Welcome to the next chapter of the Jewelry Maker’s Dictionary by Continental Bead Suppliers. In this section, we cover jewelry-making terms that start with the letter C — from chain styles to tools, findings, and gemstones. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, this glossary helps you build your vocabulary and shop smarter.
Cabochon
A polished gemstone or glass piece with a flat back and a domed top. Cabochons are often glued or set into bezels for earrings, rings, and pendants.
➡️ Shop Cabochons
Cable Chain
A basic chain made of oval or round links connected in uniform succession. Simple, sturdy, and perfect for everyday necklaces or layered looks.
➡️ Browse Cable Chains
Calotte (See: Bead Tip)
Another term for a clamshell bead tip — a finding used to conceal knots at the end of bead strands and attach clasps.
Cap (End Cap / Bead Cap)
A decorative or functional piece used to finish cord, leather, or multiple strands, or to accent individual beads.
➡️ View End Caps & Bead Caps
Carat (ct)
A unit of weight used for measuring gemstones. One carat equals 200 milligrams. Not to be confused with "karat" (kt), which measures gold purity.
Casted Component
A jewelry piece created using casting techniques — typically by pouring molten metal into a mold. Allows for intricate detail and mass production.
➡️ Shop Cast Metal Charms
Celtic Knot
A decorative motif featuring interlacing lines and loops, symbolizing eternity and interconnectedness. Often found in metal charms, spacers, or pendants.
➡️ Explore Celtic-Themed Jewelry Supplies
Chain
A series of connected links or rings used to make necklaces, bracelets, anklets, and more. Comes in many styles such as cable, rolo, figaro, and box.
➡️ Shop All Jewelry Chain
Chain Nose Pliers
A jewelry tool with tapered, flat jaws used for gripping, bending wire, opening jump rings, and forming loops. Essential for wire work.
Chandelier Component
A multi-loop metal finding often used as a base for chandelier earrings. Allows multiple dangles or bead strands to hang from one focal point.
➡️ Shop Earring Components
Charm
A small decorative object, often with a loop or jump ring, used to personalize jewelry. Available in thousands of styles and themes.
➡️ View Charms & Pendants
Charm Bracelet
A bracelet featuring multiple charms that represent personal interests, memories, or styles. Often designed to be added to over time.
Chevron Bead
A multi-layered, starburst-patterned glass bead traditionally made using Venetian lampworking techniques. Highly collectible and often used in boho or tribal styles.
Choker
A short necklace (typically 14–16 inches long) worn close to the neck. Can be made of chain, beads, velvet ribbon, or memory wire.
Clasp
The fastener that secures a necklace or bracelet. Popular types include lobster clasps, toggle clasps, magnetic clasps, barrel clasps, and box clasps.
➡️ Shop Jewelry Clasps
Claw Clasp (See: Lobster Clasp)
A type of clasp shaped like a lobster claw, known for its reliability and strength.
➡️ Browse Lobster Clasps
Crimp Bead
A small metal bead used to secure beading wire by flattening it with pliers. Often used to finish strung necklaces and bracelets.
➡️ View Crimp Beads
Crimp Cover
A small metal shell used to conceal flattened crimp beads, giving a more polished look to the finished piece.
➡️ Shop Crimp Covers
Crimping Pliers
Specialized pliers used to flatten and secure crimp beads. Often features two notches: one to secure and one to round.
Cross Pendant
A decorative pendant in the shape of a cross, often used in faith-based or symbolic jewelry.
➡️ Shop Cross Pendants
Cubic Zirconia (CZ)
A synthetic gemstone known for its brilliance and affordability. CZ is commonly used as a diamond alternative in fashion jewelry.
➡️ View CZ Charms & Settings
Cup Chain
A chain made of linked settings that hold rhinestones or crystals. Often used in glam jewelry or bridal designs.
➡️ Shop Cup Chain
Cutters (Wire Cutters)
A jewelry tool used to trim wire, head pins, eye pins, and beading cord. An essential in every jeweler’s toolkit.
Want More? Click here for Letter D
You’ve just completed the letter C in our Jewelry Maker’s Dictionary. Be sure to check out Letter B if you missed it, or stay tuned for the upcoming Letter D. Want to shop as you learn?
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