The right tools for the job will make a world of difference when crafting statement jewelry. Luckily, there are just a few essential tools and they are inexpensive and easy to find. Some you might even have already. While you’re shopping, try out a few sets of pliers to find ones that feel comfortable in your hands.
Clippers are essential for cutting a variety of materials, and we recommend you invest in a sturdy pair. If you’re doing a lot of delicate work, try a pair of NIPPERS to make precise, flush cuts in small places. For cutting larger chain, pick up a pair of HEAVY-DUTY CHAIN CUTTERS. You won’t need them very often, but when you do, you’ll be really glad you have them.
There are more pliers available than you’ll ever use. While some are handy to have once in a while, these are the pliers we use day in and day out:
ROUND-NOSE PLIERS are long and tapered cylinders used to create loops and curves in wire. Adjust the placement of the wire on the pliers to adjust the size of the loop. Use these for wire-wrapping and looping.
FLAT-NOSE or CHAIN-NOSE PLIERS are the workhorses of a jeweler. Flat-nose pliers have two flat interior surfaces and flat exterior surfaces. Chain-nose pliers have two flat interior surfaces and round exterior surfaces. Both are built for gripping components and opening jump rings. The edges are used to create angles and precise bends in wire. Avoid pliers with serrated or textured surfaces, as these tend to mar the metal. You may want to invest in two of each of these pliers, one for each hand, for opening and closing jump rings. We also use flat-nose pliers or chain-nose pliers in place of crimping pliers, since we find they work just as well.
Tools, from top: clippers, round-nose pliers, flat-nose pliers, chain-nose pliers.
Needles, from top left: beading needles, English beading needles, hand-sewing needles, wire needles.
Several types of needles are used in statement jewelry. Thin beading needles are used with thin silk or cotton thread, while hand-sewing needles are used with thicker embroidery thread. The needle you choose for a project should both fit through the hole in the bead and accommodate the thread you’re using.
BEADING NEEDLES are long, thin needles used with delicate stringing materials and small beads.
ENGLISH BEADING NEEDLES look similar to a sewing needle, except for their smaller eye and thinner body.
HAND-SEWING NEEDLES are used to embroider or embellish details and can sometimes be used as an easier alternative to beading needles. We also often use these needles when using embroidery thread to connect strands of chain or beads.
WIRE NEEDLES have a larger, flexible eye that flattens when threaded through a thin bead. These tend to be easier to use than the other needles mentioned above and will work for most of the projects included in this book.
We use glue all the time to secure components in our pieces. There is an assortment of highly specific glues available for gluing almost any two surfaces to each other. Always read the directions carefully. Many glues require ventilation.
E-6000 glue is a thick, permanent, rubber-based bonding adhesive that’s tough and flexible. Use it to attach rhinestones to metal, glass stones to metal, or beads to fabric.
SUPER GLUE is best for using as an added security measure on end caps and rhinestone ends. Flat or heavy components tend to shear off when affixed with Super Glue, so use it only with lighter materials.
TACKY GLUE is used to stop ribbon, cord, or fabric from fraying.
CLEAR NAIL POLISH stops fraying of thin beading materials and thread knots. The clear nail polish you probably have around the house works well.
