Whether you are a pro jewelry maker or new to making jewelry
there are some basic supplies you should have on hand. Findings,
beads, tools, and wire are just a few of the supplies you will
need. Here are 10 main items you will need to have.
1. Clasps
Clasps come in a variety of metal types and styles. Lobster
clasps, spring ring, barrel clasp, tube clasp, and pearl clasp
are the most commonly used. They can be purchased in 14k gold,
sterling silver, gold plate, silver and gold tone metal. You
should have a variety of these on hand.
2. Earring hardware
You can purchase earring hardware in 14k gold, sterling silver,
gold plate, silver or gold tone metal. You should stock post
style hardware as well as fish hooks, shepherd hooks, and lever
backs. The style of earrings you are building will determine
the one you use. Don't forget to also order ear nuts for the
back of the post earrings.
3. Chain
You can order chain by the role or in lengths so that you can
cut the amount you need. All size links are available as well
as all metal types. Prices vary depending on size and metal
type. It doesn't hurt to have at least a bit of chain in stock
4. Jump Rings
Jump rings are a must have for your jewelry supplies. These
rings are used to connect different components including pendants.
They come in a few sizes and are available in 14k gold, sterling
silver, and gold or silver tone.
5. Wire
You should stock both silver and gold wire. It is a supply that
you will use often. Normally you purchase your wire in rolls
and it does come in a variety of thicknesses.
6. Solder
Solder and a soldering gun should be in your supplies. Now we
aren't talking the standard soldering gun you buy at your hardware
store, but rather a small specialized gun made specifically
for jewelry.
7. Beads
What would you like? Big beads, small beads, plastic beads,
glass beads? Would you like metal beads, lamplighter beads,
colorful beads, pastel beads? The choices are truly endless!
If you are going to be making bead jewelry then you should have
a large selection of beads to choose from. Because the costs
of carrying large quantities of beads can add up quickly initially
try to fine tune what types of beads you plan to work with and
stick with those.
8. Pin Clasps
You should stock pin or brooch clasps in both gold and silver.
They come in a variety of sizes but the best way to keep your
costs down is to choose a medium size that should work with
most brooches you design.
9. Spacers
If you are going to be working with beads then you will need
to have spacers on hand. You can get spacers in 14k gold, sterling
silver, gold and silver tone metals. They are relatively cheap
so you can stock different metals and sizes.
10. Jewelry Tools
You should stock a nice mix of jewelry tools. Although similar
items may be bought at your local hardware store for less, we
recommend spending the extra and buying ones designed for jewelry
because they are smaller and able to do finer work. These tools
should include items such as pliers, needles, tape measures,
tweezers, rulers, magnifying glasses, jewelry loupe to name
just a few.
If you've been making jewelry for some time then
your supply orders will normally be to top up your stock or try
something new. If you are new to jewelry making you can start
to slowly build your supplies. This method is easier on the pocket
book and gives you a chance to learn what you use most and least.
Of course the advantage to ordering larger volumes is you get
discount pricing. But you can take advantage of this once you
know what you really use. The 10 tips above will get you started
and on your way to designing your own jewelry.
