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PVD Gold Plating vs Traditional Gold Plating: What's the Difference? When shopping for gold-coloured jewelry findings, chains, or accessories, you may see terms such as gold plated, PVD plated, and stainless steel. They can look similar at first glance, but the coating methods and how they perform over time can be quite different. For jewelry makers, understanding these differences can help you choose materials that look beautiful and stand up better to everyday use. Here's what to know about P …

Bead Hole Size Guide: How to Choose the Right Cord or Wire An 8 mm gemstone bead tells you how wide the bead is. It does not tell you what will fit through its hole. Two beads with the same outside diameter can have different hole sizes, and holes may vary slightly within the same strand. If you are planning a stretch bracelet, a clasp bracelet, or a knotted necklace, checking the hole before you start can save frustration. Start by choosing your gemstone beads, then make sure your stringing mat …

12 Most Popular Gemstone Beads for Jewelry Making Gemstone beads are available in an extraordinary range of colours, patterns and finishes. With so many choices, it can be difficult to know which stones to add to a new jewelry collection or keep on hand for future projects. Popularity changes with fashion, season and customer preference, and there is no single universal ranking that applies to every jewelry business. However, certain gemstones remain consistently recognizable and widely used in …

Natural, Dyed, Heated and Stabilized Gemstones Explained When shopping for gemstone beads, you may see descriptions such as natural, dyed, heated or stabilized. These terms describe whether a gemstone has been treated after it was mined. Gemstone treatments are common throughout the jewellery industry. Some improve colour, while others increase durability or make naturally porous material suitable for everyday jewellery. A treated gemstone is not necessarily fake or poor quality—it is simp …

Moonstone vs. Labradorite: What’s the Difference? Moonstone and labradorite are often compared because both gemstones can display a beautiful glow that seems to move across the surface. Although they may look similar at first glance, they have distinct colours, optical effects and design possibilities. Both stones belong to the feldspar mineral family, but their appearance and character are quite different. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right gemstone beads for yo …