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Person Polishing a Jewelry

Jewelry Making

as a hobby

AKA: Jewlery Design.

Jewelry making is a rewarding and creative hobby that allows you to craft unique, personalized accessories. It offers benefits like stress relief, self-expression, and the satisfaction of wearing your own creations.

To get started, begin with basic tools like pliers and wire cutters, and experiment with simple techniques such as stringing beads or wire wrapping.

As you progress, you can explore more advanced methods like metalsmithing or working with silver clay. Many crafters find joy in sourcing materials and connecting with fellow enthusiasts through classes or online communities

Helpful content to get started

We curated content to familiarize you with jewelry making as a hobby and to inspire and help you get started.

We strive for accuracy, but errors may occur. Always use your judgment.

Refer to the listed resources for further research.

Short visual inspiration.

JEWELRY episode
YouTube Playlist | JEWELRY episode
Beautiful Enamel Jewelry Making I Short Documentary
YouTube | Beautiful Enamel Jewelry Making I Short Documentary
Sarah Sears - Jewelry Designer - SIGMA ARTisans Series
YouTube | Sarah Sears – Jewelry Designer – SIGMA ARTisans Series
MASTERS OF DREAMS - Jewellery Documentary Trailer by French Connection Films
YouTube | MASTERS OF DREAMS – Jewellery Documentary Trailer by French Connection Films
More videos
Meet Unique Jewelry Designer Solange Azagury-Partridge | Only Natural Diamonds
YouTube | Meet Unique Jewelry Designer Solange Azagury-Partridge | Only Natural Diamonds
HOW I STARTED making jewelry.
YouTube | HOW I STARTED making jewelry.
Gold Jewelry Techniques: Granulation
YouTube | Gold Jewelry Techniques: Granulation
Sculpting Dragon Ring | Wax Carving Jewelry Making process
YouTube | Sculpting Dragon Ring | Wax Carving Jewelry Making process

Play an episode while exploring the page.

Spotify Embed: Getting Started Making Jewelry
Spotify | Getting Started Making Jewelry
Spotify Embed: Jewellers Academy Podcast
Spotify | Jewellers Academy Podcast
Spotify Embed: For the Love of Jewelers: A Jewelry Journey Podcast Presented by Rio Grande
Spotify | For the Love of Jewelers: A Jewelry Journey Podcast Presented by Rio Grande
More podcasts

The oldest known example of decorative jewelry is a group of 33 perforated shell beads, which were created and worn at least 142,000 years ago during the Early Middle Stone Age.

Oldest jewelry | Guinness World Records

Basic lingo for orientation.

Tools and Equipment

  • Pliers: Used for bending, cutting, and gripping wire and findings.
  • Jump rings: Small metal rings used to connect components.
  • Chain nose pliers: Used for shaping wire and closing jump rings.
  • Round nose pliers: Used for creating loops and shaping wire.
  • Cutters: Used for cutting wire and chain.
  • Mandrel: A tapered tool used for shaping rings.
  • Beading wire: Flexible wire used for stringing beads.

Materials

  • Beads: Small, often round objects used for jewelry making.
  • Findings: Metal components used to connect beads and create jewelry pieces.
  • Clasps: Fasteners for necklaces, bracelets, and anklets.
  • Wire: Metal thread used for creating jewelry components.
  • Gemstones: Natural or synthetic stones used for jewelry.
  • Resin: Sticky, flammable organic substance that is insoluble in water and exuded by some trees and other plants, used for casting jewelry.

Techniques

  • Stringing: Assembling jewelry by threading beads onto wire or cord.
  • Wire wrapping: Creating jewelry by wrapping wire around beads or other objects.
  • Bead embroidery: Stitching beads onto fabric or leather.
  • Soldering: Joining metal pieces using heat and solder.
  • Casting: Creating jewelry by pouring molten metal into a mold.
  • Hammered metal: Creating texture on metal by hammering it.
  • Stonesetting: Securing gemstones into metal settings.
  • 3D Printing: Creating a three-dimensional object from a digital design.

General Terms

  • Bail: A component that attaches a pendant to a chain.
  • Bezel setting: A metal rim used to secure a gemstone.
  • Cabochon: A gemstone with a smooth, rounded top.
  • Facet: A polished surface on a gemstone.
  • Filigree: Delicate metalwork made from thin wire.
  • Sterling silver: A silver alloy containing 92.5% pure silver.
  • Karat: A measure of the purity of gold.
  • Oxidized silver: Silver that has been treated to create a darkened appearance.
  • Hallmark: A mark on jewelry indicating its metal content and origin.

Term Videos

How to break the ice and make a start.

  • Start with a basic jewelry-making kit
    • Includes essential tools and materials
    • Allows for experimentation
  • Explore tutorials or online courses
    • Gain skills and inspiration
    • Find techniques that interest you
  • Consider reference books
    • Get a wider overview of possibilities
    • Useful if kits don’t match your interests
  • Try 3D jewelry design
    • Use free tools like Tinkercad
    • Experiment with designs you can 3D print later

First Steps Videos

Get read-y.

Making jewelry can improve fine motor skills. The intricate work involved helps develop dexterity.

Step-by-step tutorials.

How-To Videos

How To...
YouTube Playlist | How To…
Jewellery Maker Tutorials
YouTube Playlist | Jewellery Maker Tutorials
More how-to videos
Jewelry 101
YouTube Playlist | Jewelry 101
Jewellery 101 | Get Started in Jewellery Making | Hobbycraft
YouTube | Jewellery 101 | Get Started in Jewellery Making | Hobbycraft

Further reading.

Video Articles

More video articles

Go-tos for information.

Website Previews

More website previews

Jewelry can tell stories. Pieces often hold personal significance or cultural heritage.

Nothing like a film for inspiration.

Movie Trailers

Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailers
YouTube | Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailers
Crazy About Tiffany's Official Trailer 1 (2016) - Documentary HD
YouTube | Crazy About Tiffany’s Official Trailer 1 (2016) – Documentary HD
The Handmade Jewellers
YouTube Playlist | The Handmade Jewellers
Jewelry
YouTube Playlist | Jewelry
More movie trailers

Get a clue.

Is it spelled Jewelry or Jewellery?

Jewelry is the American English spelling and Jewellery is the British English spelling.

What materials can be used for basic jewelry making?

Common materials for beginners include beads, gemstones, wire, clay, and resin. These materials are versatile and allow for various jewelry styles.

What methods can be used for basic jewelry making?

Basic jewelry-making methods include beading, wire wrapping, clay sculpting, and resin casting. These techniques are relatively easy to learn and provide a solid foundation for more advanced skills.

You can also experiment with 3D jewelry design and printing.

What are the basic tools needed to start making jewelry?

To begin, you’ll need pliers, wire cutters, a beading board, and basic jewelry findings like jump rings, clasps, and earring hooks.

A jewelry-making kit can be a great starting point for beginners.

Do I need to be crafty to make jewelry?

Not necessarily. While creativity helps, jewelry-making often involves following step-by-step instructions or kits. Many people start with no crafting experience and find it enjoyable.

You can also create jewelry using 3D software and printing. You don’t need to own a 3D printer, as you can use online 3D printing services.

FAQ Videos

Smart assistance.

App Trailers

Jewelry can be crafted from a vast array of materials, from precious metals and gemstones to everyday items like beads, clay, and even paper. From feathers to concrete.

Essentials to have.

Product Demos

User Story: Extraordinary Maker in Jewelry Design
YouTube | User Story: Extraordinary Maker in Jewelry Design

Get smart.

Video Courses and Trailers

BEADED JEWELRY DESIGN: Weave Elegant Patterns - Course by Marion Mazô | Domestika English
YouTube | BEADED JEWELRY DESIGN: Weave Elegant Patterns – Course by Marion Mazô | Domestika English
Jewelry 101
YouTube Playlist | Jewelry 101
Beginners Jewellery Making Course
YouTube Playlist | Beginners Jewellery Making Course

Get together.

Related Videos

Jewelry making can be therapeutic. The process of creating can reduce stress and anxiety.

Subscribe for inspiration.

Newsletter Previews

Additional advice for beginners.

Video Tips

Suggestions?

Let us know!