Beading Terminology Glossary A to J

Part one of a two part jewellery glossary of beading terms and jewellery making terminology. Easy to understand dictionary like definitions, this bead glossary also provides links to more in depth content and bead resources. It can be used as a beading A to Z reference guide to dip into as needed, or as a beading and jewellery glossary for beginners to help broaden beading and jewellery making knowledge. It is particularly effective when used alongside our Beading Guides, Histories, Theories and Tutorials, or in conjunction with our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary.

To allow for growth this informative beading dictionary is presented in two cross referenced sections Glossary of Beading & Jewellery Making A to J and Glossary of Beading & Jewellery Making K to Z. A jump to index is provided at the top of each bead guide to help you find information quickly.

Jump to a jewellery making term: A B C D E F G H I J or K to Z

A

ABALONE

These edible sea creatures are members of a large class of molluscs that have one-piece shells with an iridescent interior. These shells have a low and open spiral structure and are characterized by several open respiratory pores in a row near the shell’s outer edge. The thick inner layer of the shell is composed of a dichroic substance called nacre or mother-of-pearl, which in many species is highly iridescent, giving rise to a range of strong and changeable colours, making it ideal for jewellery and other decorative objects. Iridescent nacre varies in colour from silvery white, to pink, red and green-red, through to deep blues, greens and purples. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary.

ACCENT BEAD

Similar in purpose to a Focal Bead, this is a bead that forms the focus for a piece of jewellery, but on this occasion rather then through its size, it is usually through contrast. So for example it will be an unusual shape, of a different colour, or differing in pattern or texture.

ACID WASHED

Use of an acid to create a Matte finish on glass or other materials.

ACRYLIC

A man made resin or thermoplastic used to make moulded plastic beads or applied to the surface of beads to give them colour or Lustre. Due to improvements in technology acrylic beads are an economical alternative to glass and crystal, being durable and light.

ADHESIVE

Used to keep thread knots from unravelling and to keep small items such as beads in place. Also known as bead cement or glue.

AFRICAN TRADE

Sometimes called Slave Beads, these were decorative beads used between the16th and 20th centuries as a currency to be exchanged for goods, services and labour. Made mostly by Venetian merchants they were used to ease the passage of European explorers and traders, mainly across the African continents, but trade beads were also used in North America and Canada, and throughout Latin America. The production of trade beads became so popular that literally tons of beads were used for this purpose with the beads used as ballast in ships for the outbound trip. The beads and other trade items were then exchanged for human cargo as well as ivory, gold and other goods desirable in Europe and around the world. In part, the success of this form of currency can be attributed to the high intrinsic value African people placed upon decorative items. Africans often used beads for currency and wealth storage, with social status determined by the quality, quantity and style of jewellery worn. This created a high demand for trade beads in Africa. To this end the beads were usually large, bright, colourful and often cylindrical in shape.

AGATE

Is a microcrystalline variety of Quartz characterized by its fineness of grain and brightness and range of colours. Agates are normally associated with volcanic rocks but can also be found in certain metamorphic rocks. Agates have been used in jewellery making since ancient times with archeological finds in Crete placing its use to the Bronze Age. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary.

AIKO

Cylindrical beads manufactured by Toho in Japan that are precision made to be consistent in size and shape. Learn more in our Guide to Seed Beads

ALABASTER BEADS

A form of Gypsum that is soft enough to be hand carved into beads, jewellery, or more ambitiously statues. It gives beads a dense translucent white or tinted finish reminiscent of old Milk Glass.

ALLOY

A metal mixture made from the combination of two or more metallic elements or metallic and non-metallic elements usually fused together or dissolved into each other when molten in order to provide added strength and durability. Brass, White Gold, Sterling Silver and Pewter are examples of alloys with, for example, brass being an alloy of zinc and copper.

ALUMINIUM OXIDE

A hard abrasive available in various grades and grain sizes for use in jewellery making.

AMAZONITE

Is a green variety of microcline feldspar and is found in coarse granite or pegmatite. It is mostly opaque and derives its name from deposits originally found in the Amazon. It is often found with white, yellow or grey inclusions and a silky lustre or silvery sheen. Colours are blue green and pale green. These stones can be found in Brazil, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Namibia, Russia, United Sates and Zimbabwe. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary.

AMBER

Fossilized tree sap resin that is cut and polished and used as a gemstone. It is typically golden brown in colour with translucent qualities. It is also a descriptive term relating to the colour of amber. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary.

AMETHYST

A form of Quartz, this semi precious stone has a purple translucent appearance created by the presence of iron and manganese when it was forming. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary.

ANKLETS

An ornament of gold, silver or other material worn around the ankle in the same manner as a bracelet on a wrist.

ANNEALING

Is the process of reheating a material and then cooling it slowly to make it stronger and more pliable. Examples of annealing would be the strengthening of metal wire whilst in turn making it easier to work with, or when working with glass to prevent say lampwork beads from shattering.

ANTIQUE BEADS

Like Vintage Beads this is a subjective description used to indicate the age of an item. Strictly speaking an antique is an item over 100 years old but is also a term that can be used to describe styles and materials from another era such as 1930s Bakelite, Victorian cut beads, Native American beadwork, etc. Since this gives these beads a certain rarity, they are often sought out by designers wanting to create a unique one of a kind jewellery piece you won’t find anywhere else.

ANTIQUED or ANTIQUE FINISH

A process or surface finish used to give beads and jewellery components an aged appearance.

APATITE

Is a group of phosphate minerals found in sedimentary rocks. Apatite is the defining mineral for 5 on Mohs Scale of Hardness and occurs in colourless, yellow, blue, violet or green. As a gemstone their use is infrequent but good transparent stones of clean colour when faceted correctly can be bright, vitreous and strongly coloured. Usually, they are cut as cabochons providing a cat’s eye effect. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary.

APPLIQUE

The art of sewing beads onto leather or fabric.

AQUAMARINE

This gemstone is named after its resemblance to seawater with its coloration created by iron. Aquamarine is a hard gemstone, which makes it an excellent choice for jewellery that will be worn frequently. However, it should be stored in a dark place as it can become paler when exposed to sunlight. Colours are light to dark blue, blue green. These stones can be found in major deposits in Brazil. They are also found in Australia, China, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nigeria, the United States, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary.

ARAGONITE

Is a form of calcium carbonate, like Coral or Marble, and is named after Molina de Aragon, Spain, where it was first found in 1790. It is transparent to translucent and is usually colourless or white when pure, but impurities can bring about shades of yellow, blue, pink or green. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary.

AURORA BOREALIS (AB)

Often reduced down to AB this is a micro thin layer of metal giving a rainbow Iridescent finish to a crystal or glass bead. First developed for use on crystals by Swarovski when working in association with the fashion designer, Christian Dior, in 1956. It is extremely popular and is now applied widely by all bead manufacturers. This is a durable finish as the metal is permanently bonded with the glass. This finish is also known as Rainbow, Iris and Fancy.

AUGHT

Unit of measurement for Seed Beads. It is usually denoted by a number followed by a slash and a zero or a degree sign (ex: 11/0 or 11°). The higher the first number, the smaller the bead. To learn more about Seed Beads and Seed Bead sizing read our History Of Seed Beads.

AVENTURINA

Is a glass paste composed of very fine copper flakes or powder which is used to decorate glass beads or to simply add sparkle. This technique originated in Venice in the 15th century but the powder is used in both genuine Murano glass and by many of its imitators.

AVENTURINE

This gemstone is a form of Chalcedony that contains small mineral inclusions. These additional materials, usually mica or iron oxide, give the stone a glistening effect. Aventurine’s granular appearance and particular translucence are its most distinctive characteristics. It is also called aventurine quartz. It is usually dark green but it also comes in reddish brown and golden brown. These stones can be found in Austria, Brazil, India, Russia and Tanzania. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary.

AWL

This is a multi purpose beading tool which can be used, amongst other things, for helping to create knotted designs, clearing clay release blocking glass bead holes, or for making indentations, holes and fine line engraving in polymer or precious metal clays. Read more in our guide to Beading Tools and Jewellery Making Tools.

AZURITE

Is a soft, deep blue copper mineral produced by weathering of copper ore deposits. It usually occurs with green Malachite, which may form green stains or specks on Azurite crystals or aggregates. The two minerals sometimes occur banded together, forming what is called Azure Malachite. A rarer Azurite mixture, known as Bluebird, is Azurite mixed with dark red Cuprite. Azurite is used for beads and as jewellery but due to its softness and tendency to lose its deep blue colour as it weathers its uses are limited. Heating also destroys azurite easily, so all mounting of azurite specimens must be done at room temperature. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary.

B

BACK STITCH

A basic stitch used to apply beads to fabric. This stitch can used to secure each bead in turn, every other bead, every third bead and onwards depending on the resilience required for the garment or design.

BAGUETTE

A rectangular shaped small diamond or gemstone, usually used as the centre piece of a ring or used repeatedly to form a bracelet.

BAIL

A jewellery finding that is used to connect and position a pendant onto a necklace using clips, glue or a ring embedded in the pendant itself. It is meant to slide onto the chain rather than to be soldered to it so that the pendant is not permanently part of the chain.

BAKELITE

A hard mouldable plastic invented by Leo Baekeland in 1909, which helped to define the jewellery of the 1930s, whilst remaining highly collectable to the present day. Not to be confused with Catalin which came later in the 1930s, was made by a rival company, and had a far wider range of colours.

BALI SILVER

Handmade sterling silver jewellery findings that are produced in Bali, Indonesia. Typically very ornate these pieces have a silver content of no less than 92.5%.

BANGLE

A bracelet made of solid or hollow metal, or wire. It may be a single piece that is placed over the hand to hang loosely or made with an integral hinge so that it can be opened and fastened around the wrist.

BAR and RING CLASP

Also known as a Toggle Clasp this two-piece finding consists of a ‘T’ shaped bar that fits inside and then straddles a loop to secure the item of jewellery. They are perfect for heavier necklaces or where the necklace needs to be clasped at the front as part of the decorative design of the piece. The loop is usually circular but can also be heart, leaf, square or star shaped.

BAROQUE BEADS

An irregularly shaped bead. Often a term applied to Pearls, but it can be applied to any bead type whether natural, cultured or manufactured.

BARREL BEADS

Not too surprisingly these beads are barrel shaped and can be made of any material including glass, metal, plastic or wood.

BARREL CLASP

A Clasp made of two parts that screw, snap or use magnets to come together to form a barrel shape. They are usually used to secure necklaces. They are available in most metallic finishes as well as ivory, black and Vintage.

BARRETTE

An ornamental bar with a pin and clasp mounted on the back worn as a hair ornament, similar in design to a hair grip or slide

BASE METAL

Any metal other than gold, silver or platinum – which are all considered Precious Metals. Examples would include brass, bronze, copper and nickel.

BEADS

Small pierced objects made of natural or man-made materials that can be strung onto thread or wire for the creation of jewellery. They can be made of bone, clay, glass, metal, paper, plastic, porcelain and stone but beaders are ever inventive and other materials are used. Typically the defining characteristic is that they will have a hole for stringing purposes.

BEAD BOARDS

Useful to have for planning out jewellery designs ahead of stringing. They come in different sizes, but all have grooves into which you place your beads and components so that you can try out layouts. Some have multiple grooves so that you can plan multi stranded designs. Around the outside of the grooves are measurements to help you determine the length of the finished piece.

BEAD CAPS

A pair of bead caps can be used to top and tail a bead. They are generally domed in shape to neatly fit round a bead. Bead Caps can be purely decorative, serving to off set a bead but they can also be used to help cover up a large bead hole giving a neater finish.

BEAD CEMENT

Used to keep thread knots from unravelling and to keep small items such as beads in place. Also known as bead adhesive or glue.

BEAD CLASP

A clasp mechanism that is hidden in a bead or pearl using a magnet, screw, tab or bayonet to ensure a secure closure.

BEAD CONES

A metal cone shape that is used to secure and cover the ends of several strands of beading.

BEAD CRIMPING TOOL

A bead crimper or pair of Crimping Pliers help finish off strung jewellery designs by crimping (or neatly squashing!) crimp beads at the end of the strand to prevent the beads from sliding off.

BEAD CROCHET

Using beads on crochet thread to slide them into the design as the crochet progresses

BEAD EMBROIDERY

A technique for adding beads to fabric using traditional embroidery stitches, some of which are detailed in this glossary.

BEAD KNITTING

Knitting beads into fabric at certain regular points in a design

BEAD LOOMS

A small frame that can be strung with warp threads so that a beaded weft can be used to create a piece of bead weaving.

BEAD MATS

Make life easier and stop those errant beads from rolling away! A Bead Mat can be a piece of towel or fleece material that has enough pile to its surface to prevent speedy rolling. A bead mat will also protect your work surface.

BEAD REAMER

See Reamer

BEAD STOPPER

A simple fastener that is clipped to the end of a bead strand whilst stringing to avoid beads falling off the end. It is particularly useful for multi strand designs. See Stopper Beads.

BEAD THREADS

Bead threads are specifically designed to be strong and stretch resistant. Synthetic fibres reduce the risk of fraying or rotting. Sometimes they are treated with a coating to reduce the slippage of knots. See our Guide To Cords Threads And Wires.

BEAD TIPS

A metal Finding used to finish off a strung necklace or bracelet by hiding the stringing knots. The knot sits inside the concave piece of the tip which is then folded over and closed shut. The loop is used to attach the bead tip to the clasp. See also Calottes.

BEADED BEADS

An individual bead constructed of small beads such as Seed Beads or crystals, stitched together, usually over a base bead, to form a three dimensional shape.

BEADING CONES

Are used to give a professional finish to the ends of a multi stranded necklace. The metal cone covers and contains the knotted strand ends.

BEADING NEEDLES

These are essential if you are working with any type of supple thread. English hard needles have an eye no wider than the shank of the needle so they are very slim and will pass through the smallest of holes. Collapsible or large eye needles are easier to thread, and they reshape as they pass through the bead. The higher the number of the needle, the finer it will be. The longer needles will curve when you use them, but many beaders prefer them this way as it makes them more dexterous! Read our Guide To Beading Needles.

BEADING TWEEZERS

Useful for handling tiny Seed Beads and unpicking knots in stringing materials.

BEADING WIRE

Very fine wires twisted together and covered with a smooth coating. Tiger Tail is the common name of a beading wire made up of 7 strands of wire, but wires are also available made from 19 and 49 strands, these have better drape than the 7 strand. All have good strength but can deform if jewellery is not looked after when stored. Beading wire will not knot, so you will need to use a crimp bead to finish designs or to space beads. read our Guide To Cords Threads And Wires

BEAD WEAVING

Brings weaving techniques to beading allowing the creation of accessories, jewellery, and artworks. Weaving can be done on a Loom or with a needle and thread, otherwise known as off loom.

BEADWORK

A descriptive header term for the art of making jewellery or decorative items using beads

BEESWAX

A natural wax which in beading is primarily used to condition beading thread to make it easier to work with. Because it is sticky it is particularly useful when using multiple threads reducing the need to reposition the needle when thread is doubled up. It should be used sparingly so as not to clog the opening in smaller sized beads reducing the number of passes possible.

BEGGAR BEADS

Large, irregular or Baroque semi-precious stone beads usually made from Agate. They are so called because it was believed that Agate was an attractor of wealth. Traditionally these beads were worn on necklaces by beggars to attract alms.

BELL CAPS

Perform exactly the same function as Bead Caps but are bell shaped. They are also known as End Caps

BENT CHAIN NOSED PLIERS

Are useful for general wire work, holding, and especially when working for prolonged periods of time for example when making Chain Maille. The plier tips are bent so that the users wrists are kept at a comfortable working angle.

BEZEL

A type of jewellery setting, usually made of metal, used for encircling, and securing a crystal, stone or Cabochon. A continuous groove is cut into the setting to seat the faceted stone. The metal above the groove is then burnished or folded over the edge of the stone to provide a secure setting for the piece.

BICONE BEADS

An extremely popular bead shape particularly when it comes to crystals! Bicones resemble two cones stuck together flat end to flat end, and they can be faceted or gently rounded.

BIRTHSTONES

Semi precious and precious stones assigned to each month or zodiac sign, purported to enhance qualities in the wearer or bring good fortune or health. There are several lists of official birthstones and these vary. The birthstones list that Big Bead Little Bead uses is provided by the National Association of Goldsmiths of Great Britain, created in 1937. It includes both precious and semi precious stones, as each month is association with a gemstone and a mineral. Visit our Guide To Birthstones for this list as well as the American version.

BIWA PEARLS

A cultured pearl from Lake Biwa in Shiga Province, Japan. Only those beads cultivated in this freshwater lake can be called Biwas as opposed to freshwater cultured pearls.

BLACK LINED

Typically relates to Bugle Beads and Seed Beads where the bead hole has been lined with a black finish giving greater depth to the bead colouring.

BLOODSTONE

This is an opaque, green, spotted variety of Chalcedony. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary.

BODY JEWELLERY

Is a catch all term to describe jewellery for pierced parts of the body other than ears. It also covers fashionable items such as toe rings.

BOHEMIAN GLASS

Is a nostalgic name for glass sourced from Czechoslovakia. Historically this Eastern European region was named Bohemia, and it was here that glassmaking grew into an art form in the late 1700s. To learn more read our informative History Of Czech Glass Beads.

BOX CLASPS

A two-piece clasp with a tab or tongue which is inserted into a decorative box section which can be accented with gemstones, enamel, filigree, or inlay work. Some claps come with safety latches or chains which prevent the wedge-shaped tongue from pulling out and allowing the jewellery piece to fall off. They are typically used for lightweight necklaces, bracelets and anklets.

BRACELET

An ornamental chain worn about the wrist, arm, or ankle. Bracelet length will vary according to the style and the dimensions of the wearer. To work out the length of a bracelet, measure the circumference of the wrist and add 1.5 cm, then subtract the length of the closure method chosen or refer to our Bracelet Size Guide. To see how many of a particular sized bead are needed for a bracelet use our handy Online Bead Calculator Tool also found in the menu bar above.

BRASS

A metal produced from varying proportions of copper and zinc with different alloy formulas producing different brass colours and levels of ductility or workability.

BRELOQUE

A small decorative item such as a Charm designed to be hug from a chain.

BRICK STITCH or COMANCHE STITCH

Refers to the stitch in which Seed Beads are sewn together to resemble the spacing of a brick wall.

BRILLIANCE

In reference to a gem this refers to the brightness of the stone, which is related to the surface polish and the internal reflection of light from the back facets.

BRIOLETTES

Pear or tear shaped beads or gemstones typically used for drop earrings. They can be faceted or smooth.

BRONZE

An Alloy of copper and tin in various proportions, sometimes with small traces of other metals added.

BRONZITE

A brown gemstone of the pyroxene mineral family. This iron like substance creates a metallic bronze like sheen on the surface of the gemstone. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary.

BROOCH or BROACH

Any decorative piece of jewellery that can be pinned to clothing typically using a brooch back or button fastener.

BROOCH BACKS or BROOCH PINS

These are typically manufactured with a flat metal plate attached to a hinged pin component usually with a safety catch. The pin is used to secure the finished brooch to a garment whilst the plate can be used as a base for a jewellery design. These designs can be built up with beads, cloth, embellishments, findings, and wirework. Many brooch backs have holes in their metal plates to aid gluing and wiring.

BUGLE BEADS

Short thin tubes of glass which are usually less than 2mm thick. They are made by drawing out a long tube of glass and then cutting this it into shorter lengths. They are good for shine and swing and were famously used on flappers’ dresses in the 1920s. Read more in our informative Guide To Bugle Beads.

BULLION

A length of wire worked over a thread end to produce a tight coil or spring to provide added protection and a professional finish. See also French Wire.

BUTTERFLY STOPPER

A butterfly shaped component that fastens to an earring post to secure an earring against the ear

C

CABOCHON

A flat backed domed or faceted bead that is usually applied using glue to a setting or woven into position. As with normal beads they come in a great variety of shapes, sizes, materials, and finishes.

CAGEWORK

Also known as Stamping is a finding or charm made from sheet metal which has been cut and shaped between two dies in a press. The pattern is formed in relief with a hollow or concave reverse.

CALCITE

Calcite is an anhydrous carbonate, and one of the most widely distributed minerals on the Earth’s surface. It is also the defining mineral for 3 on Mohs Scale of Hardness. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary.

CALIPERS CALLIPERS

A tool or instrument used to precisely measure the dimension of small objects such as beads. In beading they are usually in the form of a graduated ruler with one sliding jaw and one that is stationary allowing measurements to be taken precisely from the ruler.

CALOTTES

Also known as a Bead Tip, Clam Shell or Knot Cup. Small metal finding used to hide the method of ending a strand. Two halves of a hollow sphere encase a knot or crimp thereby giving the appearance of a neat end. Calottes can be simple or decorative.

CAMEO

Traditionally, cameos are made from shell or gemstone. The surface is carved so that the design (perhaps a head and shoulders portrait) is raised and of a different colour to the background. Modern cameos are often made of plastic or resin but traditionally they would made from natural materials, glass and porcelains.

CANDY GLASS BEADS

See Furnace Glass Beads.

CANE GLASS BEADS

See Furnace Glass Beads.

CARAT

A unit of weight in part used to determine the relative value of precious stones. One carat equals one fifth of a gram.

CARBON STEEL

A form of steel that contains a proportion of carbon plus other trace alloys. It also denotes a generic type of steel other than stainless steel.

CARNELIAN or CORNELIAN

Is a gemstone from the quartz family. It is a warm reddish orange or brown colour. These stones can be found in Brazil, India, and Uruguay. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary.

CARTOUCHE

Is a decorative or engraved piece with a symmetrical ornamental shape. Originally used to depict the names of the Pharaohs in Egypt.

CAT’S EYE BEADS

Also known as Fibre Optic Beads. These glass beads are called cat’s eye beads because of the iridescent white streak that glows from the middle and resembles a light-reflecting cat’s eye. This is due to light refraction within the bead.

CATHEDRAL BEADS

A style of glass bead manufactured in the Czech Republic using a steel mould to form a pressed glass bead which is then given a coloured surface finish. By grinding in facets and polishing the beads the base glass is presented on all sides with the end of the beads retaining their surface finish.

CELLULOID BEADS

Was one of the first plastics to be used in beadmaking pre-dating Bakelite and Catalin by several decades. As with all plastics decorative items were easy to mass produce and affordable and came into their own with the bold geometric designs of the Art Deco period.

CERAMIC

A medium, including clay, Parian, porcelain, terracotta, raku, and earthenware, that can be modelled, moulded, and pressed before firing to harden it. After which it is usually decorated with glaze or paint.

CEYLON BEADS

A glass bead finish that is used with translucent or transparent beads to give a shiny pearlized finish. The use of Ceylon before a colour indicates the addition of a lustre coating to the exterior of a bead or an inside colouring to an opalescent bead.

CHAIN

Comes in many different designs and is made from a variety of different metals as well as light weight polyester for a modern alternative. Small lengths can be used to link different components or single links from a large chain can be used as a focal feature.

CHAIN EXTENDER

A short length of chain, beaded chain or other necklace material with a connector on one end and a loop on the other used to lengthen a necklace.

CHAIN MAILLE

Maille, also known as Chain Mail, Chainmail, Chainmaille, Mayle, or just plain Mail. It is a flexible material composed of small interlocking metal rings or loops of chain. It was historically used to make body armour, but is commonly seen today in jewellery, sculpture, and fashions.

CHAIN NOSE PLIERS

Are the perfect all-purpose tool and should be on the list of essential jewellery making tools that you will need. They are used to bend, cut, hold, and manipulate wire and findings. They are used for similar jobs to flat nosed pliers but have a smaller jaw and a pointed tip which makes them ideal for working on small items and in small spaces. They are also smooth faced to avoid leaving marks.

CHAIN TAGS

Are used at the end of a chain to attach a lobster, spring, or trigger clasp too. The smaller hole is attached to the chain using a jump ring with the larger hole used to fasten the clasp through.

CHALCEDONY

This gemstone, found in Brazil, India, Madagascar, Namibia, Sri Lanka, the United States, Uruguay and Zimbabwe, has a semi transparent or translucent quality alongside a solid colour, commonly pale bluish grey. It also has a near wax like lustre. Colours are blue, purple, pink, white, yellow, orange, and grey with blue and purple the most popular hues. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary.

CHANDELIER FINDING

Used as an earring with a loop at the top to attach it to an earring finding and a series of additional loops below, creating a run of decorative drops that hang down from the main piece to provide an effect similar to a chandelier. It can also be used as the centre piece of a necklace

CHARLOTTE BEADS or CHARLOTTES

Originally these were Czech made size 13 Seed Beads, with one hand cut side, making them slightly faceted. Now it is possible to buy Seed Beads of other sizes with a single facet, and these are called one cut or true cuts. Read our Guide To Seed Beads to learn more.

CHARLOTTE CRIMPS

Small findings used to produce a neat professional ending to a strand. Two halves of a hollow sphere are used to encase a crimp or knot to provide a neat and secure end.

CHARMS

Small ornaments or Pendants generally added to bracelets, necklaces or anklets but may also be used as pendants or hung from brooches or watch chains. They have innumerable designs often depicting animals, figures, sports, occupations, numbers, or letters. To learn more read our History of Charms and Charm Bracelets

CHARM BRACELETS

A bracelet worn on the wrist used to carry the aforementioned Charms, which are either purely decorative or have an important significance in the life of the person wearing the jewellery. To learn more read our History of Charms and Charm Bracelets

CHARM HANGER

A jewellery finding that can be attached to a chain or cord with a jump ring or bail. The bottom portion of the hanger or chain holder can be opened to add individual or multiple charms.

CHASING HAMMER

Used by jewellery designers for striking chasing tools with the large head reducing the possibility of missing! The ball side of the hammer is used for flattening rivets or adding decoration to metal. Typically used alongside a metal bench block.

CHATON

A jewellery setting where the stone is held in place by metal claws. This term also refers to a foil backed cone shaped crystal or stone where the top circular edge is bevelled running to a point on the underside. Some chatons are designed to be set and used in chain work and therefore do not have the foil backing. These chatons are faceted the same on both sides.

CHEVRONS

Also known as Rosetta or Star Beads are made of multiple layers of different coloured glass laid down in a corrugated fashion so as to form a starburst when the ends have been ground away thereby revealing the pattern. They were first produced in Murano at the end of the 14th century.

CHINA CRYSTALS

These lead-free glass beads are made to resemble Swarovski Crystals. They are less expensive than the crystals they are trying to imitate and as such the difference in quality is noticeable.

CHLORITE

The chlorites are a group of phyllosilicate minerals commonly found in igneous rocks. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary.

CHOKER

A tight fitting Necklace worn at the base of the neck. Measures about 16 inches / 40.6 cm depending on neck size. To see how many of a particular sized bead are needed for a choker use our handy Bead Calculator Tool.

CHRYSOBERYL

The mineral or gemstone chrysoberyl is an aluminate of beryllium. The name is derived from the Greek for a gold-white spar. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary.

CHRYSOCOLLA

Chrysocolla is a very soft stone that comes in a bluish green colouring. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary.

CHRYSOPRASE

Is a gemstone variety of Chalcedony that contains small quantities of nickel. Its colour is normally apple green, but varies to deep green. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary.

CHRYSOTINE

Is also known as Grass Turquoise. Though normally green in colour, chrysotine can also be cream coloured or light yellow. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary.

CINNABAR

Has come to refer to different things over time. Originally a soft brick red stone formed of mercury sulphide carved into intricate shapes, it now more commonly refers to hand carved lacquered wooden beads originating from China, or moulded Polymer Clay beads imitating the aforementioned carved and lacquered beads.

CITRINE

A yellow to brownish variety of quartz which is nowadays mis sold as Topaz. These stones can be found in Argentina, Brazil, Madagascar, Myanmar, Namibia, Russia, Scotland, Spain, and the United States. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary.

CLAM SHELL

Another name for Calottes.

CLAMP CRAMP

The metal claw or prong on a gemstone setting used to keep the stone in place

CLARITY

A measure of the clearness or absence of impurities in a gemstone.

CLASPS

A jewellery component used to join two ends of a piece of jewellery together. Available in many different styles and sizes.

CLAW

A setting used to hold gemstones in place

CLOISONNE

An enamelling technique. Strips of bent wire are soldered onto a metal base (usually both these are of copper) to form a pattern. The spaces between the wires are called cloisons, and these are filled with enamel. The object is then fired and polished several times. The exposed wire outline is sometimes given a gold-plated finish. There are other cheaper to produce methods that also produce a finish referred to as cloisonné, but the best quality Cloisonne work is produced as described above.

CLUSTER SETTING

A metal frame, usually circular, which is used for setting multiple stones in place in close proximity to each other

COBALT GLASS

Is glass pigmented none too surprisingly with the element cobalt. This gives the glass a rich deep blue colouring. It is also refers simply to the same deep colour blue but without the presence of cobalt!

COIL BEADS

A simple metal bead manufactured using coiled wire and similar in appearance to a spring. Some coil beads can be pinched like a crimp bead.

COIL ENDS

A simple metal bead manufactured using coiled wire and similar in appearance to a spring but with an end loop.

COLD WIRE WORK

Wire-working techniques that don’t require solder or heat – i.e. cutting, wrapping, hammering, coiling and bending.

COLLAR or DOG COLLAR

A necklace piece similar in style to a choker but comprising three or more strands of beads that fit snugly against the neck. Originally made fashionable by Queen Consort Alexandra, the wife of Edward VII, in the late 1880s they experienced a revival in the 1960s. When designed with a front facing clasp they are known as a Plaque de Cou.

COMANCHE STITCH

See Brick Stitch above

COMPONENT

Typically a small functional self contained element used in jewellery making and beading.

CONE BEADS

Beads shaped like cones.

CONE ENDS

Also know as End Cones or End Caps. A cone is used at the end of a multi strand jewellery piece to gather together the strands whilst hiding the knots and crimps. They can also be used to make bead or chain tassels.

CONFETTI BEADS

Glass beads rolled in tiny pieces of glass while the bead is still hot. Also known as Sugar Beads.

CORAL

Comes in black, reds, and pinks and has a distinctive wood-grain texture that can help identify it as the real thing – against the plastic, glass, porcelain, and stained bone which is used to imitate it. Sponge coral, when polished smooth, has visible pores like a sponge. Bamboo coral grows in segmented branches that resemble bamboo stalks, with beige/brown sections partially covering the black under layer. Coral is much softer than other gem materials, and as a result it should be stored carefully to avoid scratches. Cosmetics, hot water, and bright daylight are damaging to it. It can be found in the Mediterranean Sea or in the Pacific off Japan and Taiwan. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary.

CORD

A string or thread made up of twisted strands. There are many types of cord suitable for stringing, including cord made of silk, synthetic fibres and waxed cotton. Click to view a selection of our Beading Cord or read our Guide To Cords Threads And Wires

CORD ENDS

Another name for Folding Crimps.

CORRUGATED BEADS

Hollow metal spheres or beads made from corrugated tubing giving a repeating pattern of grooves and ridges. Twist corrugated beads have corrugations that spiral around the bead horizontally instead of vertically. These beads are also known as Formed Beads.

CORUNDUM

Corundum is the crystalline form of aluminium oxide and one of the basic rock-forming minerals. It is the defining mineral for 9 on Mohs Scale of Hardness. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary.

COSTUME JEWELLERY

Has come to describe 20th century jewellery that has all the appearance of precious metals and jewels but is made from faux gemstones and plated metals. It takes its name from the theatre where it was necessary to accentuate the jewellery props used on stage so that they could be seen by the wider audience. Mariam Haskell was a notable costume jewellery designer who came to the fore in 1930’s America. You can read more about this area of jewellery and her work in particular in our History of Miriam Haskell

COWRY or COWRIE SHELLS

Are small rounded shells with a creamy porcelain like quality, a narrow slit like opening, and interestingly patterned outer surface.

CRACKLE GLASS BEADS

Beads are made by plunging molten glass into water, causing the exterior to crack whilst the still hot interior stays solid. A Venetian glass making discovery.

CRIMPS or CRIMP BEADS

These are tiny metal round beads made of a soft metal. They can be used for helping attach Necklace or Bracelet beading wires to clasps, holding beads in position on stringing wire or cord and for holding together multiple wires. Crush or flatten the crimp with flat nose or crimping pliers to lock its position on the wire or cord.

CRIMP COVER

A decorative metal cover that is closed over a Crimp Tube to provide a clean finished look to a jewellery design.

CRIMP TUBE

A Crimp Bead made into a tubular shape rather than round. These little tubes negate the need for knots in the stringing material.

CRIMPING PLIERS

This is a specialist two-part tool that will give a neat finish to your crimp beads. A pair of flat nose pliers will flatten a crimp bead – perfectly functional – but Crimping Pliers will produce a rounded shape to the crimp that looks better and more professional if you are leaving them exposed. These pliers have two different shaped holes (when the jaws are closed) to squash and then round the crimp so that it securely grips the wire. Some crimping pliers have several different sized holes so that they can be used to crimp different sized findings.

CROSS HOLE

The hanging hole passing through the end of a Drop or Pendant.

CROW or PONY BEADS

Slightly oval glass beads resulting from the tumbling process used in their manufacture. Typically, 6 to 9mm in diameter with a 2mm hole or larger. Pony Beads have similar qualities but are larger still.

CRYSTAL

A clear transparent mineral formed from crystallized quartz. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary.

CRYSTAL GLASS

Glass with a high lead content (typically greater than 30%) which gives it a brilliant transparency and shine. As the lead is contained within the glass crystal beads there is no issue with toxicity. Swarovski and Preciosa are the two big names that make crystal beads and pendants, but crystal is also available from Chinese manufacturers. Crystal beads are nearly always faceted to show off the light refracting qualities of the glass, the best quality beads are precision cut by machine.

CUBIC ZIRCONIA

A synthetic substitute for diamonds. To the untrained eye they are very similar in appearance though Cubic Zirconia has a Mohs hardness rating of 8 as opposed to 10 for a Diamond. They are also result in a heavier stone than similar sized diamond. A process perfected in Russia, they have been available commercially since 1976.

CUFF BRACELET

A wide bracelet which is either slipped over the wrist or hinged. Named after its resemblance to the size and shape of the cuff of a shirt sleeve.

CUFF LINK

A closure used to fasten the two sides of a shirt sleeve cuff. Originally composed of two metal buttons separated by a short length of chain, nowadays a cuff link is commonly based on a swivel style finding, with the mechanism hidden by a cabochon, stone or small decorative plate.

CURB LINK CHAIN

Has oval but twisted links which are designed to lie flat against the wearer. Read more in our Glossary of Jewellery Chain

CUTTERS or SIDE CUTTERS

Are compact round headed cutters used for general wire work. They are used for cutting most wire end, with side cutters putting a neat finish on your wire (sand the end of the wire for a super smooth finish). However, Memory Wire is a different kettle of fish as it is so tough and needs to be cut either with specialist Memory Wire Cutters, or a pair of sharp household pliers. Use your jewellery pliers and risk ruining the jaws. Likewise, do not be tempted to use scissors for wire cutting as even the finest wire will make grooves in the blades and ruin them.

D

DANGLE

Are generally beaded Head or Eye Pins finished with a loop, or a small object with a top loop, attached to bracelets, necklaces or earrings in the same manner as a charm might be. And yes, they dangle . . . adding extra movement to piece of jewellery.

DAPPING

A jewellery making technique used to add shape and form to a normally flat ornament, for example doming a plate metal ornament. Usually formed using a Dapping Block, Dapping Punch or Press.

DELICA BEADS

Japanese Seed Beads trade marked to the Miyuki Shoji Corporation. They are made of precisely cut glass giving them a uniform size, shape, and colour. They typically have large holes compared to their diameter and have a rounder shape with thicker walls than normal seed beads. To learn more read our Guide to Seed Beads

DENIER

The unit of measurement used to denote the thickness of Silk Thread.

DIAMOND

Diamond is the defining mineral for 10 on Mohs Scale of Hardness. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary.

DIAMANTE

Glass stones that have been cut and finishes applied to make them sparkle like a diamond. Similar to Rhinestones

DICHROIC GLASS

This incredibly beautiful glass of oily, rainbow iridescent colours is the result of super high-tech aerospace engineering. Multiple layers of metal oxide are applied to a base coat of glass to the thickness of approximately 1/40th of a sheet of paper. The oxides are applied using an electron bombarder inside a vacuum chamber. As many as 50 layers can be added in specific order and thickness to create the result desired. The thin layers of metal over glass allow some wavelengths of light/colour to pass through and others to reflect, and this creates the shimmering chameleon visual effect. The combination of the metal oxide types used determines the colours presented, and the base glass can be of any colour. The presence of tiny amounts of metal particles in glass can create a similar effect, and this is a far older technique – see the Lycurgus Cup in the British Museum collection that dates to 4th century A.D.

DISC or DISK BEAD

A very short cylindrical sliced bead with parallel faces and a central or tabular hole (from edge to edge). In effect a squashed round bead!

DOG COLLAR

Similar to a Choker, this is a wide band of material worn as a necklace high around the neck often with a focal bead or pendant positioned at the front.

DOLOMITE

Is a carbonate mineral composed of calcium magnesium carbonate. It comes in hues of white, grey, pink, green, brown, and black. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary.

DOUGHNUT or DONUT BEADS

These are flattened disc like beads with a large central hole usually fashioned from glass, stone or wood. Hmmmm... Doooonut!

DOUBLE CUP BEAD TIP

A component used to conceal knots at the end of beadwork and also to connect Clasps.

DOUBLET

Any stone made up of two component parts or sections, such as a garnet overlaying green glass. They are often used as pendants.

DOUBLE NYLON JAW THREAD PLIERS

These pliers have removable plastic covers over the metal jaws so that they don’t scratch or mark the softest wire. They are ideal for working with precious metals, coloured metal wirework and for straightening bent or tangled wire.

DRAWN BEADS

Beads sliced from a long tube of glass drawn from a ball of molten glass. An air hole is used to make the bead hole and when hardened they are usually tumbled or reheated to soften their edges give a more rounded finish. Bugle, Crow, Pony and Seed Beads all fall into this category. To read more about this process see our Guide to Seed Beads

DROP BEAD

A bead or component which is wider at one end than the other. Similar in shape to a droplet of water with a hole passing through the length of the centre of the bead or at the small end perpendicular to the bead.

DRUK

A spherical pressed glass bead made in Czechoslovakia. No seam line should be visible and it should be optically perfectly round.

DRUZY

The name given to a thin layer of minute quartz crystals that have formed across the surface of a gemstone.

DUCTILITY

The ability for a metal to be drawn into wire.

DUMORTIERITE

Is a fibrous aluminium boro silicate mineral which forms vitreous crystals of brown, blue, green and more rarely pink and violet. It was first described in 1881 and named for the French palaeontologist Eugene Dumortier (1803-1873). Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary.

DYED BEADS

Some beads, notably Seed Beads, are dyed or painted. A surface colourant is applied after the bead has been made. This seems to apply most to some beads of a pink, purple or fuchsia colouring, and the result is that beads of these hues are more likely to fade or have their colouring rub or wash off. A spray of suitable varnish can help to slow the deterioration. UV light (from the sun and fluorescent bulbs) may also fade dyed beads.

E

E BEADS

A larger Seed Bead – size 6/0 or bigger. Also known as Pony Beads.

EARRINGS and EARWIRES

These Jewellery Findings come in a variety of styles and finishes, both for pierced and unpierced ears. They are easy to work with to produce a quick piece of jewellery, as there will either be a hoop to attach dangles to, a plate to glue a stone to, or you can thread the beads straight onto the earring.

EARRING CLIP or EAR CLIPS

A two piece hinged mechanism attached to the back of an earring which closes around the ear lobe with just enough mechanical pressure to hold the earring in place. The outside of the clip can have a setting for a Cabochon or other design. A pain free alternative to having your ears pierced!

EARRING POST

Designed for pierced ears this is the straight part of the Earring that is passed through the ear. They can have either a loop, a stem, or an ornamental piece to which you the earring design can be attached.

EBONY

A very hard dark brown wood from the Tropics used to make beads as well as other decorative items.

ELASTIC THREAD

Perfect for making quick fashion bracelets or for children's projects. Simply add beads and knot together the ends (add a drop of glue for extra security). It comes in a variety of colours including clear. Don’t overload our Elastic Thread with heavy beads as it will stretch.

ELECTROPLATING

The process of using electricity to cover a base metal with a thin film of precious metal such as silver or gold

EMBOSSED

A moulded or carved pattern which stands proud of the surface in low relief – think of the face of a coin. Achieved by a stamping technique which is pressed into a plain area of metal to leave an impression in relief

EMERALD

A gemstone variety of Beryl with a green colour caused by chromium or vanadium. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary.

ENAMEL or ENAMELLED

A decorative technique that sees coloured powdered glass or glass paste fused to metal using heat. This technique has a heritage stretching back to ancient Greece.

END BAR

A finding used to attach a single strand clasp to a multi strand necklace. Typically one side of the bar will have a single loop with the opposite side have multiple loops depending on how many are required for the design.

END CAPS or END CONES

Jewellery Components which are used to finish a strand of jewellery. See Cone Ends.

END CUTTERS

Also referred to as End Nippers or End Cutting Pliers. They are used to cut wire.

END HOLE

Half drilled hole located at the hanging end of a Drop or Pendant

ENGLISH CUT

Ironically without a cut in sight these are crudely moulded round beads with irregular facets and traces of the mould remaining on the bead surface.

ENGRAVED

A pattern that is carved, etched, or inscribed into a surface using tools, stamping or a drill. This usually applies to glass, metal or wood.

ENHANCER

A round ball like finding that can be opened up and then placed over a strand of beads or pearls and then locked closed. Also known as a Pearl Enhancer.

EXTENSION CHAIN

A short length of Chain added at the clasp point of a necklace or bracelet, to allow the necklace length to be worn at variable lengths, or to fit a larger wrist.

EYE

A loop made of wire or another material that is used as a connector for chains and pendants.

EYE BEADS

Beads with a circle, a dot, or a combination of the two so that it resembles an eye. The intention being to avert the gaze of the Evil Eye.

EYE PINS or EYEPINS

A short length of wire ending in a turned loop. Add beads to produce a dangle or other decorative flourishes. Use the loop to join to other findings or components

F

FACET

The flat face or surface of a cut bead, gem, or crystal. The more facets there are the more the item sparkles as light is reflected off the surface in multiple directions.

FACETED BEADS

Are cut to produce multiple flat sides or faces to reflect light and to create sparkle and different depths of colour.

FAUX

Originally from the French meaning false or fake this refers to jewellery that is artificial or imitation. For example, ‘faux pearls’ is often used to describe imitation pearls

FAUX PEARLS

Today these are usually plastic or glass beads with a coating that creates an imitation ‘pearl’ look. These pearls can be very inexpensive, but the coatings can rub away or crack over time leaving the plain surface of the bead that was used. Read our fascinating History of Faux Pearls to discover the more unusual products that were used to make Faux Pearls in earlier times.

FERRULE

A metal cup or band that is attached to the end of a cord, thread or wire to prevent fraying or simply to add decoration.

FESTOON

A reasonably sized pendant with rings on either side through which chain or cord can be passed or attached. This pendant would usually act as the focal point of a necklace.

FIBRE OPTIC BEAD

See Cat’s Eye

FILLIGREE

In jewellery terms this usually refers to a decorative metal component with an open lace like structure which is formed by soldering bent wire into delicate designs or alternatively stamping or casting metal into predefined ornate shapes.

FINDINGS

Covers all those useful jewellery components that turn a handful of beads and a length of thread into a wearable piece of jewellery – Clasps, Earwires, Crimps, Head Pins, Jump Rings, etc.

FINENESS

Is the proportion of silver or gold in a metal alloy. It is usually expressed as parts per thousand so for example sterling silver has a fineness of 925

FINE SILVER

Also known as White Silver is a silver alloy which contains 99.9% silver or better. Fine silver is softer than sterling silver and is much more brittle.

FIRE POLISHED

These glass beads start life as a pressed round which is then machine-faceted, it is then placed in a polishing furnace that heats the bead’s surface and softens the facets. The resulting facets don’t have the machine-cut precision of, say, crystal glass beads, but this gives them a charm of their very own. Fire-polished beads do not contain lead, so they are distinct from crystal glass and should not be labelled as such. Czechoslovakia produces beautiful fire-polished beads in a myriad of colours and applied finishes. India produces similar beads but they are generally of lesser quality – the facets won’t meet as neatly and the glass is less reflective.

FISHHOOK EAR WIRES

Designed for pierced ears this is a type of Earring Finding that passes through the ear and resembles a hook used for fishing. They can have a loop on the front or a hook from which you the earring design can be hung. Sometimes these are referred to as French Ear wires.

FISHHOOK CLASPS

A type of Necklace Clasp that has a hook like element that fits into the main body of the clasp to secure it.

FLAMBEAU

A decorative jewellery piece shaped like a flaming torch end

FLAT NOSED PLIERS

These pliers have straight sided outer and inner jaws You will need the flat inner jaw for squashing shut crimp tubes, folding down ribbon ends and keeping a good hold of wire when the need arises (wrap your jaw ends in plastic tape to avoid scratching the metal). Used in pairs they can used to open and close jump rings, to hold the wire when wire wrapping and for a multitude of other wirework tasks. Pliers without serrated teeth are preferred as these will not mark the wire. These pliers have fine jaws for delicate work.

FLOURITE

Is an extremely variable stone in terms of colour but has an enviable glassy lustre and richness whatever the colour. They can be an intense purple, blue, green or yellow; also colourless, reddish orange, pink, white and brown. Flourite is the defining mineral for 4 on Mohs Scale of Hardness. These stones can be found in Brazil, Canada, China, England, Germany, Morocco, Spain and the United States. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary.

FLUSH CUTTERS

Are similar to Side Cutters but have a pointed tip so that they can be used to trim wire from hard-to-reach places. These cutters will cut wire flush and not leave jagged edges thereby avoiding sharp wire ends. Typically they will work up to wire gauges diameter 14.

FLUX

A liquid or paste that is used when soldering metals together, both reducing the surface temperature of the two surfaces and protecting the fused metals from oxidization.

FOB

A short chain traditionally used with pocket watches, now repurposed for jewellery pieces and in particular charm bracelets and necklaces.

FOCAL BEADS

An eye-catching centrepiece bead, usually larger than its companions, or used alone.

FOIL BACKED

A transparent or translucent stone that has had its back face coated with gold, silver, or coloured foil in order to enhance the colour and brilliance of the stone by reflecting back more light. Typically used in costume jewellery and Rhinestones.

FOIL LINED or FOILED BEADS

A glass bead made around a tiny piece of silver or gold foil. The metal foil used can be 24 kt gold, Sterling Silver, or simply gold or silver coloured metal. Genuine Murano glass beads use pure metal and this is reflected in their price.

FOLDING CRIMPS

Also known as Thong Ends or Cord Ends. If you are stringing with lengths of leather, suede, ribbon etc. you may use these Crimps at the ends of your work. Place the end of your thong or cord on to the middle of the crimp (use a drop of glue if you like), and fold first one then the other of the sides over the centre. They have an end loop.

FOLD OVER CLASPS

Also known as Snap Lock Clasps these are a hinged closure that fold shut with a quiet snap and provide a simple clasp finding for anklets, bracelets and necklaces.

FORMED BEAD

Typically refers to a Corrugated Bead which is made by corrugating a length of tube, then cutting it to length before forming the bead shape in a press

FRENCH EAR WIRES

See Fish Hooks.

FRENCH WIRE

Also known as Gimp or Bullion. A length of thin wire tightly coiled like a spring. Use a short length of this to feed your thread through at the clasp end, and thereby add some protection to the thread as it would otherwise rub directly on the loop of the clasp. Gives a professional looking finish.

FRESHWATER PEARLS

As their name suggests form in freshwater mussels in the same way pearls form in saltwater oysters. The difference is they are irregular in shape rather than the perfectly round pearls derived from oysters. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary.

FRINGES

An embroidery technique used to add interest and movement to garments and objects. It can be seen on objects as varied as lampshades to beaded purses and cowboy jackets! It is also commonly used to finish jewellery created with brick stitch and associated bead stitching techniques.

FRIT

Crushed particles of coloured glass applied to the surface of molten lampwork glass beads as decoration.

FROSTED BEADS

Have a dull finish similar to a coating of ice across the bead surface. See also Matte

FURNACE GLASS BEADS

Also known as Cane Beads or Candy Beads. Created in a furnace or kiln, glass canes are fused together to create a pattern in cross section. A bubble is blown into the centre of the glass, and then the glass is pulled to create a long hollow tube which may be as long as 24 metres/ 80 ft!. This long cane is then cut into small lengths, tumbled and fire polished to smooth the edges and create a shiny finish. The process is carried out by hand so these beads can be expensive!

G

GALVANISED BEADS

Beads (especially Seed Beads) that have been plated with zinc or other metals. This type of finish can, unfortunately, be lost over time due to friction or acidity from the skin. You can coat the beads with a spray varnish in order to stabilise the finish and slow down the wear.

GARNET

Is typically a dark red gemstone although they do appear in yellow, green, pink, white and gray. They are found in Australia, Brazil, India, Scotland, Tanzania, the United States and Uruguay. Its most appealing quality is its brilliance. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary.

GAUGE

The American unit of measurement for the thickness of wire. The higher the number, the thinner the wire. Wires produced in the UK are listed by their dimensions in mm, however as so many beading reference sources are American it is useful to know the gauge gradings too. To learn more read our Guide to Cords, Threads & Wires

Wires most frequently employed for jewellery making are listed below:

34 gauge wire = 0.16mm ( 0.006”) Good for wire knitting and twisting. Too fine for firm shaping. Will fit through the smallest seed beads and pearls.
28 gauge wire = 0.32mm ( 0.013”) Good for wire twisting and knitting. Will fit through smaller seed beads, pearls, smaller semi-precious stones and crystals (2-3mm).
26 gauge wire = 0.40mm ( 0.015”) Good for wire twisting and knitting. Use for semi-precious stones with holes too small for 24 gauge wire, pearls and smaller seed beads and crystals.
24 gauge wire = 0.51mm ( 0.020”) Good for wire crafts and general use including wire wrapping beads and stones. This wire type should fit through slim semi-precious stone holes, seed beads, pearls, smaller crystals.
22 gauge wire = 0.64mm (0.0253”) Good for wire crafts and general use including wire wrapping beads and stones. This wire type should fit through slim semi-precious stone holes, size 11 seed beads, 4mm and larger crystals, smaller metal beads (2-3mm) and glass beads (including Czech glass).
20 gauge wire = 0.81mm ( 0.032”) Good for making jewellery, clasps, findings, wire wrapping (beads and stones), ear wires and jump rings. Will fit through most crystals 4mm and larger, larger seed beads (size 8 plus), larger semi-precious (you may need to use a reamer), and glass beads (including Czech glass).
18 gauge wire = 1.02mm ( 0.040”) Good for making heavy jewellery as long as the bead holes are big enough, and for clasps and findings. Use for lampwork and other large glass beads, also larger metal beads.

GEMSTONE

These are beads made from Precious or Semi-Precious stones. Many of these stones are described in greater detail within this glossary as well as in our dedicated Glossary of Gemstones.

GHOST

Translucent Matte beads with an Aurora Borealis coating giving a beautiful iridescent finish.

GIMP

See French Wire.

GIRANDOLE

A pendant earring usually with three ornaments hanging from a central piece.

GIVRE

Pronounced gee-vray refers to a crystal (colour) or transparent bead with a swirl of interior colour similar to that found in a child’s marble. The beads are usually made using a glass encasing technique before they are pressed into moulds, and then polished. The term appears to have been first used by Swarovski and it comes from the French word meaning frosty.

GLASS BLOWN BEADS

Are those made in a real Murano glass furnace in Venice. They are made using a technique called Filigrana. The glass blower rolls out canes of coloured glass giving the distinctive stripping in each bead. They are then turned as spirals or straight stripping, before being fashioned into balls, teardrops or pennies. They may also be made using lampwork techniques, or perle a lume as it is in Italian. In this case they begin life as a larger cane of Moretti glass which is then melted into a soft ball on the end of a small blow pipe.

GLAZE

A glassy coating applied to ceramic and then fired to protect the object and to make the surface impervious

GLUE

Used to keep thread knots from unravelling and to keep small items such as beads in place. Also known as bead cement. C

GOLD COLOUR

Means that a Base Metal, such as brass, has been covered with a thin layer of gold, but this layer will be extremely thin and impure.

GOLD FILLED

The process by which a thin layer of gold is applied over a Base Metal and mechanically bonded using a combination of pressure and heat. To be classified as gold filled a piece must be at least 1/20 gold by weight.

GOLD FOIL BEADS

Beads that contain gold foil leaf to add depth and sparkle.

GOLD or GILT LINED

A transparent bead with a gold-coloured lining to its hole. Not as hard wearing as Silver Lined beads, and the gold coloured lining may be lost over time.

GOLD PLATED

Means that a Base Metal, such as brass, has been covered with a thin layer of real gold. This must conform to an industry standard thickness of .15mm to .25mm and of at least 10 carats. 10 carats means that the metal contains 10 parts gold to 14 parts other metals (24 carats is pure gold). See also Rolled Gold and Gold Filled.

GOLDSTONE

See Aventurina

GOLD TONE or GOLD FINISHED

Jewellery finished with a gold colour that has no appreciable amount of gold content

GRAM

The unit of measurement used to package small beads such as Seed Beads. 100 grams equals 1 Kilo.

GROUND STITCH

An off-loom bead weaving stitch which can be used to create daisies, gods eyes, and lightening eyes. It can be used to make rope style anklets, belts, bracelets, chokers and necklaces.

GUARD CHAIN

A small chain usually 7 or 8 centimetres long that has one end attached next to the clasp of a necklace or bracelet. The other end is attached to a loop or link on the opposite end of the piece. It is used as a fail-safe in case the clasp opens on a necklace or bracelet.

GUILLOCHE

Pronounced gee-oh-shay. It is a technique where an enamel finish is applied over a craved metal surface.

GYPSUM

Gypsum is the defining mineral for 2 on Mohs Scale of Hardness. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary.

H

HALF COAT BEADS

These are beads where a coating has been applied to only one side of the bead.

HALF DRILLED BEADS

Simply put these are beads where the hole only goes halfway through the body of the bead. There are Findings designed specifically to make use of these beads for varied applications such as for in ring settings, as memory wire end caps or to finish earring posts.

HALLMARK

A mark stamped into precious metals to indicate its purity or fineness, the maker or sponsor, the Assay Office where it was tested, and the year that it was tested. This process of hallmarking dates back to 1300 when Edward I instituted the assaying and marking of precious metals to reduce fraud and to maintain fair competition.

HAMMERED METAL

A jewellery making technique or finish that results in a piece of metal with a pitted surface where it has been struck repeatedly with the jewellers hammer to form a shape or to give surface interest.

HAND KNOTTED

Relates to items of jewellery where individual beads are strung one at a time with a knot placed between them to provide added strength and to avoid abrasion between beads. An obvious example being Pearl Necklaces.

HANK

A bundle of bead strands, usually 10 to 12 strands of a approximately 18 ins in length. Traditionally the measurement for a hank = 3.333 fathoms or 6.667 yards or 20 feet or 6.096 metres. However, this does vary by type and size of bead, manufacturer and country of origin. To learn more about hanks read our Guide To Seed Beads.

HASSONITE

Belongs to the grossularite garnet group. Its vivid orange brown colouring has resulted in the nickname cinnamon stone. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary.

HAT PIN

A long metal pin with an ornamental head used to fasten a ladies hat by passing the pin through the hat and into the hair.

HEAD PIN

A short length of wire ending in a ‘Head’ to prevent a bead falling off (a Seed Bead can be used to add a little extra diameter if needed). Once the bead is on the head pin it can then be attached to the larger jewellery piece. Generally head pins end in a tiny round of metal soldered on horizontal to the wire, but look out for decorative Heads including ball heads, decorative metal heads and decorative glass heads.

HEAT TREATED or TREATMENT

The application of heat to precious stones and minerals to change their physical or chemical properties, usually with a view to changing colours or improving clarity or hardness. For example, applying heat to a blue green aquamarine will make it turn blue. This can be done for aesthetic reasons but also to disguise one stone for another perhaps more lucrative one.

HEIRLOOM BEADS

Beads and jewellery that have been passed down through a family.

HEISHE or HEISHI BEADS

Pronounced hee shee are tiny tube or disc shaped beads cut from shells, wood, or ground and polished stones. Originating with the Pueblo Indians of New Mexico. Authentic heishe beads are completely handmade and it can take days to produce a strand of beads. Typically strips of shell or stone are drilled with evenly spaced holes, then cut into squares, before being shaped and sanded by hand.

HEISHE BAR

Pronounced hee shee bar is a narrow spacer bar used to hold heishe beads, bugle beads or seed beads in parallel without them twisting or tangling.

HEMALYKE

A man made cost saving material manufactured to resemble more expensive natural hematite. It can be magnetized and also used as a base material for various finishes and coatings.

HEMATITE or HAEMATITE

Is the mineral form of iron oxide which has a rust red colouring. As gemstone beads they are quite striking and are usually heavy shiny and silvery black in colour. These stones can be found in Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Czech Republic, England, New Zealand, and the United States. True hematite leaves a red streak when scratched across a piece of unglazed porcelain, while simulated products usually leave a grey streak. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary.

HEMIMORPHITE

Is a zinc containing mineral with its name derived from the unusual character of its crystals – with one end formed of a point but the other being pedion or flat faced without a geometric link to any other faces. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary.

HEMP

Used in Macrame jewellery, it is a strong and versatile cord derived from the coarse fibre at the centre of the cannabis plant.

HERRINGBONE STITCH

A stitch where beads are sewn together to create a pattern similar to herringbone fabric.

HEXAGONAL BEADS

Are faceted and resemble a small tile

HEX CUT BEADS

Six sided hexagonally shaped seed beads cut to give maximum reflection and sparkle. They are manufactured in a variety of sizes and finishes.

HIDDEN SCREW CLASP

A necklace fastener consisting of two short barrels with screws that connect. This clasp is then partially buried in a bead or pearl, giving the necklace a clean look when the clasp is screwed together.

HOLLOW BEADS

Made from blown glass for lightness or to allow decoration inside the clear glass. This term can also apply to carved beads of bone, stone or wood.

HOOK EYE CLASPS

A very simple clasp with a long history that is formed with a hook on one side and an open loop on the opposing side. As with many claps the loop is usually circular but can be made to be oval or any other open shape.

HOWLITE

Is better known for imitating other minerals than it is in its own right. For instance, when dyed blue its distinctive veining makes it resemble turquoise. It is a calcium borosilicate hydroxide first discovered in southern California in 1868 and named after Canadian mineralogist Henry How (1828 to 1879) who first described it. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary.

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ILLUSION CORD

Soft and flexible ‘invisible’ cord, for use in floating and illusion designs as it can be knotted to hold the beads in place (or you can use glue or discreet crimp tubes).

ILLUSION SETTING

A prong jewellery setting containing a faceted metal plate that surrounds the girdle of a diamond or other precious stone, thereby making the stone appear larger.

IMPERIAL JADE

The popular name given to fine quality, translucent, emerald green Jadeite. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary.

INCISED

A jewellery piece, usually metal or glass, that has had its surface engraved or cut.

INGOT

Metals cast into a bar or other shape for further processing. In the case of precious metals such as gold, silver and platinum they can also be seen as currency or as a currency reserve.

INLAY & INLAID

A pattern that has been created by setting a material into a surface whilst retaining the overall surface level.

INSIDE COLOUR

See Colour Lined.

INTAGLIO

Is a method of decoration which sees a design cut into the reverse surface of a jewellery piece, such as a glass cabochon or stone. This recessed design is typically found in signet rings.

IOLITE

Named from ios the Greek word for violet it is a purplish-blue hard cordierite mineral. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary.

INCLUSIONS

Natural birthmarks inside a gemstone that can affect its flow of light but can also add uniqueness and character. Depending on the stone in question and the size, shape, quantity, position and colour of the inclusions they can have either a positive or a negative effect on a stones desirability or value.

IRIDESCENT BEADS

Glass beads traditionally processed with arsenic to create a rainbow or pearly lustre. The arsenic is chemically sealed inside the glass meaning there is no health risk to the wearer. As light catches the surface of an iridescent bead it provides a lustrous almost metallic effect.

IRIS

An Iridescent coating on opaque glass or darker bead colours giving a rainbow or metallic effect.

IRRADIATION

The process of exposing gemstones and minerals to radiation to enhance their colour.

IVORY

A hard, smooth, natural white material derived from the tusks of elephants, extinct mammoths, and sea mammals. It has been used throughout history for beads and other decorative items but with the possible extinction of many of the animals it has been traditionally ‘harvested’ from it is now illegal to trade in new ivory. Synthetic alternatives are made from Plastic, Celluloid and Casein.

IVORY CLASP

A necklace fastener consisting of two short barrels which connect by means of a male and female screw. Also known as a Hidden Clasp.

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JADE

Has been a highly valued gemstone for thousands of years especially in the Orient and in particular in China. Colours are a variety of green hues, off white and yellow. These stones can be found in Australia, Canada, China, Guatemala, Japan, Kazakhstan, Myanmar, Russia, Taiwan, the United States, and Zimbabwe. In 1863 it was discovered that the name Jade was being applied to two distinct minerals. These two minerals, Nephrite and Jadeite, are relatively hard to distinguish from each other and so the name Jade has persisted. Nephrite, is an amphibole silicate and usually displays only green and creamy white, whilst Jadeite, is a sodium aluminum silicate and can have the full range of jade’s colours. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary.

JASPER

Is a member of the quartz family and is one of the oldest known gemstones. Because Jasper is found in many colours it is often named by appearance, for example Leopard Skin Jasper. Its main features are stripe, circles or spots with colours ranging from white to gray, pink, red, brown, yellow, and green. These stones can be found worldwide, but the primary sources are Australia, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, India, Madagascar, Russia, the United States, and Uruguay. Its polish might wash away in water, so clean with a soft, dry cloth. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary.

JET

Is petrified coal or more precisely the product following the decomposition of wood under high pressure from millions of years ago. It is easily shaped and polished and is considered to be a minor gemstone. Read more in our Gemstones & Minerals Glossary.

JEWELLERY TAG

A small flat metal disc or tag finding that is added to a piece of jewellery having first been stamped with the makers mark.

JEWELLERY WIRE

In general this is aluminium, brass, copper, silver, gold, silver-plated, gold-plated or gold-filled wire. This wire is sold in several sizes, called Gauges, with the larger gauge wire being smaller in diameter. You can buy coated wires in all sorts of fabulous colours.

JIG

A peg board or base plate with an arrangement of holes into which pegs are placed to allow wire to be bent into specific repeatable shapes. Typically used to create earrings, pendants, spacers or ornate clasps.

JUMP RINGS – OPEN

Circles of wire or metal with a split in their diameter used to join together jewellery elements. The rings can be opened with pliers and used to add jewellery making components to each other and then closed shut to create a relatively secure closure.

JUMP RINGS – CLOSED or SOLDERED

The same circles of wire or metal as detailed above but, in this case, they have been soldered closed to be used as connectors. These rings cannot be opened and are therefore very secure.