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A
[top] |
|
Agate |
|
Highly regarded as
a talisman or amulet in ancient times, agate is a semi-precious stone that
is often available in the form of beads and chip to string up into a
necklace or bracelet. Colours range from green through to orange,
cream and white. |
| |
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Amethyst |
|
A purple quartz,
amethyst is said to overcome
stress and anxiety and bring
relief to the mind. Colours in this semi precious stone range from light
lilac to deep grape. Amethyst is available in small beads and chip.
See 'quartz' for more information. |
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|
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| AB
(Aurora Borealis) |
|
An abbreviation of
Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights), glass beads with an AB coating shimmer
with a rainbow or
iridescent effect. |
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Aventurine |
|
The stone of chance
and luck, aventurine is a green semi precious quartz, available mostly in
the form of chip. See 'quartz' for more
information. |
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B
[top]
|
| Base Metal |
|
Any one of the
non-precious metals (iron, zinc, nickel, brass, etc), usually covered with a
silver, gold or black coating. |
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| Bead |
|
A small, often round
material (usually glass, semi precious, or
wood), that has a hole running through the center and can be strung up to
create jewellery or other projects. |
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Bead Cap |
|
Half a metal bead,
with a concave end, to go around a glass bead in order to dress it up or
make it stand out. |
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Beading Elastic |
|
A stretchable cord
that is suitable for stringing beads onto. To finish an elastic
project, either add a clasp using crimps (be aware that this will weaken the
elastic), or tie a strong knot, dabbing a little clear nail polish or glue
to strengthen. |
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Beading Wire |
|
Flexible wire that
can be moulded into shape, to create twisted wire pieces, wire wrapping and
even components (head pins, eye pins and
the like). Eureka! Beads sells two gauges of wire - 20 gauge and
26 gauge. See 'gauge' for more information. |
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Bicone |
|
Bicone literally
means two cones connected
at their respective bases. The most common form of bicone beads is
bicone glass crystals. |
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| Black |
|
See our beading resources for more information (including photos) on the colours that our findings are available in. |
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Blue Tiger Eye |
|
Blue tiger eye is a
heat treated dark, midnight (almost black) blue version of the semi precious
stone, tiger eye. Blue tiger eye is said to control bad tempers and
personal conflict. See 'tiger eye' for more
information. |
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Bracelet Memory
Wire |
|
Bracelet sized
memory wire (ranges from 65 - 75mm in diameter). See 'memory
wire' for more information. |
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| Bronze |
|
See our beading resources for more information (including photos) on the colours that our findings are available in. |
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| Bugle Bead |
|
Long, tubular bead,
made from the same type of glass as seed beads. Hole is normally the
same size as a size 11/0seed bead. |
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C
[top]
|
| Calotte Crimp |
|
2
hinged concave metal pieces that have a hole in the bottom (for threading
string through) and a loop at the top (for joining to the clasp). Used
to hide unsightly crimps and knots. |
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Cats Eye Bead |
|
A uniform glass
bead that has been intensified using fibre optics causing the white
reflective circles know as cats eye. Available in a wide range of vibrant
colours and shapes. |
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Chain |
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One of the most popular materials to work with, chain is available in a variety of sizes and colours. |
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Charm |
|
A
small metal bead, often in the shape of a small animal or symbol, used to
hang off bracelets and necklaces. |
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| Chevron |
|
A
multi-layers glass bead, with a star shape on both ends. |
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Clasp |
|
The
finding that is used to do up your bracelet or necklace. Available in
a variety of styles. See also 'lobster clasp',
'magnetic clasp', 'parrot clasp'
and 'toggle clasp'. |
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| Copper |
|
See our beading resources for more information (including photos) on the colours that our findings are available in. |
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Crimp |
|
A
small, soft metal tube that used on tigertail to hold beads and findings in
place. |
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Crimping Pliers |
|
Serrated pliers, used
for squishing down crimps, wirework and opening and closing jump rings. |
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Crystal |
|
See 'glass crystal'. |
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Cutters |
|
See 'wire
cutters' or 'memory wire cutters'. |
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D
[top]
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|
Decorative Metal Bead |
|
A
metal bead with fine, decorative work done to the outside. Can be used
in replace of other types of beads or in amongst other styles of beads. |
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| Diameter |
|
The
size of a circular object, from one side to the other. |
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E
[top]
|
| Ear Post |
|
One of
several types of earring findings, an ear post is a stud style ear wire,
with a loop, used to attach beads and so forth to the post. |
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Ear Wire |
|
The
standard finding that is used to create earrings, slips through the ear with
a loop at the bottom that is used to attach beads and so forth. |
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Elastic |
|
See 'beading
elastic'. |
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Eye Pin |
|
A pin
with a loop on one end, used primarily to make chain earrings and
bracelets. Available in base metal (with a variety of colour finishes)
and precious metal (eg sterling silver). |
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F
[top]
|
| Faceted
Bead |
|
A bead
with many facets - that is, many cut sides. |
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| Filigree |
|
A
delicate ornamental work woven into a lace-like design. Most common on
decorative metal beads. |
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| Finding |
|
The
components - eye pins, head pins, ear wires, crimps, jump rings and so forth
- needed to complete a piece of jewellery. |
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Fluorite |
|
Fluorite, the stone of mind and spirit, is available in a range of colours -
including yellow, blue, pink, purple and green. Most common, however,
are the strands of purple and green, seen mainly in the form of chip. |
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| Foil |
|
Transparent, or semi transparent glass with a silver or gold reflective foil
lining. See also 'silver lined'. |
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Freshwater Pearl |
|
Said to
be the sign of chastity and purity, most freshwater pearls these days are
cultured. Pearls are less durable than most gems and should be cared
for accordingly. Never spray perfume, hair spray or cosmetics directly
onto the pearl and try not to expose to direct sunlight for any extended
periods of time. Note that the holes in freshwater pearls are usually
smaller than that of a standard bead. |
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G
[top]
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|
Garnet |
|
A
blood red wine colour, garnet symbolises passion and desire. Available
in a range of shapes, most commonly in small nuggets. |
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| Gauge |
|
A
standard measure used to determine the thickness of wire - the higher the
number, the thinner the wire. |
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| Glass |
|
A
hard, brittle, often transparent substance. One of the best materials
beads are created from, as it is durable and strong. |
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Glass Crystal Beads |
|
High
quality glass beads, hand-cut or molded into a faceted shape. Today,
most glass crystal beads do not have a lead in their glass components. |
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| Gold |
|
See our beading resources for more information (including photos) on the colours that our findings are available in. |
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Gold Lined |
|
See 'foil'. |
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| Gold Plated |
|
A thin
layer of gold electroplated to the surface of base metal or silver. |
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|
Green Moonstone |
|
The stone of wishes
and calmness, green moonstone is a form of moonstone with a slight greeny/greyish
tint. Available mainly as small beads. See 'moonstone'
for more information. |
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|
H
[top]
|
|
Head Pin |
|
A pin with a knob
or flat end, used primarily to make drop earrings or bead drops from
necklaces and earrings. |
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|
Hematite |
|
A black stone (iron oxide) with a metallic luster, hematite was once worn to protect against bleeding. These days, hematite is still thought to have healing powers, particularly regarding blood and kidney disorders. Hematite is often made magnetic and these magnetic beads can be used in jewellery. |
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|
Howlite |
|
This semi-precious
stone is naturally chalky white, often with thin brown lines running through
it. Used to
overcome anxiety and frustration and to aid creativity, this stone is most
commonly brought in the form of chip. |
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|
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|
I
[top]
|
|
Instructions |
|
Eureka! Beads is proud to
present FREE beading instructions to it's
visitors - to see the full range of projects available (including
earrings,
bracelets and necklaces), please visit
the 'Beading Instructions' category. |
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|
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|
J
[top]
|
|
Jade |
|
Jade, the semi
precious symbol of love and virtue, is available in a huge variety of
colours - including lilac, white, pink, brown, red, blue, black, orange and
yellow. It is, however, the different shades of green jade that are
most recognisable and most valued. |
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|
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|
Jump Ring |
|
Jump rings are a
circular loop used on the ends of necklaces and bracelets - they are what
the clasp is joined onto. They can also be used to attach beads and
charms to projects. To open up a strong jump ring, you will need two
sets of pliers (a pair of twirly wirlies and crimping pliers are fine).
Always open the jump ring up by pushing one end forward and one end back (do
not pull apart, this will weaken the jump ring and make it harder to close). |
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|
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|
L
[top]
|
|
Lampwork |
|
Handmade glass
beads, made from thick rods of glass. |
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|
Lapis Lazuli |
|
This deep blue and white stone
is used to guide the way to enlightenment. Beads tend to be available
in the form of nuggets and chip. |
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|
|
|
Leather |
|
Another popular
material to string onto, leather looks great with natural coloured beads
(always make sure the size of the hole is large enough to go onto the
leather). |
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|
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|
Leather Ends |
|
Ends that are crimped down onto leather to complete a bracelet or necklace. Add a
dab of glue or clear nail polish before crimping the end down, to strengthen
the join. |
|
|
|
| Lobster Clasp |
|
So named because it
looks like a lobster's claw. See 'clasps' for
more information. |
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|
| Luster |
|
Clear coating on beads that gives a high, glossy finish. Many of the seed beads at
Eureka! Beads have a luster finish. |
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|
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|
M
[top]
|
|
Macramé Cord |
|
Macramé cord is perfect for making beaded macramé watches, as it resists
fraying, threads smoothly and holds knots with ease. |
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|
Magnetic Beads |
|
A variety of magnetic beads are available for
jewellery making. Perhaps the most popular, the square cut magnetic
beads, are perfect for making magnetic wraps. |
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|
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|
Magnetic Clasp |
|
Magnetic clasps consist of two strong magnets
that snap together. They come in a variety of styles, the easiest to
work with being the one with a loop on either end. See 'clasps' for more
information. |
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|
|
Memory Wire |
|
A pre coiled
stainless steel wire that has been hardened, so that it remembers it's
shape. Memory wire makes it easy to create rings, bracelets and
necklaces. |
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Memory Wire Cutters |
|
Tough cutters for hardened memory wire. |
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Memory Wire
Tubing |
|
A colour plastic
tubing that slips over the top of memory wire. |
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|
Metal Beads |
|
Metal beads can be
used in replace of, or amongst glass and other types of beads. Plain
metal balls are useful as spacers and to give a project an extra 'lift'. |
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|
Metal Tube Beads |
|
Metal tubes beads,
like plain metal beads, can be used to give a project an extra 'lift'. |
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|
| Millefiori |
|
Literally translated
from Italian as 'thousands of glass flowers', millefiori
refers to glass beads that depict glass flowers. |
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|
Moonstone |
|
One of the all time
favourite semi precious stones, moonstone is a milky white colour, with
lines of AB running through it. Moonstone is often used to soothe and
balance the emotions. See also 'green moonstone'. |
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|
MOP Shell |
|
Mother of Pearl
shell comes from the shell of abalone and can be dyed into a large range of
colours, including green, pink, purple and blue. |
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Multiple Strand |
|
Multi-strand
findings can be used to created bracelets and necklaces with more than one
strand. Findings include bars, spacers and ends, ranging from the
simple to the more ornate. |
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|
N
[top]
|
|
Necklace Memory
Wire |
|
Necklace memory wire, approximately 120mm in diameter. See 'memory
wire' for more information. |
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|
Needle Nose
Pliers |
|
See 'crimping
pliers' |
|
|
|
| Nickel |
|
See our beading resources for more information (including photos) on the colours that our findings are available in. |
|
|
|
|
O
[top]
|
|
Obsidian |
|
This semi precious
natural glass ranges in colour from red through to black, although
'snowflake' obsidian (a black or dark grey stone with white speckles running
though) is most common and popular. Obsidian beads, said to block
negative energy, are available mainly in chip. |
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| Opal |
|
An
almost solid colour finish that
transmits very little light. |
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|
P
[top]
|
| Parrot Clasp |
|
The most common
clasp used in jewellery making. See 'clasps' for more
information. |
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|
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|
Pearl |
|
See 'freshwater
pearl'. |
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| Pendant |
|
A piece used as a
feature in [usually] a necklace, usually made from semi-precious stones or
glass. |
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| Post |
|
See 'ear
post'. |
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|
Q
[top] |
|
Quartz |
|
One of the most common minerals
in the Earth's crust, the use of quartz dates back thousands of years.
Quartz is said to be the universal healing stone. See also 'amethyst',
'aventurine', 'rose quartz'
and 'tiger eye'. |
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|
R
[top] |
| Rainbow |
|
See 'AB'. |
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Rice Pearl |
|
Rice shaped pearl. See 'freshwater
pearl' for more information. |
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|
Ring Memory Wire |
|
Ring
sized memory wire, approximately 20mm in diameter. Seed beads are most
suitable for this sized memory wire. See 'memory
wire' for more information. |
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|
|
|
Rose Quartz |
|
A pinky quartz, rose
quartz is the stone of love and friendship. Rose quartz is among the
most popular semi precious stones, and is available in a wide range of beads
- from small round beads to large nuggets and chip. See 'quartz'
for more information. |
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|
|
|
Round Nose
Pliers |
|
See 'twirly
wirlies'. |
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|
|
|
S
[top] |
| Seed Beads |
|
Small round beads
available in a variety of different colours and finishes. Eureka!
Beads has hundred for you to choose from, available in size 11/0 and size
5/10. See '5/0' and '11/0'
for more information. |
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|
|
|
Semi Precious |
|
Stones that are mainly used for
jewellery, somewhat precious, but not considered 'precious' (i.e. diamond,
emerald or ruby). See also 'agate', 'amethyst',
'aventurine', 'blue tiger eye',
'fluorite', 'garnet', 'green moonstone',
'hematite', 'howlite',
'jade', 'lapis lazuli', 'moonstone',
obsidian', 'quartz', 'rose
quartz', 'sodalite', 'tiger
eye', 'turquoise' and 'turquoise
howlite'. Note that the holes in semi precious beads are
usually smaller than that of a standard bead. |
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|
|
|
Shaped Metal
Beads |
|
Another form of
metal beads, shaped metal beads come in the form of butterflies,
dragonflies, hearts and the like. Can be strung onto head pins and
used as charms. See 'metal beads' for more
information. |
|
|
|
| Shell |
|
See 'MOP
shell'. |
|
|
|
| Silver |
|
See our beading resources for more information (including photos) on the colours that our findings are available in. |
|
|
|
| Silver Lined |
|
Many of the seed
beads at Eureka! Beads are silver lined. See 'foil'
for more information. |
| |
|
|
|
Silver Plated |
|
A thin
layer of silver electroplated to the surface of base metal. |
|
|
|
|
Sodalite |
|
Found in all shades
of blue, sodalite can easily be mistaken for lapis lazuli.
Used to create a balance between
the head and the heart, sodalite is available mainly in the shape of small
round beads. |
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|
Sterling Silver |
|
A silver alloy, usually a mixture of copper and
silver, that contains at least 92.5% pure silver. |
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|
T
[top] |
|
Tiger Eye |
|
Another form of
quartz, tiger eye has rich yellow and brown stripes and a fine luster.
Tiger eye, the stone used to enhance stability and personal growth, is available in a wide variety of
beads and looks best when teamed with other natural colours.
See 'quartz' for more
information. |
|
|
|
|
Tigertail |
|
Strong flexible bead stringing material, made of fine twisted
wires coated in nylon. It is stiff and does not require a needle to
string beads. Always be careful when working with tigertail that you
don't bend the wire - kinks will not come out. |
|
|
|
|
Toggle Clasp |
|
A clasp that is made of two components - a bar and a circle.
When done up, the bar rests inside the circle and stops the piece from
coming undone. See 'clasp' for more
information. |
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|
| Translucent |
|
Light can be seen through, but
cannot pass through the glass completely. |
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| Transparent |
|
Light can pass through the glass
completely. |
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|
Tubing |
|
See 'memory
wire tubing' |
|
|
|
|
Turquoise |
|
Believed to be one
of the first stones to be mined, turquoise is possibly the most recognisable
of all the semi precious stones. Said to make one at home in both the
spiritual and physical worlds, turquoise is available in a large range of
beads, from small chip through to large nuggets. |
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|
|
|
Turquoise Howlite |
|
Manufactured
turquoise, is very similar in colour and shape to real turquoise.
Howlite is said to
overcome anxiety and frustration and to aid creativity. See 'howlite'
for more information. |
|
|
|
|
Twirly Wirlies |
|
What we've renamed
round nose pliers, twirly wirlie pliers are circular all the way around, and
are used to make loops on the top of head pins and eye pins (in order to
make earrings). |
|
|
|
|
U
[top] |
| Unakite |
|
A granite gemstone, unakite comes in rich red/brown and mossy green colours. Unakite, the stone said to help to stimulate the mind and body, is available in a wide variety of beads and looks great when teamed with other natural colours. |
|
V
[top] |
|
Vermeil |
|
Gilded or
gold-covered sterling silver. |
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|
W
[top] |
| Watch Face |
|
A watch face with
loops either side, for creating a beaded watch. |
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|
|
| Watch Face
Pendant |
|
A watch face, with a
loop on one side only, used to string up as a pendant. See 'pendant'
for more information. |
|
|
|
| Wedding Cake
Bead |
|
A glass bead,
decorated with intricate swirls (often gold coloured) and patterns (often
roses). |
|
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|
| White Heart |
|
A bead made from two
layered - the outside is often a bright colour, whilst the inside layer is
white. Not heart shaped. |
|
|
|
| Wire Jig |
|
A jig for creating
turned wire pieces for jewellery. |
|
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|
Wire |
|
See 'beading
wire' |
|
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|
Wire Cutters |
|
Diagonal cutters, used to cut tigertail and
beading wire. Never use ordinary wire cutters for memory wire - see 'memory
wire cutters' for more information. |
|
|
|
|
Z
[top] |
| Zip Lock Bag |
|
A small, sealable bag, perfect
for holding components or completed pieces. |
|
|
|
|
#
[top] |
|
Size 5/0 |
|
Seed Beads, size 5/0. If you lay the seed
beads out, 5 will fit in one inch (25mm). See 'seed beads'
for more information. |
|
|
|
|
Size 11/0 |
|
Seed Beads, size 11/0. If you lay the seed
beads out, 11 will fit in one inch (25mm). See 'seed
beads' for more information. |
Animal/Fruit Beads
Beading Instructions
