver
• July–Ruby: gold and silver
• August–Peridot: gold, brass and copper
• September–Sapphire: gold, brass and silver
• October–Opal: gold, brass, silver and copper; Tourmaline: gold, silver, gunmetal and copper
• November–Citrine: some hues of gold, silver and some copper; Topaz: silver
• December–Tanzanite: gold, brass, silver and copper; Turquoise: gold, brass, silver, gunmetal, antique brass and copper; Blue Zircon: gold, silver and copper

Remember, rather than adding distraction, the metal beads on birthstone jewelry should be background colors for the gemstones. They should subtly enhance the gemstone’s color without taking over the piece so the gemstone shines.  

Final thoughts

Metal beads are one of the subtlest yet creative ways to instantly enhance a piece of jewelry and make the gemstones or focal beads of a piece of jewelry stand out.

Metal beads can be used as spacers throughout a piece, alternating between the gemstones in a bracelet or necklace. They can also be used to frame the focal piece, drawing the eye to the central bead. Just like a frame accentuates a piece of art without detracting from it, metal beads should support the gemstones and focal beads and, overall, be a part of the background of the piece.

Utilizing the color wheel and basic color theory can help you make the best choices when it comes to choosing metal beads for your gemstone jewelry. By dedicating just a little bit of time to compare and plan, you can craft a bracelet, necklace, ring or set of earrings that feature both metallic beads and precious gemstones that will be timeless favorites in your jewelry collection.

Coral is a power color. It is vibrant and eye-catching, pairs well with many other colors and signals that the wearer has confidence and strength. Coral also projects an energy of wit and sass and helps radiate warmth.

Coral trinkets have a long history of protecting their wearer against evil, and it even plays an important role in ancient Greek mythology.

Today, coral can be worn as a symbol of support for environmental causes. It can also play a vital role in sprucing up any spring outfit and making a powerful statement in your workplace, on a big date or even just around the house.

History of coral

Coral grows in the world’s oceans and provides a thriving, durable environment for fish and other sea creatures.

Red coral is the most popular of the corals because of its striking color variations and its versatility of use for jewelry or beads. It can be polished into a high shine or it can remain in its original matte finish. It is most commonly found in the Mediterranean Sea, which is likely how it made its way into ancient Greek mythology.

According to the ancient Greeks, the Gorgon sister Medusa was once a beautiful girl with flowing golden locks. After breaking a vow of chastity, Medusa was turned into a shriveled hag with green skin and snakes in place of her flowing locks of hair.

To prevent her from breaking her vow of chastity again, the gods stipulated that whoever looked into her eyes would instantly be turned into a pillar of stone. Medusa’s sad tale ends with her head floating to the bottom of the sea. Wherever it drifted, beautiful coral grew, an ironic twist to the curse placed on her.

Since ancient times, coral has come to be regarded as a precious stone, held in high esteem by the Egyptians, the Romans, the Hindu religion and Islam. In mystical crystal and precious gemstone circles, it is believed that coral protects against evil spirits and disease.

Coral as jewelry

Coral jewelry can be crafted in its original matte finish or polished to a high shine that catches the light. While it is a hardy gemstone, it is also quite malleable for crafting into beads.

Because of natural coral’s endangered status, modern technology allows coral manufacturers to mimic the shape and color of various species of coral. This allows for beautiful coral substitutes to be used as a stylish addition to any wardrobe without the need for mining endangered resources from the environment.

There are various ways to add beautiful coral details to your wardrobe this spring, including:

1. Coral necklaces

Coral colors range from vibrant, deep reds to pale pinks and light oranges. The spectrum of colors is beautiful and quite versatile for matching with a variety of other popular spring colors.

Especially popular during the Victorian Era in the United Kingdom and used to denote the worldliness of the wearer, coral beads in chokers and necklaces are still beautiful choices for an eye-catching statement piece.

2. Coral bracelets

Rounded coral beads are perfect adornments for bracelets, particularly when they are polished to a shiny brilliance.

This spring, sport a chunky coral bracelet that really pops. Conversely, you can also opt for a subtler and daintier beaded style with your spring wardrobe that catches the eye and pairs well with floral prints and patterns.

3. Coral earrings

Coral beads come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including squares, tubes, coins, faceted nuggets and heshi. This provides plenty of options for earring pendants to optimize the necklace and bracelet trifecta.

Earrings can also make use of smaller beads for dangling tassels, studs and even chandelier-styles.

4. Other coral adornments

Coral beads can add color to clothing, brooches, purses and other accessories to liven up more neutral colors or accentuate other pops of color throughout an outfit.

Add coral beads to vests, hats, tank tops and scarves to give them a little extra eye-catching decoration and texture. Coordinate coral beads with complementary colors and a little bit of sparkle to really make them pop and add character to your clothing.

Coral is traditionally seen as a warm color, so it pairs best with neutral and cold colors. Your coral addition to your outfit should complement the other colors, especially if it is being included as a dominant jewelry piece on the neck.

There are plenty of color options for coordinating with coral and wearers can easily sport coral with various outfits. Good coordinating colors for coral include:

• Gray
• White or black
• Neon blue
• Turquoise or teal
• Nude
• Caramel
• Brown
• Mint green
• Navy or dark blue

Silver and gold accent beads can also complement the use of coral in jewelry, but it should not dominate the piece. Darker shades of coral pair better with metal beads and accents, while lighter colors tend to wash out the accents.

When planning your spring apparel, remember: The bright color of coral should be the star of the show. Use it to update and give a modern yet earthy vibe to dated or classic looks to ensure your spot on this spring’s best-dressed list.

Jewelry is a fun and fabulous way to add life and variety to your wardrobe and help you transition your look from winter to spring.

By making your own colorful, handmade jewelry pieces, you can completely customize your jewelry to your style. And with a little bit of color and beading know-how, you can easily master this spring’s hottest trends.

Haute hues

According to the Pantone^® color institute, the 12 trendiest colors to look for this spring/summer will be a vibrant and muted mixture of yellows, oranges, reds, pinks, blues and greens, with corals rounding out the list as the color of the year. Deep blue, chocolate, beige and cream tones are the four neutral shades selected to contrast these more vivid hues. 

This year’s must-have spring jewelry designs mainly focus on large hoops, long drop earrings, chokers, floral-inspired hairpins and earrings and tassels for a textured, dynamic look.

Many of this year’s runway looks feature pearls, lemon-quartz and warm metal tones for a feminine and flirty look that pairs well with soft spring florals. Other looks incorporate a mixture of crystals, shells and a variety of reds, blues, greens, graphites and browns.

Making beaded jewelry

With such a wide variety of shades on this year’s color palette, it’s simple to find inspiration for your own fantastic beaded jewelry creations to add to your spring wardrobe. 

Before you can make your jewelry, however, you will need some basic tools and a selection of spring-inspired beads and findings.

The basic tools you will need for beading include:

• Chain nose pliers
• Round nose pliers
• Wire cutters
• Beading mat
• Beading board

Chain nose pliers have a smooth, tapered fine-ended tip specifically designed for beading and are used primarily to crimp beads and manage small, hard to hold objects.

Round nose pliers have rounded tapering tips. These are used to bend and mold head pins and eye pins into circles, curves and loops for making earrings and other types of jewelry, such as pendants. 

Wire cutters are used to cut the wire that is used for stringing your beads. Wire cutters are available in a variety of strengths for cutting various gauges of wire, and you will likely need more than one set as you continue to develop your jewelry-making abilities.

The beading board is an important part of your equipment. It is a pre-formed plastic board with measured grooves that hold your beads in place while you work. A beading board enables you to measure your stringing materials and lay out your designs before beginning a piece. It is also handy for storing your incomplete projects.

Making a set of spring-inspired earrings

Making basic beaded jewelry only requires two techniques: a simple/plain loop, that is often used to create earrings, and crimping, which is used to compress a crimp bead to hold a piece on the wire along with a clasp. The crimping technique is often used for making necklaces and bracelets. 

Both these techniques can be used to make a simple, looped dangle which can be used to make a set of spring-inspired, beaded, drop earrings. Prehnite beads and coral beads are popular in the warmer weather, as their colors bring to mind new green growth and warm sunset hues.

First, thread your beads onto the finding, or the head or eye pin that holds the beads in place. One small note: If your head or eye pin is smaller than the hole of your bead, then you will need to place a small bead between both the pin and your beads.  

Next, make a loop at the opposite end of the pin and just above the last threaded bead and bend the wire 90 degrees. Carefully trim the wire, using the wire cutters, to approximately 9 mm above the last bead. Remember to take care when using the wire cutters and be careful of the sharp ends of the wire.

Now, using the round nose pliers, rotate the wire back in the opposite direction to form a circle until the cut end meets the original bend above the last bead.

You have now created your dangle and can attach this to a hooked earring finding or your finding of choice.  

To attach the hook, open your loop using the chain nose pliers. Then, thread the earring hook on to the loop and use the chain nose pliers to close the loop.

Repeat these steps to make the second earring in the set or opt for one longer or different-colored earring to go for this year’s trendy asymmetrical look.

After mastering some of the basic techniques for making beaded jewelry, you can find various other techniques and ideas online to create your own beaded items that will quickly become staples of your spring wardrobe.

While not as flashy as diamonds, rubies or sapphires, obsidian has a unique beauty that is all its own. It is often thought of and sold as a gemstone, but in reality, it is not a gemstone at all. Instead, it is a type of glass that forms naturally when certain kinds of lava cool rapidly. This most often happens when the lava comes in contact with water.

If you are looking for a unique stone to use in your next jewelry-making project, obsidian is a great option. Here’s all you need to know about obsidian beads.

What Is Obsidian?

Obsidian is a type of glass that forms when lava that is high in silica cools quickly. During the rapid cooling process, the silica halts crystallization and allows obsidian to form. Like other types of glass, it is brittle and can break into pieces with extremely sharp edges. In prehistoric times, it was used to make arrowheads and spears. Today, obsidian is used to make some types of surgical scalpels because it is sharper than steel and may reduce scarring and post-operative infections.

There are different types of obsidian, each of which forms as the result of variations in the compounds present in the lava and in the cooling process. Snowflake obsidian, for example, forms when the cooling process does not entirely inhibit crystallization. When silica reacts with certain minerals, rainbow obsidian can form. And when lava meets water and vaporizes it, tiny pockets can occur. This creates sheen obsidian, which sparkles like a sea of stars.

Meaning of Obsidian

Obsidian contains elements of fire, water and earth, and it carries a lot of energy. Since prehistoric times, it has been valued not only as a tool for cutting and hunting but also as a tool used by spiritualists, alchemists, lightworkers and shamans for healing purposes.

Known as the “stone of truth,” obsidian can help you answer some of your biggest questions about love and life. When combined with tourmaline, it becomes the “stone of honesty” and can help you uncover lies and break through illusions that are standing in your way. Obsidian is a wonderful stone for anyone who values integrity.

As a powerful grounding stone, obsidian is especially useful when you are experiencing success and having all of your dreams come true. It prevents you from being overwhelmed by your success and losing track of what is important. It helps bring things you have been neglecting to the forefront and forces you to deal with them head-on.

If luck is what you need, obsidian can help. It transforms bad luck into good luck and can help attract wealth. It removes negative energy from your thoughts and decision-making processes and can help you spend and invest more wisely.

Obsidian also does great things for your physical health. It is thought to aid in digestion and digestive problems, ease issues involving the gall bladder, promote good cardiovascular health and lowers high blood pressure. The stone gives off a powerful healing energy that is thought to also repair muscles and help with viral and bacterial infections.

Mentally and emotionally, this stone is thought to release tension and stress from your body and replaces it with relaxation and calmness. It may soothe feelings of anxiety and depression and helps you better understand the things that are bringing you down.

While not typically referred to as a stone of love (that’s more of a job for rose quartz), obsidian can help improve your relationships. Its healing energies can aid you in finding the love you want and dealing with problems in current relationships. It can also eliminate negative energies that are surrounding you, your partner or your relationship. It removes negativity that can damage the foundation of your relationship and can help you and your loved one live more happily and harmoniously.

Obsidian Beads for Jewelry-Making

Because the stone is brittle and has sharp edges when broken, most obsidian used in jewelry making is rounded and polished. Faceted obsidian beads with rounded edges are also popular for creating subtle yet captivating jewelry pieces.

At The Bead Traders, we stock a variety of obsidian beads that are well-suited to a wide range of projects. Whether you are making earrings, a necklace, a bracelet or even looking for unique stones to add to your next knitting project, we have the obsidian beads you need! From beautiful black obsidian to snowflake and rainbow varieties, we have it all! Browse our selection today and feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Knitting with beads and gemstones is a great way to add some additional sparkle to your projects. Whether you are making a shawl, a pair of gloves or just about anything else, you can add beads or gemstones for a more unique finish. There are a few different techniques for knitting with beads, but in this post, we will be showing you how to add beads as you go using a crochet hook. Let’s get started!

Gather Your Supplies

The exact supplies you need varies depending on the specific project you are working on. Check your pattern for details. In general, however, you will need knitting needles in the appropriate size, a 1mm crochet hook, yarn and beads. You may also want to consider using graph paper to help you visualize exactly where your beads will be placed in your work.

Get Started on Your Project

For this technique, you do not need to pre-string any beads. Instead, start working on your project and knit as far as you need to go prior to placing your beads. When you are ready to start adding beads, make sure you have your beads and a crochet hook that is small enough to hold the beads you are using. Carefully place your first bead on the hook.

Catch the Knit Stitch and Place the Bead

When you reach the stitch on which you want to place your bead, use the crochet hook to grab the stitch. If the yarn is slippery, hold it between your fingers to avoid dropping it. Next, remove the stitch from the knitting needle and slide it onto the crochet hook. Pull the bead over the stitch so that it surrounds your yarn. Finally, use your crochet hook to slide the stitch onto the right knitting needle.

Continue Working

Now that you have placed your first bead, you can continue working on your project. Continue knitting and adding beads as necessary. When you are on the wrong side of the work, simply knit the stitch with a bead on it the same way you would work a regular stitch.

It’s that simple! In a few easy steps, you can add beads and gemstones to your work even if you are relatively new to knitting.

Choosing Beads for Your Knitting Projects

Beads and gemstones come in an endless array of materials, sizes and shapes. This can make choosing the right ones for your projects challenging. If you are working with lace weight or fingering yarn, tiny seed beads are a popular choice. For worsted weight and bulky yarns, you, of course, need larger beads. Glass beads and natural gemstone beads are usually preferred over plastic ones.

When shopping for beads for your next knitting project, be mindful of the weight of your yarn. Pay close attention to how thick the yarn is and look for beads with holes that are large enough to work. Keep in mind that if you use the technique listed above, the yarn will need to fit through the hole when doubled over since you are slipping each bead onto a stitch. If you want to use tiny seed beads, you may need to use a different technique, such as pre-stringing your beads.

Sewing Beads onto Your Finished Projects

Sewing beads onto your finished projects is another option. This method works well when you are using beads with holes that are too tiny to be strung onto your yarn. This is also a good option when you are working with larger beads or gemstone beads that wouldn’t work so well if knitted into your project. Whether you want to add sparkle with crystal quartz beads or you are thinking about using freshwater pearls, sewing them on works well for virtually any project.

For small beads, you can use a regular sewing needle and matching thread. For larger beads, you will need to use a tapestry needle and yarn. Insert your threaded needle into the wrong side of your finished project where you want to place the bead and pull it through to the right side. Leave several inches and thread your bead onto the strand. Insert your needle into the right side of your fabric and pull through to the wrong side. Pull several inches through and then cut. Tie the loose ends together and then weave into your project on the wrong side.

Whether you knit your beads into your work or you sew them on after you are finished, using beads is a great way to create beautiful pieces that shine!

There are many benefits to learning how to make jewelry. First and foremost, it is fun! Making jewelry is a hobby that allows you to express your creativity in an enjoyable and relaxing way.

Learning how to make jewelry is also practical, and you can learn to make beautiful, handmade, and custom pieces for family, friends, and perhaps eventually, potential customers. Inspiration is everywhere!

Beginning jewelers may not know exactly how to start making jewelry and in general, the art of jewelry-making, whether it be for business or pleasure. Here are a few tips and tricks that will help you translate your interest in jewelry-making into a rewarding and lasting endeavor.

INVEST IN THE RIGHT JEWELRY-MAKING TOOLS

Creating high-quality pieces with low-quality tools is difficult for even the most advanced jewelry makers.

The basic, must-have tools that any beginner should have to get started creating their very own beautiful jewelry and beading projects include:

• Wire Cutters
• Round-Nose Pliers
• Flat-Nose Pliers
• Crimping Pliers
• A Ruler/Tape Measure
• A Bead Organizer
• Adhesive, such as the E-6000

While you may be tempted to scrounge for tools that “sort of” fit the bill in your household toolbox at first, investing in the proper tools will help you turn out better pieces from the get-go.

The cost of high-quality tools more than pays for itself. Purchasing specialty tools may seem like an investment at first, but well-made and designed tools outlast their cheaper counterparts, and you will find that you will have to replace high-quality tools much less frequently.

…AND IN THE RIGHT MATERIALS!

Not only is having the right beading materials necessary but picking out beads is also one of the most fun parts of getting into jewelry-making and developing your unique style! Some necessary beading materials for beginners include:

• A Variety of Glass Beads
• Beading Cord
• Memory Wire
• A Beading Needle
• Earwires
• Clasps and toggles
• Headpins and Eyepins
• Crimp Beads
• Beading Wire
• Beading Thread
• Fire-Polished Beads

While pre-composed bead kits can be convenient, they are not always the most cost-effective choice unless you like and plan to use all the beads included in the kit.

Gemstone beads, glass beads, and crystal beads offer a more high-end finish for pieces than their cheaper Lucite and plastic options and will fetch a higher price if you plan to sell your creations. Better beads are also longer lasting. Also, invest in a container with compartments to store your beads so they can be sorted by size, bead, and color, making them easy to find.   

START SMALL

You may have been inspired to learn how to make jewelry with beads by the creative and intricate pieces of other jewelry artists. However, as a beginner, it is best to start small.

There are plenty of free project tutorials available online geared toward those who are just getting started in the art of jewelry-making.

By starting small, you will slowly build up your skill set and abilities, and you will find yourself capable of making the beautiful pieces that inspired your interest in jewelry.

LEARN THE LINGO

Before making any purchases, it is best to do your research and become familiar with jewelry-making lingo.

Knowing the different purposes of various materials will give you a better idea of what it is that you need for a project and save you the time and expense of returning unnecessary items.

Being familiar with the vernacular will also help you advertise your pieces if you plan to sell them.

For example, various necklace lengths have certain names:

BECOME FAMILIAR WITH INDUSTRY STANDARDS

Before putting all your time into creating a unique piece of jewelry, it is important to become familiar with standards within the industry. This includes the standard lengths for necklaces, bracelets, chokers and anklets.

With these standard lengths in mind, remember that custom measurements are always best for commissioned pieces.

Aside from the various lengths, it also pays to be versed in the various birthstones and their corresponding birth months and semiprecious alternatives.

Making birthstone jewelry is an easy and fun way to personalize a gift and it guarantees an audience for your creations.

FIND YOUR JEWELRY STYLE

The vast range of jewelry-making styles can make even the idea of getting started seem daunting.

Should you start by learning how to make jewelry with beads? Or is the idea of incorporating leather into pieces more tempting? Are you a fan of the simplicity of metal-worked jewelry, or do you find yourself drawn to the vibrancy of glass beads?

The answer comes down to your style and preference. What style of jewelry do you find yourself wearing time and time again? Looking through your jewelry box is a good place to start. Find which pieces are your favorites and try to discern a common theme among them.

For example, if you like the boldness of statement pieces that involve daring bead choices and cutting-edge color, you will most likely have trouble trying to mimic the minimalist style of metal stamping.

Moreover, why choose to make jewelry you would not want to wear? It is best to choose the style you most enjoy first and dedicate yourself to mastering the ins and outs of that distinct style of jewelry-making before trying to take on something you are less familiar with.  

After developing one skill, you can always move on to another as your tastes develop and use what you have learned to help you accomplish a new skill set.

CREATE YOUR OWN WORKSPACE

Anyone who has worked from home knows the frustration of not having their own space for taking care of their daily work.

Not only does working in an open area lead to distractions, but it also leads to disorganization. Having your supplies all over the house rather than in one place leads to wasted time and lost supplies.

Set aside a room, corner, or even just a desk for yourself and dedicate it to your craft. Keep your space organized with boxes, Tupperware, and labels. You can find creative storage ideas online on sites like Pinterest that will suit any needs.

Once you have found an organizational method and developed a crafting schedule, stick to it! Keeping organized will ensure your crafting hobby remains enjoyable and relaxing and doesn’t become another unneeded stressor in your life.

JOIN A JEWELRY-MAKING CLASS

If you have specific jewelry-making skills in mind that you would like to learn, consider looking into beginner courses for those skills.

Many craft stores and online sites offer fun and interesting courses in general beginner topics as well as in more specific skills, such as metalwork, clay metal, soldering, beading courses, and resin work.

Classes are also an excellent way to become familiar with basic beginner skills, such as making wire loops and working with jump rings.

As in any industry, networking is essential and classes are an excellent opportunity to meet other jewelry enthusiasts and learn from the best in the industry! There is nothing like learning a skill first-hand from someone with a wealth of knowledge on the topic and building up a network within your hobby will keep you interested and expand your social circle with like-minded people.

With a little dedication, you may be the expert that the beginners are turning to one day.

PERUSE THE WEB FOR INSPIRATION

The internet is an invaluable tool for jewelry makers, whether you are a professional or just starting. You can use the internet to find supplies online, research new techniques and troubleshoot, search for inspiration and DIYs, market your products, and view market trends. Our bead blog is full of helpful information as well.

These websites are particularly conducive for jewelry makers of any level.

Designinspiration is a social media search engine that is an excellent source of inspiration for anyone in the creative field and an organizational tool for many jewelry makers.

You can use Designinspiration to search for ideas and inspiration for any kind of design. The save feature can be used to make a digital vision board and save images of jewelry and other artwork that inform and inspire your brand.

DIY tutorials and information blogs are also collected and concentrated on the website, and it is an excellent way to instantly refine your search and find only the best and most useful information.

You can also follow the boards and pins of other jewelry makers and brands you admire and see what it is they are focusing on. This helps you keep ahead of the curve and trends in the jewelry industry.

After starting to develop a line of jewelry, you can also use Designinspiration to post photos and advertise information about what you are creating, which makes it an invaluable and free marketing tool.

TheBeadTraders.com is an online bead supply source that offers a vast selection of high-quality beads and beading supplies. Their hand-selected inventory of gemstones, pearls, and metal beads is available at the click of a button and from the convenience of your own home.

Not only does the site stock an impressive collection of rare gemstones and everyday beads, but they also cater to all of your findings, chain by the foot, and finishing needs. Their superior customer service makes for hassle-free transactions and a pleasant buying experience, and their blog is an excellent resource for information about working with specific gemstones and findings. Many of the blogs include DIY projects geared toward beginners and inspire advanced jewelry makers. 

It is likely you already use this video-sharing tool to view videos, listen to music, or watch television. However, it also serves as a useful tool for creativity due to the millions of free DIYs and tutorials uploaded to the site annually.

YouTube is particularly helpful for beginning jewelry makers or jewelry makers on a budget who are looking to learn new skills before investing in the cost of in-person courses.

However, it is best to remember that quantity does not equal quality. The wealth of information that is available on YouTube is a double-edged sword, and the quality of videos range from very high to extremely low.

Look for jewelry artists who have well-developed channels and who are dedicated to their craft. Once you have found a YouTuber whose content you like and trust, you can subscribe to their feed and never miss an episode

Dotdash.com, like its predecessor About.com, is a collection site that is split between six different topics, each of which is dedicated to teaching users how to accomplish various tasks and crafts.

Thoughtco is the portion of the site that is dedicated to publishing how-tos and articles from experts about any form of crafting, including jewelry-making. It has a collection of tutorials and e-courses for individuals of any experience level.

For more experienced learners, you can even sign up for a direct email newsletter for certain, more directed techniques and skill learning.

DON'T LIMIT YOURSELF

Remember that when it comes to your jewelry-making hobby, there are no limits! Do not limit yourself to one skill set or one style of jewelry if you become interested in another.

Trying new things with your work should not be intimidating. It should be fun! If you stay curious and do not shy away from experimenting with new techniques, sizes, colors, styles, and viewing new arrivals, you will be amazed at what you can create.

And who knows–your new jewelry-making hobby might lead to the lifelong practice of creating beautiful jewelry pieces for yourself and others. Don’t delay, learn how to start making jewelry today!

Jewelry-making involves a lot of fun and creative thinking, from the color to the style to the size of the piece you are creating. One aspect of jewelry-making that usually falls to the wayside is the type of closure or clasps you will use to finish your piece. Although they are often overlooked, the findings you decide to use will ultimately impact the longevity and wearability of your piece.

Jewelry findings are the components, except beads, used in beaded jewelry-making to finish a piece of jewelry. It is good to become familiar with the various types of clasps and toggles and their uses whether you are new to jewelry-making or simply looking to expand your jewelry-making expertise.

Interlocking or C Clasps

Interlocking clasps, also called C clasps, are fastening mechanisms that interlock with one another without utilizing a closing mechanism.

The interlocking clasp consists of a c-shaped piece and a corresponding identical piece or jump rings. The clasp is circular with a small opening on the side, much like the shape of the letter C. The c-shaped piece then hooks or locks into the corresponding piece.

Interlocking clasps make a good closure for heavy necklaces because the weight of the necklace helps to keep the fastening in place.

Button Snap Clasps

Button snap clasps have only recently become more popular in jewelry-making. As the name suggests, a button snap clasp is a fastening that utilizes a button cap with a stud that snaps into a button socket.

Button snaps are another clasp that affords extreme ease of use. They can be effortlessly fastened with one or two hands and are appropriate closures for any jewelry type. Button clasps can also be quite decorative and add a fun and unexpected element to an otherwise simple piece of jewelry.

However, it is best to keep in mind that the button clasp mechanism can pull apart under a certain amount of force. Button clasps should not be used for expensive pieces that contain precious stones.

Barrel Clasps

Barrel clasps are another popular closure for both fine jewelry pieces and everyday wear because they are simple to use and offer a reliable hold.

These clasps get their name from their shape rather than their function. They consist of two metal pieces, one of which has a protruding screw end that screws into the corresponding piece, which has a threaded socket.

The biggest drawback of these pieces is that they require two hands to use. Because of this, it is a poor choice for bracelets. They are made to blend with the chain and not distract from the beads or jewels themselves.

Toggle Clasps

Toggle clasps are beautiful, elegant, and easy to use closure pieces that are extremely versatile. They vary considerably in style, size and finish, but they are usually designed to stand out on a piece and add to its overall look.

Toggle clasps are composed of an open piece that is most often a circle but may also consist of a centerless triangle, square or other shape and a corresponding bar piece. The clasp is fastened by manipulating the t-shaped bar piece through the center of the corresponding shape. The bar is then turned to lock in place.

Toggle clasps can be used for various jewelry types and are easier to manipulate with one hand than other clasp variations. However, as with other hook-based clasps, they work best when used as a fastener for heavier jewelry. This is because heavier pieces pull on the clasp, which makes for a more secure fastening.

Toggle clasps are usually the most decorative clasps available online, and they let you run away with your creativity. Some are even designed to be worn as a visible part of a necklace or bracelet.

Magnetic Clasps

A magnetic clasp relies on a magnetic bond as a fastener. The two corresponding ends both contain magnets. When placed near one another, the ends snap together with little to no effort on the part of the wearer.

Because of their ease of use, magnetic clasps are an excellent choice for designers who are developing pieces for older individuals who can no longer manipulate small or fine fastenings. They are also a good choice for children’s jewelry, as most children do not have the motor skills necessary to work more complex fixtures.

However, it is important to keep in mind that a magnetic clasp is only as strong as the magnetic pull of its magnets and they may not be the best choice for fine jewelry pieces.

Like toggle clasps, magnetic clasps vary in size, shape, finish and style and it is easy to find magnetic clasps online to match almost any piece.

Whatever your jewelry-making style or preference, there is a wide variety of choices of jewelry findings available online so you can create one-of-a-kind pieces. 

Beautiful garnet stones are the official birthstone for January. Although the garnet is most often associated with the deep pomegranate red of Pyrope Garnet, they are mined in a variety of colors, from reds and oranges to vibrant greens.

Despite this, the word garnet is rooted in the Latin term “granatum,” which means seed, and the 14^th Century Middle English word “gernet,” which translates to “dark red.” It is easy to see how the name was derived, as typical garnet stones are very similar to the deep red seeds of the pomegranate fruit in both color and shape.

However, the term garnet does not refer to a single mineral, but a group of them. Garnet minerals all exhibit similar crystal forms and physical composition but vary in their actual chemical composition. This is why they are available in such a vast range of colors.

History of the Garnet

Garnet stones have a long history of use as decorative and ceremonial stones by Egyptians, and the earliest found pieces date to 3100 B.C. Early Egyptians used the precious stone to adorn their jewelry, homes and tombs.

Like most gemstones, the garnet stone was historically considered to possess various powers. The red color gave rise to its association with blood and battle, and it represented the notion of victory in dangerous pursuits.

Because of its association with protection and victory, garnets were used as talismans by Roman crusaders and warriors in ancient times. Those who used these talismans believed the power of the garnet stone would keep them safe from death and injury.

It was also associated with medicinal purposes because of its deep red color. Garnets were placed near or on injuries throughout Medieval times because many believed the stone promoted the healing process and stopped bleeding.

Other traits of the stone included protection for travelers, protection against poison and even the ability to rid the wearer of bad dreams.

Because of the mystical powers they hold, garnets have been a popular gift across various cultures for many centuries.

Origin and Mining

Garnet minerals are found and mined all over the world, and different species of the stone are found in the various locations across the globe. The most recent species discovered in the 1990s is the beautiful blue Madagascar garnet.

Other species can be found in Brazil, Wyoming, Russia, Greece, Sri Lanka, India and Central Europe.

The deep red Czech Bohemian garnet, large deposits of which were discovered in the 16^th century in Czechoslovakia, remains one of the most common origins of the stone.

Because it varies so drastically in color, garnet stones are often confused with other gem types. The stone itself must be identified by other means, including its occurrence in metamorphic rock, its 6.5-7.5 hardness on the Mohs Scale and its crystal structure.

Garnets also vary significantly in terms of size. The smallest garnets found are tiny slivers of the gem, and the largest can grow to the size of an apple.

Types and Colors

There are more than 20 varieties of garnet species, but the six main species are pyrope, almandite, spessartite, grossularite, andradite and uvarovite. Because of this variation in species, there is also a significant variation in the colors of garnet stones.

Garnet stones occur naturally in every color and are even found in colorless varieties and collections that change their color according to the lighting. Some color-change garnets can appear blue in natural lighting and change to burgundy when exposed to incandescent light.

The most commonly occurring color is a range of reds, from russet reds to deep, nearly purple burgundies. Red garnets usually belong to the pyrope and almandite species. The rarest garnets are those found in the green and blue shades that are typical of the tsavorite and demantoid garnet varieties.

Symbolism and Energy

The symbolism of garnets today is still largely based on mythology. In Greek mythology, Hades gifted pomegranate seeds to Persephone as a token of safety before she traveled, and garnets now symbolize a safe return for travelers and a speedy return for those traveling from home.

Because of their typical red color, garnets are also associated with love and sensuality. It is said to incite passion and love but also aid in obtaining emotional balance for the wearer.

Finally, the garnet stone is also linked to heart and blood health. Used as a healing stone, it is believed to be anti-inflammatory and stop hemorrhaging.

Wearing Garnets

Garnet stones are distinctly strong and resistant to tarnishing or breakage, which, coupled with their striking colors, make them a popular choice for use in jewelry. Because of their already opulent coloring, garnets are typically paired with simple sterling silver settings.

The garnet gemstone makes an excellent gift for anyone with a January birthday, and its association with protection and love makes it the perfect token of goodwill going into the new year. Garnet is also the official stone that is gifted for second anniversaries.

Garnet stones have been prized for centuries for their beautiful coloring and mystical powers. No matter how you choose to use or wear them, garnets make an excellent addition to your crystal or jewelry collection in January and all year long.