Jan 19, 2019 | GOLD FILLED BEADS, JEWELRY MAKING SUPPLIES
Jewelry is one of those things that is about as universal as it gets from a cultural standpoint. From the latest offerings on Madison Avenue or Bond Street, the glories of the Ancient Mediterranean, India’s rich tradition of jewelry mining and making – the list goes on and on, and it’s a spectacular list to behold! Humanity has a certain fascination with both beauty, as well as eternity, and there’s just something about a finely-crafted piece of jewelry that speaks to both ideals at once.
This extends to the beads that make up necklaces and bracelets, as well. If you’re looking to make your own elegant bracelets, necklaces, and other such jewelry options, you’ll want to seek out the best beading supplies online.
Acquiring Supplies
First thing’s first – before you can start to create the jewelry of your dreams, you’re going to have to make sure that you have the supplies necessary to make that happen. This means having the strings, fasteners, and other such items necessary to fasten fine jeweled beads into place. In addition, you’re going to want to make sure that the items you’re getting are the right size. While string and the tiny holes in beads through which it’s slipped to create bracelets and necklaces may all seem “just small,” the fact is that there are many different sizes. You don’t want your jewelry making efforts to fail because the string is too long or the holes are too big or small. That’s why a great provider of jewelry making supplies will always work to provide their clientele with a wide range of sizes, ensuring that no matter what size beads or string you need, you’re able to acquire it, and all at a great price.
Gold Options
Then there is the question of the beads themselves. Without question, beads that make use of gold are the most popular on the market. That said, there are a wide range of different sizes and styles out there. Thankfully, the best providers of jewelry supplies always supply their clients with a wide range of spiral, spherical, ornate, elegant, and other such bead options. What’s more, you can find gold filled beads that are as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside.
Silver Options
The same holds true for sterling silver beads. These items are extraordinarily durable, and have a quiet elegance to them which is unmistakable. What’s more, as with the gold beads, you can find and purchase them in a wide range of different sizes and styles. You can even mix and match the two for an item that’s truly unique.
Create something beautiful with the help of great providers of fantastic gold and silver beads, as well as general jewelry supplies.
Nov 27, 2018 | GOLD FILLED BEADS, JEWELRY MAKING SUPPLIES
Making your own jewelry isn’t just a lot of fun, it is also a great way to make gifts for the people that you care about. If you haven’t ever made your own jewelry before, it is normal to feel a little overwhelmed and unsure of how to get started. Beading is one way of making jewelry and is a great choice for many people who are interested in learning how to make their own jewelry. Not only can you quickly learn the basics, but you won’t need very many pieces of equipment to get started.
Gathering Your Tools
Your first step in learning how to bead is gathering all of the tools that you will need. If you have a well-stocked toolbox at your home then you may already have everything you need, otherwise, you will want to consider buying your tools at the same place where you buy your beading supplies online. You will need flat-nosed pliers and wire cutters as well as specialized round-nose pliers, scissors, and jewelry glue. When you have all of your tools on hand, you can start choosing your new beads that you want to use to design your new pieces.
Picking Your Beads
There are many different types of beads available for you to choose from, which is why it can get a little overwhelming for some people to shop for beads. No matter if you want gemstones, glass, Swarovski crystal beads, or sterling silver beads and findings, you are going to be best off buying bulk jewelry making supplies from a reputable company who has a lot of different options. Depending on what your style is and what kind of jewelry you are interested in making, you will be able to narrow down your choices and find beads that work for you.
Pick Your Findings and Stringing Medium
Once you have bought your pearl, silver, and gold filled beads, it’s time to choose your findings and stringing medium. You need findings such as bead tips, clasps, jump rings, and headpins to get started so that you can connect and finish all of your pieces. Stringing mediums can include coated wire, silk, and even nylon, which means that it’s a good idea to weigh the pros and con of each type before you buy.
After you have all of your tools and supplies, it’s time to get inspired and set aside some time to bead. It may be a little daunting looking at all of your new supplies, but you won’t ever learn if you don’t pick up the pliers and get to work. Taking a class to learn how to bead or buying a book that explains the process and offers inspiration is a great way to get started and will help you start designing your own jewelry right away. In no time at all you are likely to be creating incredible pieces that all of your friends and family members will love!
Oct 9, 2018 | GOLD FILLED BEADS, JEWELRY MAKING SUPPLIES
A lot of people are making the wrong assumptions about many jewelry supplies, especially gold filled beads. If you choose to get them for your jewelry making, you need to know what they truly are so you can properly market them to the right people in the right way. If you are into jewelry making, it is also crucial that you get educated about other beads and jewelry making supplies so that you can craft the best jewelry and market it the right way
Before we dive into the list of misconceptions, let us talk a little about some basic facts first. Legally, gold-filled items should have at least 5% of gold. This percentage will be identified using the gold alloy’s karat-age. Many gold-filled items in the market today are either 12kt or 14kt.
#1 – Inability to Cast
There are a lot of people who are getting confused about the ability of a gold-filled item to be cast. To be clear, remember that gold-filled items do not have the ability to be cast. This is a limitation that many people who are using gold filled items for jewelry making have to deal with. The products that are attached to it should be manufactured from the tube, sheet, or gold filled wire.
#2 – Gold-Filled Solder
There is no exact reason why the term “gold-filled solder” came to be. In actuality, this does not really exist. Normally, to get the illusion that a solder is gold-filled, color matching is done. The solder joint and the surface metal are color-matched by a 14kt gold solder.
Moreover, soldering a gold-filled item should not be done without a special tool operated by a person who underwent a special training. In most cases, gold-filled soldering needs a laser welder to make the joints as precise as possible.
#3 – Gold-Filled vs. Gold
A lot of jewelry makers who are creating jewelry using gold filled beads call them “gold”. This should not really be done and is illegal. If something is called gold, it means that the item is a very solid alloy that contains a high gold content. Gold-filled items are not like this.
As much as possible, do not use the term “gold” for pieces that are actually made with gold-filled items. If you make this a habit, you could get yourself into legal issues.
#4 – Gold-Filled vs. Gold Plate
Gold-filled items should not be confused with gold plating. A gold plate is a very thin layer of gold spread on a base made of brass. Because it is so thin, it does not really contribute to the weight of the whole item. Compared to gold filled items, gold plates wear off easier and quicker. Gold plates also cannot withstand extreme heat or temperature.
On the other hand, gold-filled items have 5% gold in it. Because it has more amount of gold, it adds up to the total weight of the product. Additionally, gold-filled items and findings can be more durable and reliable, providing protection from tarnishing and wearing of the main product.
If you are looking for a more affordable but acceptable quality alternative for solid gold, gold filled beads and items can be your best bet. They offer the best features that make up the characteristics of solid gold while maintaining the price at mid-level.
