Welcome to the Jewelry Maker’s Dictionary from Continental Bead Suppliers — your complete A–Z guide to the tools, findings, beads, and techniques that every jewelry maker should know. In this section, we’re diving into the letter B — one of the richest letters in the jewelry-making world.
Let’s get started!
Bail
A connector that allows you to attach a pendant, charm, or bead to a chain or cord. Bails come in a variety of styles, including glue-on, pinch, and snap-on options.
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Ball Chain
A chain made of small, round balls connected by short lengths of wire. Commonly used for dog tags, keychains, and minimalist jewelry designs.
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Ball Head Pin
A straight piece of wire with a small ball at one end. Used to make dangles by stringing beads and forming a loop at the opposite end.
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Bar and Ring Clasp (Toggle Clasp)
A popular two-piece clasp where a bar fits through a ring to secure the jewelry. Both functional and decorative.
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Barrel Bead
A cylindrical bead with rounded edges, often used as a spacer or focal point in boho and tribal-inspired jewelry.
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Barrel Clasp
A clasp shaped like a barrel that screws or snaps together. Common in vintage and lightweight designs.
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Base Metal
A non-precious metal (like brass, copper, or zinc) often used as the core material for plated jewelry findings.
➡️ Browse Base Metal Findings
Bead
A small, usually round object with a hole through the center, used in stringing and other jewelry applications. Available in glass, gemstone, acrylic, wood, and more.
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Bead Angel
A cute and popular jewelry element made by stacking beads with wings, caps, and head pins to create an angel shape. Great for earrings, pendants, and gifts.
Bead Board
A layout tool with grooved channels used to plan necklace or bracelet designs before stringing.
Bead Cap
A decorative finding that “caps” a bead on one or both ends, adding texture and elegance to your design.
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Bead Cone
Cone-shaped findings that neatly gather multiple strands of beads at one point — often seen in multi-strand or tassel designs.
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Bead Cord
Flexible cord used to string beads. Popular materials include silk, nylon, and waxed cotton. Often used for knotting between pearls.
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Bead Embroidery
A technique where beads are stitched onto fabric or backing material. Often used to decorate around cabochons, stones, or brooches.
Bead Loom
A frame tool used for weaving seed beads into intricate patterns for bracelets, chokers, and belts.
Bead Mat
A soft, padded surface that prevents beads from rolling away while working.
Bead Reamer
A tool used to enlarge, clean, or smooth the holes in beads — especially helpful with gemstones or pearls.
Bead Spinner
A rotating tool that helps string small beads (like seed beads) quickly and efficiently. Essential for volume work.
Bead Stopper
A spring-like clip that holds beads on the wire temporarily while designing to prevent them from slipping off.
Bead Tip (Clam Shell Tip)
A small finding that encloses a knot at the end of a strand and provides a loop for attaching clasps.
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Bead Weaving
The process of using a needle and thread to stitch beads together in a pattern. Techniques include peyote, brick stitch, and herringbone.
Beading Awl
A pointed tool used for knotting and piercing materials like leather or thread. Also helps untangle tight knots.
Beading Cord
See Bead Cord — essential for stringing and knotting jewelry.
Beading Foundation
A stiff material used as a base for bead embroidery. It provides structure for stitching seed beads and cabochons.
Beading Hoop
A metal or wire hoop used to create earrings. Beads can be strung directly onto the hoop or wire-wrapped for a custom look.
➡️ Browse Hoop Components
Beading Needle
A long, fine needle designed to pass through small beads multiple times. Essential for bead weaving.
Beading Supplies
A broad category that includes beads, wire, tools, findings, stringing materials, and more. Everything you need to make jewelry!
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Beadwork
Any jewelry design or accessory primarily made with beads — includes bead weaving, embroidery, and loom work.
Bell Cap
A bell- or cone-shaped finding used to finish off bead clusters or as an end cap for tassels and pendants.
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Bib Necklace
A dramatic necklace that covers the upper chest in a bib-like shape, often featuring layers of beads or stones.
Binder Clip (Jewelry Use)
Common office clip repurposed in jewelry making to hold threads or strands in place during knotting or braiding.
Birthstone
A gemstone associated with each month of the year, often used in personalized or symbolic jewelry.
➡️ Shop Birthstone Beads
Blank (Metal Blank)
A flat piece of metal used for stamping, engraving, or resin work. Common shapes include discs, tags, and bars.
➡️ Browse Metal Blanks
Box Chain
A chain made of square links that resemble tiny boxes. Sleek and durable — ideal for pendants or minimal styles.
➡️ Shop Box Chains
Box Clasp
A decorative clasp where a tab fits into a box-shaped housing and locks in place. Often used in multi-strand or vintage-inspired jewelry.
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Brass
A popular base metal made from copper and zinc. Durable, easy to work with, and used in many chain, charms, and findings.
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Briolette
A teardrop- or pear-shaped bead that is faceted and top-drilled. Popular in earrings, pendants, and wire-wrapped designs.
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Bugle Beads
Long, thin tube-shaped seed beads used in embroidery and fringe designs. Available in various lengths and finishes.
Bulk Beads
Beads sold in larger quantities, often by gram or strand. Perfect for designers, makers, and businesses buying wholesale.
➡️ Shop Beads in Bulk
Button Pearl
A freshwater pearl that’s domed on one side and flat on the other. Great for stud earrings or bezel settings.
Byzantine Chain
An intricate chain pattern created by interlocking jump rings. Known for its elegant, rope-like texture.
➡️ Browse Byzantine Chains
Want More? Click here for Letter C
You’ve just completed the letter B in our Jewelry Maker’s Dictionary. Be sure to check out Letter A if you missed it, or stay tuned for the upcoming Letter C. Want to shop as you learn?
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