Glossary

Craft and Jewellery Glossary

This Jewellery Glossary includes industry terms and definitions in one convenient place. Click on letter below to go directly to the start of terms beginning with that letter.

Index A-F

A

acrylic

Acrylic is a useful, clear plastic that resembles glass, but has properties that make it superior to glass in many ways. There are many quality levels of acrylic. Common brands of high-grade acrylic include Polycast, Lucite and Plexiglass.

Acrylic is many times stronger than glass, less likely to break and shatter, and even offers better insulation! Acrylic is also only half as heavy as glass. Acrylic lends itself easily to shaping. Unlike the cheap form of plastic, acrylic does not turn yellow, become brittle, or crack over time. With care, acrylic remains new looking regardless of age or exposure to the sun. Scratches on acrylic can be easily buffed out.

Acrylic is more expensive than glass, and if exposed to flame, it will melt and eventually burn.

Amiguri

Amiguri refers to the Japanese art of crocheted small dolls or animals or toys that are anthropomorphic (body part disproportionate to other parts). It is done with single crochet and working in rounds. The rounds (for each part) are never joined; they are worked in a spiral. These parts are then stuffed and sewn together.

Sometimes felt is used to create ears, eyes, nose, and other embellishments.

Argentium

Argentium is low tarnish sterling silver. Regular sterling is 92.5% fine silver and the rest is copper which makes it tarnish. Argentium has germanium in it instead of copper and hence it is highly tarnish resistant. I see it is hallmarked "930" on Rio Grande's products. Argentium, like fine silver, can be fused which is really cool. It fuses easier than fine silver.

Definition submitted by Ruby Tuesday Beads and Gems.

B

C

carding

In the production of woolen yarns, carding is the process of untangling the woolen fibers and laying them straight, side by side. This process also cleans the fibers of debris. Both woolen and worsted yarns are carded. For worsted yarns, the next process is combing.

CCB Plastic

CCB Plastic are Metalized plastic which have been electro-plated in metal, so they look and feel like metal but are Light Weight.

chaton

Unlike the flat-backed rose^(defn), chatons are loose crystal components that have a back (underside) that is coned with a diamond cut.

combing

In the production of worsted yarns, after the woolen fibers are carded, they are combed. Combing removes shorter length fibers while further straightening the fibers and laying them parallel. It also helps to clean more debris and dirt from the fibers. Only worsted yarns are combed. Woolen yarns on the other hand are only carded.

crimp beads

Crimp bead, also know as French Crimp, is a small metal bead with thin walls and comparatively large holes. It is designed to be flattened with a crimp tool or crimping pliers. It is used to finish off wire or cord at the ends in lieu of unsightly knots and when used properly, give the jewelry a finished, professional look.

crocheted dolls

see: Amiguri

D

E

F

Flat Back

Flat Backs are loose crystal components that have a flat back (undersides). They can come in any shape. Swarovski offers 2 varieties: Flat Backs Hotfix (HF) or Flat Backs No Hotfix (NoHF).

Flat Back Hotfix (HF)

The flat reverse or underside of the crystal has been pre-coated with a heat sensitive glue and can be applied to a range of textiles. It has a long lasting crystal effect. Swarovski offers Flat Back HF in many different cuts, shapes, colours, and sizes.

Flat Back No Hotfix (NoHF)

These are identical to the Flat Back HF except they do not come with pre-coating of heat sensitive glue at the bottom. Instead their flat bottom is platinum foiled for extra brilliance and protection. One- or two-component glues can be used to apply these to a variety of carrier materials. Swarovski offers Flat Back NoHF in many different cuts, shapes, colours, and sizes.

foiling

Foiling is the process where the underside of stones or crystals are mirror coated with a metallic finish to increase the shine and brilliance of the stone.

french crimp

see: crimp bead