You can find many component parts to make your own Victorian inspired jewelry right here on eBay.

Many sellers offer tips, pictures to give you ideas, lessons to get you started and even bulletin boards to display your work. Be sure to visit Me Pages to learn how to take advantage of these opportunities and to learn more about the company or individuals you are working with. Not all sellers encourage taking ideas from their designs.

Common terms used in the jewelry industry.

• Bail - Oval or D-shaped metal connectors for pendants so that they will face forward when threaded onto chain or ribbon.
• Cabochon - A stone with a smooth rounded top and flat back.
• Filigree - Wire formed into intricate lace patterns or stamped from a die. These pieces are great to use as a backdrop or as connectors.
• Findings - The working parts of jewelry. Think of clasps, lever backs and posts.
• Jumprings - Oval or round shaped wires which have open ends, used to add connectors, beads or clasps.
• OX - Short for oxidized. It means plated to look very old.
• Raw or Natural Brass - Brass is a metal alloy, composed of a solid solution of zinc, dissolved into an element of copper. Raw brass has sharp uneven edges from the stamping process which creates the design. It will stain your skin and often your clothes. Raw brass is a great light weight base, but it must be professionally plated to have the look and feel desirable for jewelry. Many items offered in the fashion jewelry industry are made from brass for this reason. Look for plated items so that your designs will look beautiful for years to come.

Have fun with your hobby. Let your creative energy flow.

Earrings are a great item to start with.

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