Jewellery Making Basics

Making your own jewellery is not as difficult as most people seem to assume. Once you have a grasp on the basic techniques envolved in making Jewellery then thats when the fun starts. You'll be able to make your own Earrings, Necklaces, Pendants and Bracelets.

For most jewellers, making jewellery started off as a bit of fun which eventually led to them turning it into a business - either full time or just part time to supplement their existing income.

Tools required :
Round Nose Pliers
Flat Nose Pliers
Wire Cutters

How to open and close a jumpring

Grip the jumpring with flat nose pliers and twist it open with your other hand.  Never pull apart to open as this will distort the shape and the jumpring won’t close properly.
Attach the open jumpring to another jumpring, chain or jewellery finding and twist back to close.

How to form a loop using a Headpin






1. Thread beads onto a Headpin.  Using Flat Nose Pliers  bend the excess pin to form a right angle.






2. Trim the end using cutters to leave approximately a 1cm length.  Then grip the end with round nose pliers and roll the pliers back to create a loop.

3. You may need to release the Headpin and continue the rolling action to complete the loop.

How to form a wrapped loop using a Headpin





1. Thread beads onto a Headpin.  Using Flat Nose Pliers  bend the excess pin to form a right angle.






2. Use Round Nose Pliers to grasp the Headpin near the bend and wrap the tail of the pin all the way around to form a loop.







3. Hold the loop in place and wrap the remaining wire around 2-3 times to cover the gap between the loop and bead.  Cut away any excess wire and gently flatten the end.