Jewelry Making And Beading For Dummies - Book Review

October 2nd, 2008

Jewelry Making & Beading for Dummies was first published in 2005 and is probably the most popular book available for teaching beginners about the basics of jewelry making and beading.

When the book was published a few years back I had already been making jewelry for quite some time so I wasn’t really interested in getting it.

Now that I focus more on teaching jewelry making I am always looking for jewelry making information that can help beginners, so I decided to get the book and review it.

Here is an overview of the contents of the book and my opinion about each section. If you are new to beading and/or jewelry making I hope you will find this useful.

The book is divided into five parts: Part 1: Creating Irresistible Jewelry, Part 2: Discovering Simple Jewelry-Making Techniques, Part 3: Implementing Design Ideas, Trends, and More, Part 4: Building on Your Jewelry Making Hobby, and Part 5: The Part of Tens.

The first part, Creating Irresistible Jewelry, covers from A to Z everything a beginner needs to know about the different strings, chords, and wire options available. There is also a complete explanation of the basic jewelry making tools and the different kinds of connectors (head pins, eye pins, jump rings, etc.) and clasps.

There is also a very comprehensive explanation about bead types, crystal beads, pearls, and stones. A small section is also dedicated to explaining where you can find jewelry making materials both online and offline.

The section finishes with a chapter dedicated to explaining how to best set up your workspace.

So Part 1 of the book is basically a description of “what” whereas Part 2, Discovering Simple Jewelry-Making Techniques, gets into the “how.”

Not surprisingly, it starts with stringing and knotting and how to use crimps. The next chapter is dedicated to Bead Weaving and focuses primarily on weaving with seed beads.

I thought it was a little unusual to focus so much on seed beads as there are many beautiful pieces you can make weaving with beads other than seed beads. So I think this chapter could be greatly improved by showing more details in that area, but still it does cover basic weaving patterns.

Part 2 ends with a chapter on wire wrapping which includes how to choose wire, basic wire wrapping techniques, and a nice section on how to use a wire jig.

So Parts 1 and 2 take up about half of the book and really cover everything you need to know as a beginner. I should also mention that there are simple projects spread throughout both sections so that you can practice what you are learning as you go along.

Looking at this from the perspective of a complete beginner, I think Parts 1 and 2 of the book are all you really need.

Part 3 of the book consists primarily of beading projects, and while they are all very nice pieces of jewelry, there are very few graphics showing step by step how to make the pieces. In my experience working with beginners I think many would find it difficult to make these pieces without detailed instructions or hands-on help like a class or video.

So if I were a beginner, I would learn everything in Parts 1 and 2, and put the book on the shelf for a while, and then maybe revisit Part 3 later after I had gained more experience.

Part 4, in my opinion, goes off on a tangent that I don’t think has much to do with learning beading and jewelry making.

Things are covered like how to decorate other objects with beads, making jewelry with kids, hosting a jewelry party, and tips for what to do if you want to turn your jewelry making hobby into a business.

I will say that the part about turning your jewelry making hobby into a business has some very good tips, especially on how to correctly price your jewelry. It shows you how to make sure that you include a cost for how long it takes you to make a jewelry piece. Most jewelry makers forget to do this and it leads them to significantly underprice their jewelry.

The final section, Part 5: The Part of Tens is so named because it gives you three chapters of Top Tens. The first top 10 is jewelry suppliers. It is good but a little dated. New suppliers have emerged since the book was published that are better than some listed in the book.

The second top 10 is common jewelry making mistakes to avoid and has very good tips for avoiding mistakes that beginners commonly make.

The third top 10 is ideas for making money selling your jewelry. There are some very good ideas in this section.

Overall, I would recommend this book to beginners as a good resource to get started. But keep in mind that if you’re learning style is more suited to learning by seeing things in action then you may have trouble actually learning beading by looking at this book simply because there are not a lot of “how to” graphics.

Wholesale Lampwork Jewelry- Lampwork Jewelrywholesale

August 29th, 2008

WSPearl Jewelry Inc., China’s online wholesale jewelry store, is professional wholesaler and supplier of Chinese cultured pearls. All pearls are directly from Chinese culutred pearl farms.

Our own pearl farm lies in Zhuji city ,Zhejiang province,Where are known as “Country of freshwater pearls”. It is principally engaged in the pearl breeding,pearl deep process,pearl grading, pearl jewelry products and pearl R&D. Furthermore we also carefully choose some top quality pearls from our other pearl farmers. Besides the market of mainland China and Hong Kong, Top Pearl Jewelry begun to export & wholesale CHINESE AKOYA SALTWATER PEARLS directly form our family pearl farms via the Internet from 2000. There are no middlemen - no importers,no national distributors,no retail vendors - between our customers and our pearl farms, so we can offer the world’s finest pearls with reasonable prices and high quality.

Now our online jewelry store mainly wholesale freshwater pearl & akoya pearl jewelry & tahitian pearl , pearl necklace , pearl bracelets , pearl earrings , pearl pendants , and loose pearl beads , coral jewelry ,turquoise jewelry , crystal,jade,shell jewelry,lampwork jewelry , gemstone jewelry , wish pearl gift sets,oysters with pearls. All jewelry products are almost handmade. In addition, our online wholesale jewelry store also supplies jewelry raw materials - freshwater pearls,akoya pearl beads & strands, coral beads, turquoise,shell beads,jewelry class fittings, jewelry making kits.

Our online wholesale store has our own jewelry designers, we’re continuing to design new jewelry styles - Crystal & pearl jewelry, fine pearl jewelry such as bridal jewelry series,anniversary pearl jewelry, and beautiful graduation pearl jewelry. Custom jewelry designs are welcome.

In China’s jewelry industry, we are not enough a big guy, but our Professional Foreign Trade,Good English Communication, Product Quality, Competitive Price and On-time Delivery earn us the reputation in our clients all over ther world.

Thanks to visit our online wholesale jewelry store: WSpearl.com! And welcome to visit our jewelry processing factory in Panjiayuan curio market,beijing,China.

Tips In Cleaning Jewelry

August 29th, 2008

Buying jewelry is not just for pleasure. A piece of jewelry is an investment and, therefore, it must be cared for so that its beauty and value will not diminish. This means that there are instances when jewelry should never be worn. For example, jewelry must be taken off when cleaning the house, especially when abrasive and strong chemicals are utilized. The surfaces of the jewelry will most likely be scratched or corroded when exposed to chemicals. This also applies to beauty products such as cleansing creams and lotions. Other chemicals, such as hairspray and perfume should also be away from jewelry.

For some types of jewelry and gemstones, water can have a damaging effect. Thus, it is a sensible idea to remove jewelry when taking a bath, swimming in the beach or in the pool, or even walking under the rain. All these precautions are needed to keep the jewelry intact. These precautions cannot, however, keep the jewelry clean and shining. The owner of jewelry must take the time and effort to regularly clean his or her treasures. Some very expensive pieces of jewelry need the professional cleaning skills of a jeweler but most fine jewelry can be happy with this basic cleaning method.

The basic method of cleaning jewelry involves four simple steps. First, the jewelry must be wiped with soft cloth that has been soaked in a mixture of mild soap and warm water. Using harsh detergents and stain removers is not advisable for fine jewelry. Second, the jewelry must be rinsed, using warm water again. But the jewelry must not be soaked in water. Some types of jewelry, such as those made of silver and gold may tarnish because of water. Third, the jewelry must be polished with soft cloth. Using brushes or any bristled tool is no way to treat fine jewelry. And fourth, the jewelry must be thoroughly dried before it gets stored away in a pouch or box.

For some types of jewelry and gemstones, there are unique approaches to cleaning. For example, lapis lazuli must be cleaned with a mixture of cold water with a small portion of mild soap. The other gemstones that do not react well with hot water are emeralds, jade, marcasite, and turquoise. Jewelry made of jade, as well as pearls, should only be wiped with soft moist cloth. They should be rubbed gently. Emeralds and opals, on the other hand, can withstand a few minutes of soaking in cold water.

A piece of jewelry which has diamonds will involve a different approach. Diamonds, despite their strength, can easily lose their shine and brilliance because they attract grease and dust. The oils that are naturally released by the skin can be deposited on the diamond, making the jewelry’s luster dissipate. To prevent this, it must be regularly cleaned, such as once every week. A quick cleaning of the diamond can be done by using a toothbrush with gentle bristles. The toothbrush must be first soaked in a cleaner fluid for diamond. This fluid is usually ammonia-based. For stubborn dirt, the diamond can be soaked overnight in such fluid. But other types of cleaning liquids, such as those that contain chlorine and abrasives, should not be used on diamond.

And finally, the brushing and the soaking of the diamond jewelry may not be a good idea if the diamond is in a setting. The cleaning fluid and the bristles of the toothbrush may weaken the jeweler’s cement that holds the diamond. If in a setting, the diamond jewelry may need a professional jeweler.

Winter Jewelry Trend Forecast is Bright

August 29th, 2008

The word jewelry is derived from the Latin word ‘jocale’ meaning plaything. Fashion jewelry is inexpensive to moderately priced jewelry such as a necklace, ring or bracelet, made up of semi-precious or simulated stones, metals and other materials like crystals, glass, brass, wood, leather, silver and more, designed to wear with current fashions. Fashion jewelry can be categorized on the basis of the material it is made of like brass, silver, wood, beaded etc.
The material used in making fashion jewelry is usually cost effective and trendy. Some of the examples of fashion jewelry are brass jewelry, leather jewelry, beaded jewelry, mixed metal jewelry, gemstone jewelry and costume jewelry.

Fashion jewelry is made in all sorts of styles from contemporary mod inspired filigree earrings to mixed metals necklaces hanging at various lengths. Fashion jewelry can also be classified on the popularity of the products available in the market for example cocktails rings, brass bangles, chunky crystals, faceted stones, leather cuffs, beaded necklaces, symbol statements encrusted with jewels. Fashion jewelry is very much in demand because it is stylish and trendy and is available at affordable prices. You can find all of these elements and some of the most stunning artisan crafted jewelry at 3bjewels.

The exceptional handcrafted jewelry at Beryl Blush Blonde Jewelry is a refreshing choice when it comes to fashion jewelry, as they incorporate all of the exciting new jewelry trends along with classic elements at an affordable price to satisfy any woman’s fashion jewelry indulgence. The handcrafted custom designer jewelry encourages you to get edgy this season with jet black, inky beads, burnished mixed metals and chunky bright crystals. The artisan jewelry designers say to experiment with pyramid faceted stones, shimmering beads and wrap bracelets for ultra glam. Or, refresh your look with updated, chic sophistication. Explore nouveau vintage inspired jewelry with layers of delicate chain and filigree pendants. Whichever you decide you will make a confident statement showing off a fabulous piece from the Beryl Blush Blonde fashion jewelry collection at 3bjewels.

Fashion Jewelry is Easy on the Eyes and the Pocketbook

August 19th, 2008

Fashion jewelry is jewelry thought to be both affordable and trendy among women. At one time it was known as paste jewelry because it was stuck to the costumes of actresses, and added shine and glitter to them. Later on fashion jewelry used for costumes came to be known as costume jewelry.

Today, a more appropriate definition of fashion jewelry is jewelry that is in vogue – that is a jewelry that is in fashion. You’ll see actresses wear jewelry on television. They’re the hot rocks every woman wants to sport. Sometimes timeless pieces of vintage jewelry may also become fashionable, But then such jewelry is available with only a few people. ie ya gotta have the bucks.

Unlike gold or platinum jewelry, fashion jewelry can be bought by all people. It is much more affordable as compared to gold or platinum jewelry or jewelry studded with semiprecious stones. You don’t need the rich stuff to get sparkle. Dirt cheap bright stones can spice your rings, chains, chokers and bracelets. You can see them advertised on places like Jewelry Television.

The materials that are used for making fashion jewelry range from wood to synthetic materials. Carved or engraved wood jewelry is especially popular among teenagers. Rhinestone is another favorite–and its not just for cowboys. Rhinestone is used in rings, bracelets and chains by many happy women. Another material that is commonly used is Lucite; it is synthetically produced. Besides this, synthetically produced gemstones are also used to make jewelry sets. Acrylic and ceramic though not that common are also used for designing.

Almost all the settings are done on a base metal. Brass comes first. But there’s also copper and silver. They are cheaper as compared to other metals. They are also easy to work on. Many have found a liking for green or even pink gold, which is produced by adding other metals to gold to produce a slight hue. Gold plated jewelry and gold filled jewelry also form an important part of fashion jewelry offerings.

Fashion Jewelry

August 19th, 2008

Fashion jewelry is jewelry thought to be both affordable and trendy among women. At one time it was known as paste jewelry because it was stuck to the costumes of actresses, and added shine and glitter to them. Later on fashion jewelry used for costumes came to be known as costume jewelry.

Today, a more appropriate definition of fashion jewelry is jewelry that is in vogue – that is a jewelry that is in fashion. You’ll see actresses wear jewelry on television. They’re the hot rocks every woman wants to sport. Sometimes timeless pieces of vintage jewelry may also become fashionable, But then such jewelry is available with only a few people. ie ya gotta have the bucks.

Unlike gold or platinum jewelry, fashion jewelry can be bought by all people. It is much more affordable as compared to gold or platinum jewelry or jewelry studded with semiprecious stones. You don’t need the rich stuff to get sparkle. Dirt cheap bright stones can spice your rings, chains, chokers and bracelets. You can see them advertised on places like Jewelry Television.

The materials that are used for making fashion jewelry range from wood to synthetic materials. Carved or engraved wood jewelry is especially popular among teenagers. Rhinestone is another favorite–and its not just for cowboys. Rhinestone is used in rings, bracelets and chains by many happy women. Another material that is commonly used is Lucite; it is synthetically produced. Besides this, synthetically produced gemstones are also used to make jewelry sets. Acrylic and ceramic though not that common are also used for designing.

Almost all the settings are done on a base metal. Brass comes first. But there’s also copper and silver. They are cheaper as compared to other metals. They are also easy to work on. Many have found a liking for green or even pink gold, which is produced by adding other metals to gold to produce a slight hue. Gold plated jewelry and gold filled jewelry also form an important part of fashion jewelry offerings.

The Industry of Fashion & Designer Inspired Jewelry

August 19th, 2008

The industry of fashion & costume jewelry has been growing since past few years & is totally in style now. It includes a wide range of products & you can to choose from rings, bracelets, necklaces, pendants and earrings. There are impressive combinations found in fashion jewelry which are simply incredible to look at. You can find lots of imitated fashion accessory stores which are there online.

The only point to keep in mind while purchasing online jewelry is that you must ensure that you’re buying from a trustworthy seller. You should find good reputable sellers, having good reputation & who are providing good quality jewelry at best reasonable prices also providing a good reliability without cheating the customers. Sometimes, you can also find good suppliers who are also manufactures who also make custom jewelry designs in fashion jewelry.

Fashion jewelry can be used as a means of expression of some special emotions & is a perfect way to reward yourself for all the hard work you done and to feel proud about your accomplishments in life.
The industry of wholesale Indian imitation jewelry has traveled a long way since past few years and today it can offer some incredible works of art to many customers. No doubt, the fashion world is driven by constant changes and that same thing happens in the jewelry business also.

You can find new trends and designs which appear every day and designers have to be really creative with their ideas. The beauty of fashion & costume jewelry is now preferred by a lot of women. Imitation Jewelry have become extremely popular over these years in fashion world of the women, stylish designs in jewelry making them look sexy.

Women desire to own a collection of designs in fashion jewelry, hence its demand have never decreased but has been increasing since the time being. People with unique personality are the lovers of imitation jewelry as it compliments their personality in a distinct way.

Jewelry being the most lovable among all accessories is one of the best accessories that one can wear with any outfit. If a person wearing a dull outfit, wears a good matching jewelry to it, it can make the person look as the best dressed in the whole party. Jewelry is universal and is very popular among all cultures. There is a wide variety of imitation jewelry found in the market today, with various designs & color stone used.

There are different types of jewelry such as the bead, glass, Korean, Victorian, fashion-imitation, handmade, silver, and gold, diamonds, gemstone, CZ, ethnic jewelry and much more. Buying jewelry can be fun, exciting yet confusing. You can buy jewelry at affordable prices by the wholesaler who supply them. Wholesalers of Fashion Imitation Jewelry in India Delhi

There are many ways how you can maximize your jewelry without spending much on it, by resizing your ring, whether it is in gold silver or even metal, bracelets can be versatile, if you have a longer necklace, you may be able to use it as a delicate belt to adorn your favorite little black dress, use your bracelet as an extender, make the most of your charms, if you have matching charms, consider adding them to your hoop earrings for an instant dangle. If you have a creative person inside you who can act as a designer, anything creative can be possible

Cheap Body Jewelry – How to Select the Best Affordable Body Jewelry

August 11th, 2008

To find the right cheap body jewelry, purchase them only from reputable stores and outlets. Be sure to read the packaging for the materials used on cheap body jewelry as well as any indication on the quality control measures that have been put in place to ensure that the piece of body jewelry you are about to purchase is something that will not compromise your safety.
The body accessory market is already flooded with fake body jewelry of various designs, make and color. One can easily get the appropriate set of body jewelry for a specific occasion or event. And if you play your cards right, you might be able to pull it off. This fake body jewelry is amazingly believable. Some attaches to the right portion of the skin so well that they won’t come off even if you pull them lightly.

At any rate, materials like sterilized stainless steal can be used which makes for cheap body jewelry as opposed to precious and semi-precious metals like silver and gold. In this case, even if you do not use precious metals and you use cheap body jewelry, you can be assured of continued safety from complications regarding your body piercing.

It may sound like a very tedious and meticulous job to closely inspect cheap body jewelry before purchasing them, but remember that body jewelry becomes a part of your body when you wear it. In this case, it is importance to maintain the proper controls and hygienic practices. This however should not deter you from purchasing cheap body jewelry. Just be more wise in choosing the right cheap body jewelry that fits both your style and budget and you can be assured of a carefree enjoyment of fashion tempered with the right sensibility.

Non-pierced jewelry can either be attached through the use of magnets, springs or by clipping. When using magnets, the body ornament will be equipped with thin magnetic studs which are commonly washable. These backing magnetic studs are placed on the inside of the lip or at the back of the earlobe.
The other piece of the body jewelry is then placed over the area of the magnet on the other side. Because manufacturers of fake body jewelry use strong magnets, the magnetic studs are strong enough to keep body jewelry in place giving the illusion that the lip, ear, noses, etc are pierced.
Another good fake body piercing jewelry design is the use of spring hoops in rings. The springs allow the nose, lip, ear or belly rings to be attached and removed quite easily.
This is a good alternative if you don’t want magnet equipped jewelry on your face. Spring-action rings also cause little or no discomfort at all unlike actual piercing which can cause itchiness or inflammation depending, of course, on the person’s body chemistry.

Fashion Jewelry to Match Your Moods

August 11th, 2008

If you are a person who wants to look good in everyway then this article will pacify your fashion instincts a bit. Find the best fashion jewelry to compliment your dress worn casually or at parties and ceremonies.

Is it like you always keep wondering to wear the perfect jewelry that goes with your dress, I may guide you what to wear with your favorite dresses.

Casual kind people should spice up their looks with light gemstone jewelry or custom gemstone beaded jewelry that is available at the most affordable rates in the market. Have a collection of this exquisite gemstone jewelry in different colors and designs in your wardrobe and you can wear these with your day-to-day clothes. You can add sparkle in your looks by adoring cool diamond studded earrings or diamond hoops that can be worn on all occasions or daily with every dress you prefer to wear.

People preferring to wear tiptop dresses should go for discount diamond jewelry or handcrafted cheap pearl jewelry. A spectacular shine of a diamond can work wonders for you to look stunningly beautiful. Diamonds-the most precious and most expensive are available in different varieties and shapes too. Take a pick from your nearest or online jewelry store where you can find wholesale discount diamond jewelry to match your costumes perfectly.

If you are want to look good in a shimmering silver jewelry then you should go for trendy wholesale fashion sterling silver jewelry. Jewelry to go with all dresses, silver jewelry is the favorite choice from the ancient times. You can find the best silver jewelry sets at the most reasonable rates in the market.

In evening functions and parties you must wear some eye-catching jewelry that glorifies your beauty in all ways. Always try to adore titanium amethyst jewelry, glittering gold jewelry, platinum jewelry, antique silver jewelry, black or white diamond jewelry or sparkling gemstones to relish your inner self-esteem wearing these outstanding designs.

Give your looks a boost of the day by complimenting your dress with the perfect wholesale jewelry and carry yourself lavishly in a cool and contended attitude

Hypoallergenic Jewelry: Why Hypoallergenic Jewelry Does not Hurt?

August 11th, 2008

Jewelry is irresistible, and without jewelry there are very less places we can go. But some of you have surely faced the problem, I faced in my childhood. It was a problem because at times it got very painful and I winced before removing my favorite earrings.

Earrings have been on only for couple or hours or a little more and my ear lobes had swollen to deep red. Mere touching was painful and removing the earrings would be a nightmare.

This problem is faced by people with sensitive skin or those who are allergic to the presence of nickel normally used at the time of making the jewelry. Though my allergic reaction to jewelry was swelling, people tend to get rashes, boils, itching, etc. This allergic reaction could be when you wear a chain around your neck, earrings, bracelets, rings or anything that contains alloys.

There is an answer to this problem. The answer is hypoallergenic jewelry. This is one fantastic type of jewelry, where manufacturers have avoided use of any alloys during the making. Instead this jewelry is made by creating pure metals like gold and stainless steel which never give out allergic reactions.

Is hypoallergenic jewelry priced the same as normal jewelry?

Unfortunately no, it is a little expensive. Hardly any margin, but remember the makers of this jewelry have to take care of avoiding any allergic reactions caused to your skin. So making pure jewelry for you will be a little expensive.

What about the designs?

Designs are as fabulous as ever. You will find designs of all types. Find stainless steel jewelry or indulge yourself in pure gold jewelry. The hypoallergenic jewelry makers have used all latest and very attractive designs so that users of their jewelry look as attractive as ever without allergic.

If you were allergic to jewelry, this is one jewelry type you should try out to stop worrying about the reactions after you remove jewelry.

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