The Jewelry Maker’s Dictionary: P
Welcome to the Jewelry Maker’s Dictionary – Letter P, curated by Continental Bead Suppliers. This section includes popular gemstones, essential findings, and widely used tools — perfect for both hobbyists and professional jewelry designers.
Paddle Head Pin
A variation of the head pin with a flattened end resembling a paddle. Adds a decorative touch to dangles and prevents beads from slipping off.
➡️ Shop Head Pins
Padlock Clasp
A clasp designed in the shape of a padlock, often used decoratively in necklaces or charm bracelets.
➡️ Browse Unique Clasps
Pave
A stone-setting technique where tiny stones are set closely together, covering the surface with sparkle — often seen in charms and beads.
Paua Shell
A colorful, iridescent shell from New Zealand’s abalone, known for its vivid blues and greens. Used in pendants, beads, and inlays.
➡️ View Shell Beads & Charms
Pearl
A lustrous organic gem produced by mollusks. Available as natural, cultured, freshwater, and faux pearls. Often strung and knotted in elegant designs.
➡️ Shop Freshwater Pearls
Pendant
A decorative focal piece that hangs from a chain or cord. Pendants can be made of metal, stone, enamel, crystal, or other materials.
➡️ Browse Charms & Pendants
Peridot
A bright green semi-precious gemstone, and the birthstone for August. Adds color and sparkle to beaded or fine jewelry.
➡️ Shop Peridot Beads
Pinch Bail
A type of bail with prongs that pinch into a drilled bead or pendant, allowing it to hang from a chain without glue.
➡️ View Pinch Bails
Plated Metal
Metal components that have a thin layer of gold, silver, or other finish applied over a base metal like brass or zinc. Offers the look of precious metal at a lower cost.
➡️ Shop Plated Findings
Plastic Beads
Lightweight, colorful beads made from acrylic, lucite, or resin. Often used in children’s jewelry, bulk designs, or bold costume pieces.
➡️ Browse Acrylic & Plastic Beads
Pliers
Essential jewelry tools used to grip, bend, cut, and crimp. Common types include chain nose, round nose, flat nose, and crimping pliers.
➡️ Shop Jewelry Pliers
Post Earring
An earring style with a straight post that goes through the ear and is secured with a back. Often features a flat pad for glue-on embellishments.
➡️ View Earring Posts
Potato Pearls
Freshwater pearls with a slightly oval or irregular “potato” shape. A great affordable alternative to round pearls.
➡️ Browse Potato Pearls
Pressed Glass Beads
Beads made by pressing molten glass into a mold. Known for consistency in shape and size, especially in Czech bead manufacturing.
➡️ Shop Pressed Glass Beads
Prong Setting
A setting where metal prongs hold a stone in place. Allows maximum light exposure for faceted stones, commonly used in rings and earrings.
Puffed Beads
Hollow or slightly inflated beads that are larger in appearance but lightweight. Often round, heart, or star-shaped.
➡️ View Puffed Metal Beads
Punch
A metalworking tool used to stamp shapes, letters, or textures into blanks or sheet metal.
➡️ Shop Stamping Tools
Pyrite
A metallic-looking gemstone also known as “fool’s gold.” Used in beaded jewelry for its brassy shimmer and grounding properties.
➡️ Shop Pyrite Beads
➡️ Continue Learning: Jewelry Maker’s Dictionary – Q
Click here to explore the next set of jewelry-making terms starting with the letter Q.