The term cabochon refers to any polished material (stone, glass, plastic, etc.), cut in cabochon; in other words, it has no facets. A cabochon has no holes. Its shape can be oval, round or square with rounded corners. The simple cabochon has a convex surface (the top one) and a flat surface (the lower one), while a double cabochon is provided with two curved surfaces, one of which is more pronounced than the other. For fashion jewelry, cabochons are often glued on a basic ring, earrings or on a pendant ring to make a necklace.

Tool used to measure beads, stones and any other small objects. It is equipped with two flat tips. The object to be measured is placed in between the two tips. The fixed part indicates where to take the measure whereas the sliding part is calibrated and serves as a ruler. Calipers use the metrical system but also offers imperial measurements. Calipers can be manual or electronic (battery operated). The latter allowing for an easier and faster reading.

A cameo is a low-relief glyptic art carving technique (art of stone carving in relief or intaglio). This technique is used on materials made of layers of colors. The sculptor must carve while taking into account the different layers of color and depth to play with so that the various colors are positioned in the right places. Cameos representations are often found as a bust of an influential political, cultural or religious character. Hence, the term "cameo" also refers to the resulting object of the carving. The most popular stratified materials that are used are onyx, banded agate, sardonyx, carnelian-onyx, chalcedony, the shell from layered seashells and glass. Sometimes, the color differences are exacerbated by dye. White strata, as they are very compact, do not stain, unlike the softer strata. Stone cameos are very expensive, thus they were replicated in materials such as shells, glass, coral or lava. Today, we also find imitations made of various other materials. A little bit of history: The cameo was very fashionable in Classical Antiquity then forgotten and resurfaced during Renaissance as Napoleon was an avid cameo collector and he instituted a special school to promote the engraving of stones.

Carnelian is a gemstone of the chalcedony family. It can be translucent to opaque and its color ranges from reddish brown to reddish orange. Its color is due to the presence of iron oxides and is similar to the pulp of the dogwood’s fruit (a reddish type of berry). It is often mistaken with the dyed agate. This gemstone is naturally prevalent in India, Brazil and Uruguay.

Resin is a heat-hardening plastic made from resin and a hardener. When these two components are mixed, resin hardens and its reversibility is impossible. There are many different types of resin.

Polyester resin has a liquid and extremely slimy aspect. It is translucent and is abundantly used for jewelry making and decorating accessories.

Polyurethane resin sets really fast. It is very robust and is mainly used in factory made products.

Epoxy resin is flexible and translucent and can be used like a varnish. It is commonly used in jewelry because it can be sanded, polished and frosted and dyed.

Acrylic resin is mostly used to make sets or for decors. It is a resin used for architectural reproductions. It is also used for important casting projects and it does not shrink when it hardens.

Casting resin is the result of mixing resin with a hardening agent. The dosage and the mix of the two components are very important steps that directly affect the setting of the resin. This resin can be mixed with (flat-headed) wooden stirrers in disposable graduated plastic cups. Resin is translucent and transparent but dyes and pigments can be added during preparation to add color. Once all the components are well mixed, the resin must be cast in a chosen recipient. The setting time varies between 12 to 48 hours. There are different brands of resin, it is thus important to read the instructions inside the package really well before starting your project. Unused resin can be kept for up to 6 months after the jars have been opened. It is not recommended to expose it to direct sunlight.

Glazing resin helps add relief to flat surfaces and it does not require molds unlike the casting resin. Its drying time is about 6 hours (surface) and it fully dries after 12 hours.

The term Cat-eye refers to the chatoyant reflection caused by the reflection of the light on parallel fibers, needles or channels in the stone. The most common stone that has this particular effect is the chrysoberyl. There is also a synthetic way to replicate this effect in glass.

Ornament used to personalize mobiles. Some models are decorative and some other must be inserted around the area of the headphone jack. Others are equipped with a cord and a connector on which it is possible to attach different types of charms. For the latter, the mobile must have a small loop. This loop is often very discreet and is found on the sides of the phone.

General term that refers to materials such as terra cotta, stoneware, earthenware and porcelain.

A chain is made with rings or links assembled together or intertwined successionally. In jewelry making, chains are very versatile. They can be worn as a bracelet, a necklace, a belt or an ankle bracelet to which charms, pendants and bead sections can be added. Chains are also used as extensions (extension chain) or as a safety mechanism (safety chain) when placed on both of the clasp’s side. Chains come in various models, dimensions, forms, colors and materials, the most popular one being metal whether precious or not. Welded chain links strengthen the chain, offer a more comfortable wear and a nicer finishing touch.

A chainmail is a succession of very simple rings that interlock in a more or less large and complex design depending on the design (byzantine style, etc.). It can be used to make bracelets, necklaces and pendants of various sizes. During the Middle Ages, iron or copper rings were welded to improve shock resistance. Nowadays, the chainmail used to make fashion jewelry is made with aluminum, copper or sterling silver rings or rings made of various metal alloys, which makes it easier to work with and more versatile in terms of colors and weight. A little bit of history: Although mostly associated to the Middle Ages (where they were used under the armor as protection), archeologist have found some chainmails that date of 5 centuries BC. The chainmail is said to be of celtic origin and its use would have spread when roman invaded Wales.

The term chalcedony designates all varieties of quartz and microcrystalline and cryptocrystalline. It includes agate, carnelian, jasper, onyx and other varieties of quartz. However, the term chalcedony is often used to denote the common chalcedony sensu stricto. It can have a milky appearance and be transparent, and bluish white-grey. It can be dyed as it is porous. It can be found in Brazil, the United States, India, Madagascar, Namibia, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. A little bit of history: The name comes from the Greek "Karchêdôn", an ancient transit city on the Bosphorus (Istanbul strait). Roman and Egyptian used it in cameos, seals and amulets. Today, it is often found in the form of a cabochon, as beads, rings or artifacts. In the Neolithic period, chalcedony was used to make tools.

Channel findings are pieces of metal that are furrowed, they look like small frames. The grooves serve as a partition to insert beads previously strung on a string. Of various shapes, the pieces can be rectangular or round, with one or more grooves. As these pieces are pierced from one side to the other, they can be integrated to some of your creations as a bead, a link or a grooved pendant.

In the jewelry world, the term charm refers to a small object with a ring or loop for it to be attached to a chain, a connector or wire, in order to hang it as decoration. Often considered lucky, they come in an endless variety of shapes (heart, animals, cross, flower, etc.) and materials, although they are often made of metal.

A chatelaine is a decorative element or a piece of jewelry that was very popular from the XVIIth century to the XIXth century. Its primary purpose is to hold a watch from the waist down. The chatelaine had a belt hook, a hanging chain, decorative plates, a watch and charms.

The term “chaton” can designate several things: 1- A type of ring “head” : upper part of a ring that is not a part of the body meant to receive a stone that must be set. It is equipped with claws that can fold on the stone to set it. Also called : bezel, prong setting, claw setting. If a similar element is put on another jewelry piece such as an earring, the element will also be referred to as a “chaton” or bezel . 2- A shape : in slang, the french term “chaton” can also designate a small round stone of which the pavilion is pointy and is destined to be set on a bezel.

Chew beads are silicone beads that allow creating jewelry safe for babies to chew on! These chew beads are soft on baby’s gums and teeth and can be chewed and washed without being damaged. Made from food quality silicone, these chew beads are certified BPA-free, phthalate-free, lead-free and cadmium-free! Perfect for mums and tots!

Chips are small uneven pieces of materials, pierced to make beads. These materials can be gemstones, cat’s eye seashells, coral, amber or glass.

The chrysoberyl or gold beryl is a gemstone that can be found in a transparent to opaque range, in the shades of gold yellow, golden green, brownish green and red. It actually is a beryllium and aluminum oxide with traces of iron and chrome. The most prized varieties are the alexandrite and the cat-eye chrysoberyl. The principal sources of these minerals are found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, the United States of America, Madagascar, Russia and Zimbabwe. A little bit of history: the chrysoberyl hope is quite famous, it is a green chrysoberyl of 45 carats.

Citrine is a glassy yellow to brown colored gemstone of the quartz family. It actually is a silicon dioxide (silica). Its yellowish color is due to the presence of a very small amount of iron oxides in the mineral. Its name is derived from the lemon of which she shares the yellowish shade. Natural citrines are rare. Most of them originate from Brazil, the United States, Madagascar, Argentina, Myanmar, Scotland, Spain, Namibia and Russia.

Clasps devices that close a necklace or a bracelet. Clasps are categorized as findings. A clasp is usually made of two parts placed on both ends of the jewelry piece. There are different models and they are differentiated by their fixation mechanism.

Tool that evens and flattens polymer clay. It is equipped with a handle that actions rollers and a clamp that fixes the machine to a working area. This allows for 6 adjustments between 0.2 mm and 2.2 mm of thickness. It is an ideal tool to make uniform plates of different thickness and to allow for an easy color gradation.

Tool that helps create coils out of polymer clay. Just like a syringe, this tool is equipped with a barrel tube (in which the clay is put) a plunger (to push the clay) and a nut (19 interchangeable disks that allows the creations of a multitude of shapes) that is fixed at the end of the barrel. Simply fix the desired shape’s nut into place and fill up to 2/3 of the barrel with clay (so you can exert an even amount of pressure) and lastly, push the clay out of the barrel using the plunger.

Transparent liquid that softens the polymer clay in order to better knead it, use it moderately. It’s better to gradually pour it while kneading the clay until it has the desired consistency. It is also great to erase fingerprints that are left while handling the clay. Warning, the clay’s color might loose some of its shine after applying this liquid.

“Cloisonne” is a technique used to make enameled jewelry. The piece that are made using this technique are called “cloisonne”, “cloisonne” beads are handmade by talented artisans. This technique is achieved by creating a “shape” with closespace “cloison” to receive the enamel. The bead’s base onto which are welded “cloison” are made of copper. The “cloison” are small wires or small brass bands that create the outer shape of the “motif”. Then liquid enamel is applied and cooked up to three times to create a “motif” with vivid colors and perfectly enameled. The bead is then polished and the “cloison” are gold or silver plated. A little bit of history: This technique goes back to the 2nd millennium B-C.

Combs are feminine ornaments with tight, fine teeth. They are used to maintain a hairstyle in place. A comb consists of a frame with teeth and a gallery (decorative portion) of various widths and heights. A comb has to be slightly curved to properly fit the shape of the head. A comb can be made of metal, plastic, tortoiseshell, horn, etc.

Complementary colors are opposed on the chromatic scale (for example, magenta and green, violet and yellow, orange and cyan). When mixing cold colors and warm colors, the end result is very contrasted, bold and attracts the eye.

A connector is a finding used for fashion jewelry. Often a piece made of metal used as a link between several elements of a jewelry piece they are very useful to obtain an impeccable finish touch. Some are only practical and others are also decorative.

Copper is a reddish metal that is extremely malleable. It is also historically one of the most important metal. Many primitive civilizations around the world used it in their daily life. Copper is also one of the main metals used in alloys such as bronze, brass and sterling silver. Copper is a metal that oxidizes rapidly. When in contact with oxygen, it reacts to it and produces a thin layer of copper oxide on its surface. Unlike the iron based metals, the oxidization of copper actually protects it from corrosion. However, this greenish oxidized layer can also leave traces when in contact with skin. Some copper strings are covered with a colorful coating that protects the skin, which allows for the jewelry pieces made of copper to be worn. The down side is that this coating is very fragile and can thus be damaged when using pliers. To circumvent this weakness, some copper strings are silver plated before being wrapped in nylon. The strings are then more resistant to dents created by pliers and their colors are more vibrant. Copper strings are available in various gauges for different purposes: crochet, wrapping, pendant, embroidery, etc.

Gauge	Suggestions
28	Spool knitting, embroidery, delicate decoration, fine weaving, crochet
24	Bead wrapping, double-eye pin, double-eye charm, delicate decoration
22	Bead wrapping, eye pin, charm, delicate decoration, bead cage
20	Bead wrapping, eye pin, charm, delicate decoration, ring form, sculpted decoration, earring hook, bead cage
18	Bead wrapping, eye pin, charm, ring form, sculpted decoration, earring hook, bead cage, clasp
16	Sculpted decoration, ring, bracelet, earring, pendant and necklace form, bead cage, clasp
14	Sculpted decoration, ring, bracelet, earring, pendant and necklace form, clasp
12	Sculpted decoration, ring, bracelet, earring, pendant and necklace form, clasp
10	Sculpted decoration, bracelet, pendant and necklace form

Coral is a microscopic animal which, throughout his life builds its shell out of limestone, calcium carbonate. When corals gather in great numbers (millions) they form coral reefs. The red coral as well as the black coral are the most sought varieties of corals in the jewelry making industry. The red corals are classified by the intensity of their shade of red. The black coral is now an endangered specie and thus protected by law. The pink coral also prized, is known as angel skin. This white coral is very sought although only when of the purest white shade. The alternative to the red coral is the bamboo coral. Its lighter and less costly than the red coral. The bamboo coral’s name comes from it’s bony tree branch-like shape that resembles a bamboo plant. It starts off with a whitish shade but cant easily be dyed. As this coral abounds, it is not an endangered specie. The sponge coral is also an alternative to the red and bamboo coral. This coral’s aspect is a cross between an algae and a mushroom, because of its sponginess, thus the name “sponge”. It has a rough texture however it can easily be polished and dyed.

A cord is made from mounting twisted or braided wires together which allows it to be more resistant. In jewelry making, cords can be made of various materials.

In the finding’s family, cover crimp look like round metal beads with an open side. They are used to conceal crimp beads and thus, they give a more professional finish to jewel creations. The slit allows the wire and the crimp bead to be nested in the cover crimp. Once both wire and bead are well positioned within it, the cover crimp can be gently closed with pliers to form a well-rounded ball. The cover crimp is available in different sizes and different metal finishes.

Crimp beads are small metal balls meant to be crushed on a steel wire coated with nylon (Tigertail). As their metal walls are very thin, they are easily crushed and they fix themselves to the nylon coating that surrounds the wire. Thus, they do not move and can block beads or be used to as a finishing touch to a jewel by linking wires together. It is possible to create spaces between beads using the crimp beads. Crimp beads on the market range from 1 mm to 3 mm in diameter. There are also tubes available and several decorative beads that can be crushed. There are two ways to crush the beads. The first one is to use flate pliers. However, this gives a rectangular shape to the beads, which may irritate the skin when the jewel is worn. The ideal technique is to use the specifically designed pliers for crimp beads. With this tool, the bead will be crushed twice for a discrete, sturdier result that is more pleasant to the touch.

Tool used to make stitches, mainly used for the technique that bears the same name. This tool is similar to a needle, but has an extremity shaped as a hook, which allows it to hold strings. Crochet needle come in various sizes. They can be used with many different types of cords or strings such as copper, cotton, hemp, ribbons and wool strings. It is also possible to add beads to your project using this tool.

Long tweezers with pointy arms. They are mainly used to take hold of objects. The tweezers’ reversed pressure enables them to hold objects without having to exert any type of pressure or even hold it in our hands. Thus, it’s useful when trying to keep together elements that are going to be glued together, when welding (jewelery) and when picking up small objects such as rings, strings or when dislodging a string stuck in a weaving piece.

Crystals are a type of glass that has a high concentration of lead (at least 24% of lead oxide is added to glass). Not only does lead add a touch of shine to the glass but it also allows for it to be cut much more easily. There are different types of crystal and they range in quality. Stellaris crystals offer a vast array of quality products. Its main advantage over the Swarovski crystals, is its excellent quality/price ratio. Indeed, it is possible to have about three times more Stellaris crystals, for a comparable price. The reason is quite simple, made in Canada and presently manufactured in China, this brand of crystals is developed and exclusively distributed by Club Bead Plus. The Austrian Swarovski crystal is recognized as being of the highest quality. Its neat facets and its perfect calibration provide it with the highest shine, making it very popular. This crystal is made with a glass that has a very strong amount of lead (32%), which eases the cut and the cold polishing and allows to maximize the crystal’s refraction. It is the Swarovski’s house that with designer Christian Dior, invented the AB (Aurora Borealis) coating, nowadays very popular. This coating has yellow highlights with a touch of pink and blue on some crystals surfaces. Other types of crystals are also available on the market.

Synthetic zirconia or cubic zirconia is used as a substitute for diamond. It is an yttriferous zirconium oxide that was developed in 1977.