A Guide to Essential Jewelry
Making Supplies

Jewelry making starts with the right materials and are the foundation of every beautiful piece you create. Whether you’re just starting out or have been making jewelry for years, the materials you choose can make all the difference in how your designs look, feel, and last. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the must-have materials for your jewelry making journey, from gemstones, to beads, to soldering supplies and more. Plus, we’ll share tips on what to look for and pick the right materials to bring your ideas to life.

You’ve Got the Materials Covered, but What About Your Tools?
These free resources will help you create the perfect toolkit for your projects

The $200 Jewelry
Making Toolkit

Jump into metalsmithing without breaking the bank! This comprehensive guide from Lucy Walker Jewellery shows you how to stock up on essential jewelry-making supplies for under $200. Finally you can create stunning pieces without emptying your wallet.

The Essential
Metalsmithing Guide

Ready to elevate your jewelry-making game? This must-have guide covers all the essential jewelry-making tools and supplies you need to get started – without spending a fortune.

What Jewelry Making Supplies
Do You Need to Get Started?

The supplies you need will depend on the type of jewelry you want to create. Are you drawn to intricate beadwork, sculpting with clay, or working with metals? Each approach requires its own set of essentials. While jewelry making can take some upfront investment, it’s all worth it – because it’s such a rewarding craft that grows with you over time! The key is to start small, and focus on the materials you really need, before expanding your collection as your creativity and confidence take shape.

Stocking Up on Supplies For Your jewelry
Projects Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank

Getting started can be an investment, but it doesn’t require you to splurge on everything at once. By focusing on the essentials and planning thoughtfully, you can build a versatile supply collection without overspending. Here’s some tips to help you save money on jewelry making supplies:

1

Start small and build gradually!

Begin with the core supplies needed for your projects, like wire, findings, or basic metal sheets. Expand as you discover your style and gain confidence, instead of buying everything upfront.

2

Choose quality over quantity

While it’s tempting to grab the cheapest materials, investing in higher-quality essentials ensures your finished pieces look professional and last longer. You’ll spend less money in the long-term by avoiding low quality supplies that don’t work out.

3

Be strategic with kits and bundles

Ready-made kits can be a huge money saver, but sometimes they include items you may never use. Be sure to do your research on what you actually need for your specific needs and either buy your materials individually, or pick kits without unnecessary extras.

The Best Supplies for
Beginner Jewelers

Starting your jewelry-making journey is easier with the right supplies. For beginners, it’s best to focus on versatile materials and tools that cover a range of projects. Here are some essentials to get you started:

Wire (Copper or Brass)

Ideal for practicing techniques like bending, wrapping, and making connections. These affordable metals are beginner-friendly and great for learning without fear of wasting expensive materials.

Tip: Start with 20-22 gauge wire – it’s easy to work with and versatile enough for most projects.

Beads

Beads (Glass or Gemstone)

Perfect for creating bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. Beads add color and personality to your designs, making them a beginner favorite.

Tip: Opt for a mix of sizes and shapes to experiment with different designs and styles.

Findings (Jump Rings, Clasps,
and Ear Wires)

These pre-made components help you finish your jewelry pieces professionally. They’re essential for connecting and securing your designs, and easy to buy-in before you’re ready to make them yourself.

Tip: Choose findings in the same metal as your wire for a cohesive look.

Metal Sheets (Copper
or Aluminum)

Great for practicing cutting, texturing, and shaping. These beginner-friendly materials are inexpensive and easy to work with.

Tip: Look for thinner gauges (24-26) to start, as they’re easier to cut and manipulate.

Adhesive (Jewelry Glue
or Epoxy)

Handy for securing beads, stones, or other small embellishments in your designs.

Tip: Use a precision applicator to avoid messy application and ensure a clean finish.

Polymer Clay

A versatile material for crafting colorful, lightweight jewelry. Polymer clay can be shaped, textured, and baked to create unique beads, pendants, or earrings.

Tip: Start with a small set of primary colors – you can mix them to create custom shades. Invest in a basic clay blade and rolling pin for smooth, precise work.

These supplies will help you create a variety of projects while learning the basics. As you grow more confident, you can expand your collection to include more specialized materials!

Advanced Jewelry Making
Supplies for Skilled Creators

As your skills grow, upgrading to advanced supplies can open up new possibilities for your designs. These materials and tools allow for greater precision, more intricate details, and professional-quality finishes. Here are some advanced jewelry-making supplies to consider:

Sterling Silver or Gold Sheet

Ideal for crafting pendants, rings, and earrings. Precious metal sheets give you the flexibility to cut, shape, and texture your jewelry designs.

Tip: Use thinner gauges (24-26) for lightweight pieces and thicker gauges (18-20) for sturdy, bold designs.

Faceted Gemstones

Ideal for bezel setting or prong setting in rings, pendants, and earrings. Faceted stones add elegance and a professional touch to your jewelry designs.

Tip: Invest in a gemstone gauge to measure stones accurately and ensure proper settings.

Bezel Wire

Essential for creating custom gemstone settings. This thin, flexible strip of metal wraps around stones, holding them securely in place.

Tip: Choose fine silver bezel wire for easy shaping and clean soldering.

Solder (Silver, Gold, or Copper)

Soldering is central to metalsmithing, and investing in high-quality solder ensures your joints are strong and durable. Choose a solder that matches the metal you’re working with.

Tip: Keep different solder grades (easy, medium, hard) on hand for different stages of your soldering work.

Faceted Stones and Gemstones

Add a luxurious touch to your jewelry designs with high-quality gemstones. Whether you prefer sapphires, emeralds, or diamonds, faceted stones bring elegance and brilliance to your finished pieces.

Tip: Choose gemstones that complement the metal you’re working with, such as pairing sapphires with sterling silver or gold.

Polishing Compounds and
Buffing Wheels

Achieve a professional finish with advanced polishing supplies. These materials are essential for refining and shining your completed pieces.

Tip: Use a polishing cloth for delicate pieces and a rotary tool with buffing wheels for larger projects.

Advanced supplies give you the freedom to experiment with new techniques, expand your repertoire, and create truly one-of-a-kind designs.

Top Safety Tips When
Making Jewelry

Safety is essential when working with jewelry-making materials to protect yourself and your workspace. Be sure to always wear protective gear like safety glasses, gloves, and a dust mask, especially when cutting, soldering, or handling chemicals.

You’re also going to want to work in a well-ventilated area, and use a respirator if needed. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for chemicals, and store them in labeled containers away from heat. Handle sharp tools with pliers or tweezers, not your hands, and keep your work surface stable. Keep flammable materials away from heat, and dispose of waste properly.

By following these steps, you’ll create a safer, more enjoyable workspace for your projects.

Where to Buy Jewelry Making Supplies

Finding the right place to purchase jewelry-making supplies is key to starting your projects. Whether you prefer shopping online or browsing in-person, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs.

Where to Buy Jewelry Making
Supplies Online:

Fire Mountain Gems

A wide selection of beads, gemstones, metals, tools, and more.

Rio Grande

Specializes in high-quality metals, stones, tools, and supplies for professional jewelers.

Beadaholique

Offers a great variety of beads, findings, and supplies for beading and jewelry making.

Etsy

A marketplace for unique, handmade materials from independent suppliers, perfect for one-of-a-kind finds.

Amazon

Convenient for everyday jewelry-making supplies like tools, wires, and beads, though selection can vary.

Where to Buy Jewelry Making
Supplies In-Person:

Michaels

A popular craft store with a variety of jewelry-making supplies including beads, wires, and findings.

Joann Fabrics

Offers a range of jewelry-making basics like beads, tools, and elastic cords.

Local Bead Shop

Many cities have independent bead shops where you can find unique beads, gemstones, and findings.

Specialty Metal Suppliers

For metalsmithing, look for local suppliers that carry high-quality metals like silver, copper, and brass.

Craft Fairs

Great for finding unique materials and meeting local suppliers.

Hot Tip: If you’re new to jewelry-making, visiting a local store can be a great way to get advice and see materials firsthand. For more specific or professional items, online stores offer a broader selection and often better prices.

How to Store Jewelry
Making Supplies

Proper storage of your jewelry-making supplies is essential for keeping your materials organized, easily accessible, and in good condition. Here are some tips to help you store your supplies effectively:

1

Use Clear Storage Bins or Containers

Clear plastic bins or drawer organizers allow you to easily see and access your supplies. Separate different materials (e.g., beads, wires, findings) in individual compartments to avoid mixing them up.

2

Label Everything

Labeling your containers will help you quickly find what you need, especially if you have a large collection of materials. This is particularly useful for small items like beads, clasps, or findings.

3

Store Wires and Chains Properly

Coil wires and chains neatly on spools or in zippered bags to prevent tangling. For metal wires, consider using a wire spool holder for easy access and organization.

4

Organize Beads and Gems

Store beads and gemstones in small plastic containers with dividers or in bead storage trays. For larger stones or cabochons, use padded boxes to prevent scratches.

5

Keep Tools Separate

Store your tools in a separate toolbox or drawer, ideally with foam padding or tool organizers to keep them in good condition and prevent damage.

6

Store Chemicals Safely

For chemicals like adhesives, flux, and enamels, use sealed, labeled containers and keep them in a cool, dry place away from heat sources or flammable materials.

By organizing your jewelry-making supplies with these storage solutions, you’ll keep everything in order, save time, and ensure your materials stay in top shape for your next project.

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FAQs About Jewelry Making
Materials and Supplies

To get started with basic jewelry-making, you’ll need materials like beads, wire, clasps, and findings (like jump rings and ear wires). If you’re into metalsmithing, you’ll need metal sheets or wires (such as silver, copper, or brass), solder, flux, and tools for cutting and shaping. For beading, you’ll also need thread, needles, and bead glue.
Not all wire is suitable for jewelry making. For wirework, it’s best to use jewelry-grade wire, such as silver, copper, or gold-filled wire. These materials are malleable enough for bending and shaping, while still being strong enough to hold up over time. Avoid using regular craft wire, which may tarnish quickly or break easily.
When selecting gemstones, consider the durability, size, and style of your project. Softer stones like turquoise or opal are better suited for earrings or pendants, while harder stones like diamonds or sapphires are ideal for rings. If you’re unsure, consult gemstone hardness charts or ask for advice from a jewelry supply shop.
Base metals (such as copper, brass, or aluminum) are more affordable and easier to work with but may tarnish or require additional care to maintain their shine. Precious metals (like silver, gold, and platinum) are higher quality and more resistant to tarnish but come at a higher cost. The choice depends on your budget and the type of jewelry you want to create.
Regular glue is not recommended for jewelry making as it might not hold up to the wear and tear. Instead, use jewelry-specific adhesives, such as epoxy or super glue designed for metal, glass, and other materials. These adhesives provide a stronger, more durable bond for your pieces.
Store your materials in clear containers with dividers or drawers to keep everything organized. Beads, gems, and small findings should be stored in separate compartments to avoid mixing. Wires and chains should be coiled neatly or placed in zippered bags to prevent tangling. Keep chemicals in sealed, labeled containers, and always store your supplies in a cool, dry place.
Enamel and resin can be used on most jewelry materials, but it’s important to choose the right type for your project. Enamel is best for metal jewelry, while resin is often used for pendants, rings, and beads. Ensure that the materials you’re working with are compatible with the enamel or resin you plan to use, and follow all safety guidelines when applying.
To extend the life of your materials, store them properly in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and moisture. Clean your tools and materials regularly to prevent tarnishing or corrosion. For metals, use anti-tarnish cloths or sprays to keep them looking shiny. Be gentle when handling delicate stones or beads to avoid damage.