Once it has been decided what type to make, what about the materials required?
Gold
Gold is probably the best known and most widely used material for making jewellery. In its pure state, gold is yellow in colour, whilst coloured gold can be created by mixing alloys. In recent years, white gold has become more fashionable and is created as an alloy by mixing with at least one white metal, usually nickel, manganese or palladium. The purity of gold is measured in carats.
Silver
Silver has become very fashionable and though much cheaper than gold is still valuable. Sterling silver is harder than pure silver.
Platinum
Platinum is a highly valuable precious metal used in making jewellery although its use is not as common as that of gold and silver and the price is more volatile than that of gold.
Precious stones (also known as gemstones)
Precious or semi-precious stones, sometimes also known as gemstones, are ones cuts and polished especially for setting in jewellery. In particular diamonds, emeralds, pearls, rubies and sapphires, have long been used in jewellery making and are mentioned many times in the bible.
Wood
Wood is mainly used in the production of hand-carved bangles and bracelets but can also often feature as a pendant on a necklace.
Glass
Glass can be polished, shaped and coloured into exquisite jewellery.
Shells
Shells have long been used in jewellery due to their abundance on beaches, particular in places such as the Caribbean.
Metal
Metals, in particular enamel and copper and even wire, are popular in jewellery
Other
Stones, rocks, beads, leather, ribbon, cloth, natural bone, animal teeth, acrylics, plastics – in fact just about anything
Tools
Depending on how professional you intend to be with your jewellery making, in addition you will need to consider investing in some if not all of the following:
Cutting tools and special pliers
Tweezers
Drying Equipment
Engraving tools
Files
Cord and wire
Abrasives
Soldering and heat equipment
Ring sizing tools
Vice and holding tools
Magnification
Wire working tools
Polishing, tumbling and extraction tools
Saws
Bead string material (cord, wire, ribbon, elastic, leather)
Clasps and connectors
Endings and bindings
Beading needles
Glue or other adhesive
Storage boxes
Cleaning cloths
Pouches