The Jewelry Maker’s Dictionary: S
Welcome to the Jewelry Maker’s Dictionary – Letter S, brought to you by Continental Bead Suppliers. This section is packed with foundational jewelry terms, findings, chain styles, and gemstone types — making it one of the most important parts of your jewelry-making vocabulary.
Safety Chain
A short chain added to bracelets or watches to prevent loss if the clasp opens accidentally.
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Satin Cord
A smooth, glossy synthetic or silk cord used in macramé, sliding knot bracelets, and charm necklaces.
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Seed Beads
Tiny, uniformly shaped beads used in bead weaving, embroidery, and loom work. Available in sizes from 15/0 (very small) to 6/0 (larger).
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S-Hook Clasp
A clasp shaped like the letter "S" used to secure jewelry. Simple, elegant, and easy to use.
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Scarab Beads
Beads carved or molded in the shape of scarab beetles — an ancient Egyptian symbol of transformation and protection.
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Scoop
A tool used to gather or sort small beads and findings, especially seed beads or jump rings.
Screw Clasp
A clasp that screws together for a secure hold. Often used in vintage designs and lighter-weight jewelry.
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Sea Sediment Jasper
A dyed and stabilized stone known for its ocean-like color patterns and marbled texture.
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Semi-Precious Stone
Gemstones like agate, jasper, lapis, and fluorite that are not classified as “precious” (diamond, ruby, emerald, sapphire), but still widely used in jewelry.
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Shamballa Bracelet
A knotted bracelet style that uses square knots and often features large focal beads. Inspired by Tibetan and spiritual traditions.
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Shepherd Hook
Another name for a fishhook-style ear wire, shaped like a shepherd’s crook.
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Silicone Beads
Soft, lightweight beads used in baby-safe jewelry or modern minimalist designs. BPA-free and safe for teething necklaces.
Silver-Filled
A layer of silver mechanically bonded to a base metal. Thicker than silver plating, offering better durability and tarnish resistance.
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Silver-Plated
Jewelry components with a thin layer of silver electroplated over base metal. Affordable and shiny.
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Slide Connector
A tube-like finding used to hold multi-strand designs together at each end. Often includes a magnetic or slide clasp mechanism.
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Slide-On Beads
Beads with a large hole or silicone grommet inside that slide over thicker cords or chains — often used in adjustable jewelry.
➡️ Browse Smart Beads & Slide-On Styles
Snake Chain
A sleek, flexible chain made of tightly linked rings, creating a smooth, snakelike appearance.
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Spacer Bead
A small bead used to separate or frame larger beads, adding balance and rhythm to designs.
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Split Ring
A double-coiled ring (like a tiny key ring) used for secure attachments that won’t pull open like a standard jump ring.
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Sodalite
A blue-and-white semi-precious gemstone used for its calming appearance and metaphysical properties.
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Spacer Bar
A flat or shaped component used to separate strands evenly in multi-strand bracelets or necklaces.
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Stamping Blank
A metal shape (often round, oval, bar, or heart) used for hand stamping personalized designs, initials, or messages.
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Sterling Silver
A precious metal alloy containing 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper or other metals. Recognized by its ".925" stamp and used in high-quality jewelry.
➡️ Shop Sterling Silver Findings
➡️ Continue Learning: Jewelry Maker’s Dictionary – T
Click here to explore the next set of jewelry-making terms starting with the letter T.