I am the founder of Stones and Findings, a jewelry components wholesale company, specializing in charm designs and chains. I am formally trained in fine arts and finance, earning an MBA from the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Business. I started making and selling jewelry as a way to pay for my university tuition. […]
Author Archives: Dana
Semi-Precious Stones, Wire Work, Stones and Beads Knowledge, Jewellery Making Tutorials
How to Wire Wrap Beads Onto a Chain in a Cluster
30
Aug
Aug
This video shows how to wire wrap beads on a chain in a cluster style. This method works for both a necklace and earrings. We’ve used 26 gauge gold filled wire and 2mm green tourmaline beads. The same concept works using either wire or head pins, just thread in reverse order. For wire, thread it […]
Wire Work, Jewellery Making Tutorials, Jewellery Making Techniques
Jewelry Making Techniques – How To Wire Wrap A Decorative Pendant
09
Aug
Aug
This videos demonstrates how to create a decorative pendant. When the pendant has a wide or flat edge or bottom, you can wrap multiple wires to create a metal accent in the middle of the pendant. The secret is to pinch the wires together at each stage and to keep consistent tension throughout. I’ve got […]
Jewellery Making Tutorials, Jewellery Making Techniques
How To Use Beading Hoops to Make Jewelry – Earrings and Pendants
29
Jul
Jul
Beading hoops are useful and versatile, in today’s video I’m making a pair of earrings using micro-faceted watermelon tourmaline. This beading hoop is tempered and holds its shape, I’m using the 25 mm hoop and what I’m going to do is tread the tourmaline onto the hoop. Be aware that with some of the Indian […]
Gold Filled, Wire Work, Jewellery Making Tutorials, Jewellery Making Techniques
Jewelry Making Techniques – How to Wire Wrap Herkimer Beaded Gold Filled Hoop Earrings
23
Jul
Jul
This video shows how to wire wrap Herkimer Diamond Beads onto 40mm gold filled earring hoops using 26 gauge dead soft gold filled wire. For this jewelry design, I used 28 Herkimer beads, 2 hoops and 11” of wire per hoop (for a total of 22” of wire). Thread the beads in the order desired […]
Wire Work, Jewellery Making Tutorials, Jewellery Making Techniques
How To Wire Wrap Beads Into a Ring
04
Feb
Feb
This video shows you how to wire wrap 5 rondel moonstone beads onto a size 5 ring using 30” of round gold filled wire. For a bigger size ring, thicker base, or thinner wire, be sure to have appropriately longer wire. First find something that is 2 sizes bigger than the size of the ring […]
Tips for Artisans, Designing, Jewellery Business Advice, Jewellery Making Tutorials
How to Solder With Flux and Avoid Balling Up the Flux
27
Dec
Dec
This video features a tip on how to solder silver with flux and what to do when the flux balls up and won’t run. When soldering silver and using hard or soft solder, I often find the solder balls up – it just refuses to jump no matter how long it’s under the flame. This […]
Wire Work, Jewellery Making Tutorials, Jewellery Making Techniques
How to Attach Beads By Folding Wire
30
Nov
Nov
One of many techniques in jewellery making is folding wire after it’s been passed through beads to secure them to chains, holes and spaces. This is a useful technique because it has many applications; especially when the spaces are tightly packed together or irregular. In the video below I’ve demonstrated this technique with the Organic […]
Wire Work, Jewellery Making Tutorials, Jewellery Making Techniques
How to Wire Wrap a Side Drilled Stone 2
18
Oct
Oct
Learn how to wire wrap a side drilled stone using sterling silver wire. This basic jewelry making skill will allow you to use semi-precious stones, freshwater pearls and crystals in your jewellery. Using this technique you can make necklaces, bracelets and earrings. We’re using a pear shaped faceted dyed green Jade, round nosed pilers, nail […]
Stringing and Leather, Jewellery Making Tutorials, Jewellery Making Techniques, The Clam Shell
How to Use Wire Guardians and Thread
07
Oct
Oct
In today’s video, we’re going to show you how to finish off a strand of small beads that have been strung with Cotton. I’ve added a bit of glue at one of the ends to help it thread through easier, I’ve also threaded on a crimp bead followed by a wire guard so it’s up […]