Jewellery Resources
Over the years as a beading jewellery maker, I’ve tried all sorts of pliers, tools, bead trays, wires, elastic. Some were brilliant, some… not so much 🤨. Here’s a list I can actually recommend. These are the ones I use daily
– and wish I’d had when I started beading!
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Quality Jewellery Tool Kit
If you’re dipping your toes into jewellery making, you don’t need anything too fancy – just a solid jewellery tool set. This kit is the one I reach for daily (and trust me, I’ve got plenty of other pliers and cutters cluttering my desk!). It’s got all the essentials: round nose, flat nose (my favourite!), and cutters – which are surprisingly hard to get right. The quality is great for the price, and it’s honestly a brilliant first set to get you going… and one that’ll last well beyond the beginner stage.
The Beadsmith Tray & Mat
This tray is basically bead control. It stops beads launching themselves across my studio, keeps everything contained, and even has a ruler which I use constantly when measuring bracelet lengths for orders. Not glamorous. Completely essential, but ideally should come in pink! 🤭
WHAM! Storage Box
High quality compartmental storage organiser – perfect for jump rings and charms. Stackable and made from Quality Strong and Sturdy Recycled Single Use Plastic in the UK (bonus).
Mini Bulldog Clips
My little bulldog clips are a permanent fixture in my beading life. Tiny, unassuming and weirdly heroic. I clip one onto the end of my elastic to stop beads making a break for freedom while I’m working. Small, simple, and one of those tools you reach for without even thinking – exactly the sort of thing every jewelry toolbox should have.
Metal Jewelry Glue
My go-to metal jewelry glue – super strong and reliable. It does need a bit of patience, as it dries best overnight, so it’s not for last-minute fixes. But after trying countless others, this one’s my absolute favorite of the moment.
Metal Glue >>>
Desk Magnifier Light
A desk magnifier light might not feel essential if you think your eyesight is fine, but trust me – it makes a world of difference. Jewellery making is all about the little details: spotting tiny scratches, making sure jump rings are properly closed, and double-checking your finish looks professional. The magnification helps you catch things you’d miss with the naked eye, and the light means you’re not squinting in the evenings. It’s one of those tools you’ll wonder how you managed without…I can’t!
Beading Bracelet & Necklace Tray
I use mine practically every day – nothing messes with my flow more than beads rolling all over the place. The U-shaped indent helps keep strands in place while I play with designs. It’s not flashy, it’s cheap, but it does quietly makes life easier when you’re juggling multiple pieces, mixing bead sizes, or trying out designs before committing. If you’re starting out and want something super simple that actually helps you see your design in real life (instead of just in your head), this board is one of those little tools you’ll not regret getting.
Beading Tray >>>
Looper
The Beadsmith looper. Create and trim beautiful 1.5 mm loop de loops for your jewelry, use with 18-26g Craft Wire. A genius invention!
Steel Bench Block
My steel block is looking a little… ropie! but I’ve had mine over 10 years, a great little addition and an essential tool when jewellery making. These square blocks are far better rather than the cheaper fancy ones, they’re a much heavier steel. Plus my hammer.
Ring Sizer Mandrel
This 26-piece steel ring sizer set is one of those tools I didn’t realise I’d use so much. It’s lightweight, easy to handle, and feels solid without being clunky. I keep mine nearby for checking ring sizes before packaging orders – it’s just really handy to have on your bench, especially if you make rings regularly.
Beadalon Elastic
You’ll love this…it’s my go-to brand for elastic – I use it in every stretch bracelet I make. It’s soft, super strong (think rubber band strong), and the reels come really long 100m, which I love. Reliable, consistent quality – I honestly wouldn’t use anything else, especially if you are making stretch bracelets for customers.
Beadalon Elastic 100 Metre Roll >>>
Beadalon Elastic 5 Metre Roll >>>
Wooden Plier Stand
My wooden pliers stand with 16 holes designed for organising jewellers’ tools, crafting implements and precision instruments, great for just grabbing on the go!
Brass Jewellery Stand
Although the Amazon version is slightly different from the one in my photo, my jewellery stand has been so handy, especially for photographing pieces – I just had to recommend it. I bought mine from the same seller, so the quality should be just as lovely.
U Shaped Scissors
These little thread nippers are light, compact, and fit easily into any tool box. They’ve got a built-in spring, so you just press the handle to snip your elastic or thread – quick, simple, no faff. The tips are seriously sharp though, so I’d definitely say they’re for adult use only!
Jewellery Weigh Scales
A good jewellery scale is one of those tools you’ll use all the time. I recommend a 0.01g x 500g scale – it’s the perfect size for weighing pieces accurately. Adding the weight to your product descriptions isn’t just useful for shipping, customers really value it too. It gives them a clear sense of the piece’s substance – and in jewellery, the weight often reflects both the material and the value.
Beading Needles
These are a beaders secret weapon when it comes to threading. They’re super thin, so the beads glide straight on without that annoying battle. The eye is long and flexible too, which makes threading a breeze. Honestly, once you use one, you’ll never bother with a normal needle again – I keep a stash in my tool box.