8 Jewelry Making Mistakes To Avoid!

Ready to start your jewelry-making journey but worried about making mistakes while working? We've got you covered! Jewelry making is a great hobby art form for expressing yourself. Whether you're just starting out or are looking to improve your technique, knowing what pitfalls to avoid will help ensure that your creations are both beautiful and durable. Here are some of the top easy jewelry-making mistakes to steer clear of:

1. Using the Wrong Type of Wire

One of the most common mistakes when making jewelry is using the wrong type of wire for your project. Not all wires are created equal—each type has specific uses, and selecting the wrong one can impact both the look and durability of your jewelry.

Depending on your technique or the type of project you are making, your wire should be selected accordingly. For example if you are doing a bead stringing project, selecting wire like 7-strand or 19-strand bead stringing wire is preferred over selecting artistic or german style wire. 

Artistic and German-style wires are more suited for wire-wrapping projects. Craft wire is another wire-wrapping wire type that may not be suited for more stringing projects. 

Another thing to consider is the Wire Temper. Here is some vocabulary to keep in mind:

• Soft or Dead-Soft: The softest temper to consider for your jewelry-making projects. These wires are typically thinner, 26 gauge or higher, and have a softer, thread-live feel making them great for weaving, threading, and more delicate wire-work.
• Half-Hard or Medium Temper: This is the most common temper to use. These wires can hold their form while still being easy to manipulate.
• Spring Hard: These are the hardest wire temper, these wires are stiff and should only be used when creating very sturdy elements.

Next is wire gauges. A good thing to note is that the higher the number assigned to that wire's gauge, the thinner the wire is. For example, a 16-gauge wire will be much thicker than a 26-gauge wire.

Mistake to Avoid:
Using too thick or too thin wire for a project, or using the wrong wire type (like using copper wire when you should be using sterling silver or stainless steel).

Tip:
Make sure to choose the appropriate wire for the type of jewelry you're making. For example, use softer, finer wire (like 24 or 26 gauge) for delicate designs like beading, while thicker, more durable wire (like 18 or 20 gauge) is best for structural elements like jump rings or clasps. Check the wire's material too: stainless steel or memory wire is ideal for more durable, heavy-duty pieces, while artistic wire is great for wrapping.

2. Misusing a Mandrel

A mandrel is a tool used to shape and size rings, bracelets, and other circular pieces, but using it incorrectly can result in poorly shaped or uncomfortable jewelry.

Mistake to Avoid:
When using a mandrel, try not to push or force the wire or metal too hard while wrapping, this can distort its shape. When using a Mandrel, pre-heat your wire in your hands to make it more supple and willing to bend and shape around the mandrel form you are using.

Tip:
Before using a mandrel, make sure you are using the correct size for your project. Always wrap wire gently around the mandrel to avoid kinks or warping. Pre-heating your wire in your hands for a few seconds can also help make the wire easier to bend and shape.

3. Not Using a Measuring Tool

You know that old saying: measure twice cut once? It works for jewelry making as well. Many new crafters assume they can eyeball measurements, but this often leads to uneven pieces, poor fit, and frustration. When designing something like a bracelet or necklace, it's always recommended to have a measuring tool on hand to help ensure your necklace or jewelry piece fits the way you want it to.

Mistake to Avoid:
Not measuring your wire or beads, resulting in finished projects not being the right size or two earrings not matching the way you want them to.

Tip:
Always use a ruler, bead mat with grid lines, or a specialized jewelry measurement tool to ensure you have accurate lengths and spacing. For bracelets, necklaces, or rings, a sizing tool can also ensure proper fit, reducing the risk of creating pieces that are either too tight or too loose.

Tip 2: Keep your scrap wire!
Keeping larger pieces of scrap wire in a jar or bowl is great to have on hand when you are learning new wire-wrapping techniques. These wire pieces can double as practice wire or wire to use if you need smaller amounts.

4. Not Using the Correct Pliers

Pliers are essential tools for jewelry-making, but using the wrong type of pliers for a specific task can result in bent or damaged components. The right pliers can make a world of difference in the quality of your work.

Mistake to Avoid:
Using flat-nose pliers when you should be using round-nose pliers or vice versa. For example, round-nose pliers are needed to make loops, while flat-nose pliers should be used for gripping and straightening wire.

Tip:
Invest in a few essential types of pliers for jewelry-making: round-nose, chain-nose, and flat-nose pliers are must-haves. Always use the right type for the job to avoid damaging your wire or beads.

5. Using Incorrect Adhesives

While adhesives are sometimes necessary in jewelry-making, using the wrong kind can lead to pieces that fall apart, discolor, or look sloppy.

Mistake to Avoid:
Using a glue that isn’t appropriate for the materials you're working with—such as using a fabric glue on metal, or a hot glue gun on delicate beads.

Tip:
Use adhesives specifically designed for jewelry-making, such as E6000, a strong and clear adhesive that works well with a variety of materials. For gemstones or metal settings, consider using a jewelry-specific epoxy or adhesive made for bonding those materials. Always test the glue on a small surface before committing to the final piece to ensure it doesn’t discolor or damage the materials.

6. Designing Without Considering Materials

Not taking the properties of your materials into account when designing can lead to jewelry that looks good but doesn't function well or last as long as you want it to.

Mistake to Avoid:
Designing without considering how different materials work together, or how they will wear over time. For instance, pairing lightweight beads with a heavy chain can cause the beads to shift or break, or using delicate materials like glass with high-stress areas like clasps may cause breakage.

Tip:
Always consider the properties of each material when designing your piece. For example, if you're making a bracelet, choose materials that can handle the movement of the wrist, like a strong elastic cord or durable cording. If you're using glass or ceramic beads, ensure they are properly strung and secured so they don’t break under pressure.

7. Improper Sizing Techniques

Getting the size right is crucial, especially for pieces like rings, bracelets, and necklaces. Many crafters either overlook sizing or rely too much on guesswork.

Mistake to Avoid:
Not properly sizing jewelry before finishing it. For example, not measuring the wrist before making a bracelet, which could lead to pieces that are too tight or too loose.

Tip:
Use a ring sizer for rings, a bracelet sizer for bracelets, and a tape measure or necklace sizing tool for necklaces. For bracelets, remember that the clasp will take up some length, so add a little extra length to your measurements.

8. Not Considering the Wearer

When designing jewelry, it’s easy to get caught up in creating something that you think looks great. However, always consider the wearer’s comfort and style.

Mistake to Avoid:
Not thinking about the comfort, size, and style preferences of the person who will wear the jewelry. For example, making heavy earrings that might not be suitable for someone with sensitive ears, or using rough-edged wire that can irritate the skin.

Tip:
Consider the wearer's lifestyle and preferences. If the person has sensitive skin, opt for hypoallergenic materials like sterling silver or titanium. For comfort, make sure the jewelry is well-balanced and not too heavy, and think about how the jewelry will fit into the wearer’s wardrobe or daily routine.

Avoiding these common mistakes can make all the difference in your jewelry-making process. By using the right tools, materials, and techniques, you’ll create jewelry that’s not only beautiful but also functional and long-lasting. Whether you’re designing for yourself or creating gifts for others, keep these tips in mind to ensure your jewelry is both flawless and fashionable. Happy crafting!