Electroplating is a process used to deposit a thin layer of pure metal over the surface of a finished piece of fashion jewelry. This technique is often used to coverfirestain on silver or to change the colour or appearance of a piece, and the plating service is usually combined with polishing to give the fashion jewelry a professional finish.

Preparing a piece for plating Your piece must first be completely finished, including any set stones (with the exception of chemically sensitive stones). The plate will have the same finish as the metal it is plated on, so carefully pr

Stinging beads to make a nice piece of fashion jewelry
Threads and wire

Threads are available in both natura! and syn-thetic materials; the most popular choices are nylon and silk. Ribbons and cords of leather, waxed cotton, silk and synthetic materials can be used for stringing. Sewing supplies stores provide plenty of variations that can add a unique touch. Wire is also suitable for stringing. Nylon-coated beading wire, an extremely flexible multistrand steel wire, is a popular contemporary choice because of its strength, flexibility and ease of use. Gimp, a flexible tube of coiled metal wire, is used to protect silk/thread where it attaches to the clasp or jump ring and to give a professional finish (use a length of about 1?1.5 cm/l/2 in. per strand end).

Tools

Basic fashion jewelry tools can be used for stringing projects, for example flat-nosed pliers, round-nosed pliers, chain-nosed pliers, snips and instant glue. Specialist tools useful for string