Top 5 Jewelry Making Techniques You Should Know!

Jewelry making is fun! It can be a passion, a hobby, a business, or all three. We have all had that moment when we looked at a piece of jewelry and thought "hmmm.. I wonder if I could make that?" - then starts the journey of learning how to make jewelry. I remember my "ah ha!" moment. I was shopping in Paris and there was this amazing necklace in a store window. The store was closed so I couldn't look at it up close but I remember staring in the window for some time, mesmerized by the way the beads, string, wire, and dangles were all combined. It was so inspiring! 

One of the nice things about jewelry making is that once you learn several basic skills, you can make a wide range of designs. These are the "core" skills that become your foundation and from there you can branch off into a million other directions and learn more advanced techniques. 

Here are 5 jewelry making techniques to get you started on jewelry making:  

1.) How to Make a Simple Wire Loop for Jewelry Making 

With this technique you can finish off bead dangles, make charms, create your own eye pins, curve the ends of memory wire, and more. 

Technique Video: How to Make a Simple Wire Loop for Jewelry Making

2.) How to Make a Wrapped Wire Loop for Jewelry Making 

Similar to making simple wire loops, wrapped wire loops are good for thinner gauge wires and pieces that you want added security for the connections. You can also use this skill to make your own beaded chains. 

Technique Video: How to Make a Wrapped Wire Loop for Jewelry Making

3.) How to Open and Close Jump Rings 

There are few jewelry supplies that are as much of a staple as the simple jump ring. It connects all your pieces together and is often used in earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. Once you know how to open jump rings, you will also know how to open eye pins and the loops at the base of earring hooks. 

Technique Video: How To Open and Close Jump Rings

4.) How to Use Crimp Beads and Tubes

Many necklaces are strung, meaning that the beads have been placed onto very strong beading wire and then a clasp is attached at the end and secured with a crimp bead or tube. Knowing how to crimp crimp beads and crimp tubes is a skill that lets you make an endless variety of necklaces and bracelets. 

Technique Video: How to Use Crimp Beads and Tubes

5.) How to Secure a Stretch Cord Bracelet 

Stretch bracelets are great because they are one-size-fits-all and quick and easy to make. To make stretch bracelets, you need to know how to make a secure knot. Once you are confident in your knot-making, you can let your creativity flow and design away! 

Technique Video: How to Secure a Stretch Cord Bracelet

 The five techniques mentioned above allow you to make strung jewelry, memory wire jewelry, stretch bracelets, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and more. Once you learn these skills, check out the almost 2,000 other free instructional jewelry making videos!