Jewelry Making

DIY Jewelry, Beads And Patterns

Madeby Sam Giveaway

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MadeBy Sam jewelry is well known for their bridal selection which features
beautiful jewelery for the bride and bridesmaids. One of the favorite things
about their shop is that they do custom orders and special designs for
customers.

All of their jewelry pieces are handmade with sterling silver or 14k gold filled with the finest hand selected gemstones and unique metal components.

SUMMER SALE UP TO 30 PERCENT OFF

WIN WIN WIN

Thanks to Madeby Sam we have 2 beautiful pieces to give away.

For your chance to win the the custom made initial Orchids bracelet and matching earrings below simply visit the etsy stores www.madebysam.etsy.com and www.sammi84.etsy.com and tell us which piece is your favorite. The initial you want on the bracelet and which stone you would like.

For extra Entries: follow them on Facebook here

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Special offer: They are offering CraftGossip Readers  a FREE GIFT with every purchase $40 or more. Simply mention “craftgossip giveaway” in the notes to seller during they check out to receive the free gift. . The promotion apply on all our shops here

www.madebysam.etsy.com

www.sammi84.etsy.com

www.madebysam2.etsy.com
Also, we do combine shipping on all 3 shops. The extra shipping fee
will be refund through Paypal after purchase .

Competition Closes – September 1st

Competition Open – Worldwide

Next Idea:

Comments

  1. Oh my goodness! I love this jewelry! I especially like the Peridot gold leaf pear lotus petal ear wires. I would like the initial L and the red garnet stone. Beautiful!

    Admin- CONGRATULATIONS LISA YOU HAVE BEEN SELECTED AS THE WINNER

  2. WOW, that’s pretty! That Orchids bracelet is my favorite but I also love the Apple green chrysoprase , salmond pink coral silver chanderlier earrings!

    I would like the initial C and the persian turquoise stone.

  4. I love the LIMITED EDITION – BLUE PERUVIAN OPAL and silver fern leaf- sterling silverLariat!

    I would get initial D and amethyst stone if I had to pick one! 🙂

  7. I’m in LOVE with all items and have both pages bookmarked as favorites on my etsy site. As a bride to be, I will likely be ordering my bridesmaid gifts from them, as well as my own jewelry (unless I win).

    My favorite piece is currently the (copied title) SILVER orchid, inital disc ,IOLITE BLUE QUARTZ on STERLING SILVER CHAIN -NECKLACE -CUSTOM INITIAL AND STONE.

    So VERY beautiful and elegant! Love them all!

  8. The Gold rutilated Mint leaf 14k gold filled chain Long necklace ( 40 inches ) is GORGEOUS and if I won the above set I would like the pearl and M initial.

  9. i love all of this jewelry! it’s so gorgeous!!
    my favorites, if i must, are the golden orchid necklace and the silver monogrammed initial necklace. or, any of the other beautiful pieces!

    i would like the initial “c” and the champagne mystic quartz if i’m lucky enough to win! thank you!!

  10. Beautiful! It’s so hard to pick a favorite piece…it’s all fantastic. I do love the Bare Leaf necklace w/initial & stone. I’d choose a ‘B’ and Carnelian stone. Lovely!

  11. I love the turquoise and golde circles earrings! They are absolutely gorgeous!!! I would like pearl with the inital L. The pearls with these golden flowers are stunning.

  12. I luv all these designs-great designs & craftmanship! The Silver Orchid Necklace is my favorite – Soooo beautiful!

  14. PERIDOT, COIN PEARL ,INITIAL DISC IN 14K GOLD FILLED NECKLACE is my favorite. Love those coin pearls. I would choose the coin pearl and the inital R

  16. I’m torn…I think I would go for the coin pearl earrings in silver (though I’m loving the Tree of Life necklace and Vine Earrings as well!!). I’d go for a rose quartz and the initial ‘V’, please!

  17. I love the BLUE KYANITE , SILVER INITIAL LEAF, PEARL NECKLACE IN STERLING SILVER. Everything in the stores is beautiful. I would choose a blue stone.

  18. I LOVE the LIMITED EDITION – BLUE PERUVIAN OPAL!
    I would choose the initial K and persian turquoise!
    Thanks so much for a chance to win!!! Beautiful stuff!

  19. I just love the flowing organic quality of this jewelry. While I like to rotate the jewelry I wear, I have one ring that I never take off (not a wedding ring) and it has the same close-to-nature feel as these pieces. My fave is the silver orchid necklace with the iolite blue quartz…so elegant! My extremely close 2nd fave is the silver lotus. I love eastern design, as well. Anyway, if I’m lucky enough to win, I’d love the iolite blue quartz and I’d actually prefer not to have an initial attached. Thanks so much for the opportunity to see this amazing jewelry and the chance to win something so lovely!

  21. My favorite piece is the Spring Garden necklace. My pick would be chrysoprase and the letter ‘A’!

  23. My absolute favorite thing on their site is the HALO – PINK TOPAZ ON 14K GOLD FILLED AND VERMEIL – LARIAT AND LONG NECKLACE. I would like an S initial on the bracelet with an amethyst stone. Thanks for the giveaway!

  24. fave: Golden orchid, gold inital disc , champagne mystic quartz on 14K GOLD FILLED CHAIN -NECKLACE (ALSO AVAILABLE IN SILVER)
    stone: peridot
    initial: d
    xoxoxo

  25. Very cool designs. I really like the Sealife Infinity bracelet. I love the ocean and would like the iolite stone with the letter V. I think these would make great gifts.

  26. I really like the Tree Of LIfe Aqua Earrings.
    I like the tones in the Bicolor Quartz and with the Letter T.

  28. I love everything, but especially the bright orange carnelian and golden orchid 14k gold filled lariat. Gorgeous!

  29. Everything is absolutely exquisite… I simply can’t pick what I like best!! The stone I would choose would be my birthstone – garnet and my initial ‘m’.

  30. Whaa so pretty! I like the “SEA LIFE -CUSTOM INITIAL AND STONE – STERLING SILVER STARFISH ,INITIAL SILVER DISC ,AQUA CHALCEDONY, PEARL , – STERLING SILVER NECKLACE”

    I had 3 others I really liked, but since I can only choose one, this one is my pick for the best.

    Initial: A
    Gemstone: Rose Quartz

  31. Frpm the 1st website I like Crescent Moon Earrings. From the 2nd website I like Coin Pearl Earrings.

    Initial: M

    Gemstone: Iotile Blue

    melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com

  32. I love the custom initial jewelry from the first website. On the second website I like any or all of the pearl jewelry. I would like the initial K and the stone topaz. Thank you!

  33. I love the Aqua and Gold leaf Double layer 14k gold filled Necklace from sammi84 and from Madebysam2 i love HOT PINK CHALCEDONY Earrings -custom stone

    i would love the inital N and the hot pink 1 gem

  38. I love the citrine, labradorite and vermeil earrings!!! I also like the three lariat with turquoise. I think they would both be great additions to my jewelry wardrobe! I would choose a K because I am getting married soon and it will be my new last name with a pearl for my June birthday!!!

  39. I like any color or design.

    My favorite stones are Turquoise and my initial is T
    I love to be surprised and all the artwork by Sam is lovely so I wouldn’t be picky! Keep creating those remarkable works of wearable art.

  40. I’m in love with Red garnet gold chandelier earrings.
    My favorite stone is Turquoise blue chal and my favorite initial is A!!!!

  41. Cute alert!

    CUSTOM STONE – GREEN CHRYSOPRASE , GOLD LEAF, PEARL LOTUS PETAL EAR WIRES

    I would like a J with champagne quartz.

  42. I like the CUSTOM INITIAL AND STONE -INITIAL DISC ,PEARL , SILVER LEAF -NECKLACE IN STERLING SILVER. The initial I’d use would be RH. Or at least R.

  44. I love the orchid & leaf earrings! I’d get D as my initial, and peridot since it’s my birthstone and I so rarely find it in jewelry that I like as much as this stuff.

  45. I like the orchids necklace in silver. If I win, I’d like a J as the initial with the emerald.

  47. I LOVE the Sparkling CITRINE rhinestones studs. They’re so bold! I would have the initial C with the bi-color quartz. 🙂

  48. Ack, I had a hard time deciding. I like the Gold rutilated Mint leaf 14k gold filled chain Long necklace but I also really love it in the Black rutilated quartz ,silver leaf in sterling silver -Long necklace. I think the orchid bracelets are great too.
    The initial I would love is W with a light amethyst.

Have you read?

Jewelry Making Tools For Beginners: What You Actually Need

Starting a new craft can be exciting, but it can also turn into a shopping rabbit hole very quickly. Jewelry making is no exception. One minute you are buying a packet of beads, and the next you are staring at twenty types of pliers wondering if you need all of them.

The truth is, you do not need a huge collection of tools to start making handmade jewelry. For beginner jewelry making projects like beaded necklaces, bracelets, earrings and charms, a small set of basic tools will take you a long way.

This guide covers the jewelry making tools beginners actually need, what each tool is used for, and which extras are nice to have later. It is designed for real crafters with real budgets and real drawers already full of mysterious supplies.

If you are just starting out, pair this guide with an easy project like this DIY birthstone necklace or these easy silk thread earrings.

1. Chain Nose Pliers

Chain nose pliers are one of the most useful tools in jewelry making. They have flat inner jaws and tapered tips, which makes them ideal for gripping, bending and holding small findings.

Use chain nose pliers for:

  • opening and closing jump rings
  • flattening crimp beads
  • holding small components
  • bending wire
  • adjusting clasps
  • tucking wire ends

If you only buy one pair of pliers to begin with, make it chain nose pliers. They are the workhorse of the jewelry making toolbox.

2. Round Nose Pliers

Round nose pliers have smooth, rounded jaws that taper to a point. They are used for making loops in wire.

Use round nose pliers for:

  • making simple loops
  • making wrapped loops
  • creating eye pins
  • shaping wire
  • making dangles for earrings
  • creating small charms

Round nose pliers are especially useful if you want to make earrings, pendant drops or wire-wrapped bead charms. Once you learn how to make a simple loop, a whole world of handmade jewelry opens up.

3. Flush Cutters Or Jewelry Cutters

Do not use your best sewing scissors for cutting jewelry wire. I say this with the voice of experience and regret.

Jewelry cutters are designed to cut wire cleanly. Flush cutters are especially useful because they leave one side of the cut wire flatter and neater.

Use jewelry cutters for:

  • cutting beading wire
  • trimming head pins
  • cutting eye pins
  • trimming soft jewelry wire
  • cutting chain

Keep your cutters for jewelry only. Cutting memory wire or thick hardware wire can damage delicate cutters, so check what your cutters are designed to handle.

4. Crimping Pliers

Crimping pliers are used to close crimp beads and crimp tubes neatly. You can flatten crimps with chain nose pliers, but crimping pliers create a more rounded, professional finish.

Use crimping pliers for:

  • finishing beaded necklaces
  • finishing beaded bracelets
  • securing clasps
  • shaping crimp tubes
  • making stronger jewelry ends

If you are only making one or two simple projects, chain nose pliers may be enough. But if you plan to make lots of necklaces or bracelets, crimping pliers are worth adding.

For more help with this technique, see our guide on using crimp beads without ruining your necklace once it is published.

5. Bead Board

A bead board is a tray with grooves that help you plan necklace and bracelet designs before stringing them. It usually has measurement marks, which makes it easier to create the right length.

Use a bead board for:

  • planning bead patterns
  • measuring necklace length
  • balancing designs
  • keeping beads from rolling away
  • arranging multiple strands

You do not absolutely need a bead board, but it is very helpful for beginners. If you do not have one, use a tea towel or felt mat on your table. The soft surface helps stop beads from escaping.

6. Bead Mat

A bead mat is a soft surface used for working with beads. It stops beads from rolling and gives you a clean workspace.

Use a bead mat for:

  • seed bead projects
  • sorting small beads
  • planning earrings
  • stringing bracelets
  • keeping beads visible

A simple felt square or soft cloth can work if you are not ready to buy a bead mat. The important thing is to avoid working directly on a hard, shiny table, unless chasing beads across the floor is part of your fitness plan.

7. Bead Stoppers

Bead stoppers are small spring clips that hold beads on wire while you are working. They are simple, cheap and surprisingly useful.

Use bead stoppers for:

  • keeping beads from sliding off wire
  • holding one end of a necklace
  • pausing a project safely
  • working on multi-strand jewelry

You can use masking tape or a small binder clip instead, but bead stoppers are neater and easier to remove.

8. Jump Ring Opener

A jump ring opener is a small ring worn on your finger with grooves for opening jump rings. It is not essential, but it can make repetitive work faster.

Use a jump ring opener for:

  • opening jump rings
  • attaching charms
  • making chain jewelry
  • connecting clasps
  • working on charm bracelets

If you make a lot of charm jewelry, this little tool is handy. If you are only starting out, two pairs of pliers will do the job.

9. Measuring Tape Or Ruler

Measuring matters in jewelry making. Necklaces, bracelets and anklets all need to fit properly.

Use measuring tools for:

  • necklace lengths
  • bracelet sizing
  • anklet sizing
  • chain lengths
  • bead spacing

A soft tape measure is especially useful because it can wrap around the wrist or neck. You can also use a ruler for straight wire and chain measurements.

10. Storage Containers

Beads multiply when you are not looking. One day you have a tidy little packet of beads, and suddenly you have seed beads, clasps, charms, wire, broken necklaces and something labelled “miscellaneous sparkle.”

Good storage makes jewelry making much easier.

Useful storage options include:

  • divided bead boxes
  • small jars
  • zip-top bags
  • labelled tubes
  • drawer organisers
  • tackle boxes
  • stackable craft containers

Sort by bead type, colour or project. There is no perfect system, only the one you will actually use.

Beginner Jewelry Making Supplies To Keep On Hand

Along with tools, it helps to have a few basic supplies ready.

A beginner jewelry making kit might include:

  • beading wire
  • jump rings
  • lobster clasps
  • crimp beads
  • head pins
  • eye pins
  • earring hooks
  • spacer beads
  • small charms
  • mixed beads

If you are buying supplies for the first time, look for a basic jewelry findings kit. These are often more affordable than buying every tiny packet separately.

Tools You Do Not Need Straight Away

Some jewelry tools are useful later, but beginners do not need them immediately.

You can wait before buying:

  • metal stamping tools
  • soldering equipment
  • resin tools
  • bead looms
  • torch tools
  • specialty wire jigs
  • expensive display stands
  • professional polishing machines

Start with simple projects first. Once you know what type of jewelry you enjoy making, it is easier to buy the right tools.

If metal stamping appeals to you, this ImpressArt bracelet making tutorial is a fun place to see how that style of jewelry can look.

Best First Projects For Your New Tools

Once you have your basic jewelry tools, try projects that build your skills gradually.

Good beginner projects include:

  • simple beaded bracelets
  • beaded necklaces with clasps
  • dangle earrings
  • charm bracelets
  • pendant necklaces
  • upcycled jewelry
  • wire bead charms

For a simple wearable project, try this wire necklace tutorial or this DIY wrap jewelry project.

What To Buy First If You Are On A Budget

If you are keeping costs down, start with:

  • chain nose pliers
  • round nose pliers
  • jewelry cutters
  • flexible beading wire
  • crimp beads
  • clasps
  • jump rings
  • beads

You can add a bead board, crimping pliers and storage boxes later.

A beginner jewelry making tool kit can be a good value if it includes decent pliers and cutters. Avoid very flimsy tools if possible, because they can make jewelry making more frustrating than it needs to be.

A Practical Beginner Tip

Do not buy every tool before making your first project. Make a simple necklace, bracelet or pair of earrings first, then see what you actually enjoy.

Some people fall in love with seed beads. Some adore wire wrapping. Some just want to make quick earrings from leftover beads. Your tool collection should grow around the kind of jewelry you actually want to make.

That is the nice thing about beginner jewelry making. You can start small, learn as you go, and still make something pretty enough to wear.