Jewelry making materials?

Question

I'm opening my own online store. I'm making and selling cute hair extensions, homemade make up, and fashion jewelry.

I have never made fashion jewelry before, but I have a lot of designs and I'm a fast learner. I'm using high quality beads and decor from swarovski crystals, but as for the material I have no idea what to use or how to form it. By material meaning metal, acrylic, resin, etc.

What is the best kind?

How do I mold it into the shape I need for necklace pendands?

Which is more of a high quality material that isn't overly expensive?

Thanks

Answer 1

I don't have a whole of advice, but if your bead supplier is big, then they might be able to give you instructions/courses on this.  Companies like John Bead (Canada) are always giving courses, training sessions, newsletters, etc.  They may be able to help you out over the internet if you are not close to Toronto to attend their sessions in person.  Good luck.

Answer 2

um, how will you be opening your own online shop where you sell jewelry, if you don't even have a clue how to do it?  

Answer 3

Your easiest option would be to use beading wire into which you can twist beads, this will give you a sculptural 3d effect...http://www.bonnefete.co.uk/images/occasi...

You can also use tigertail or memory wire to give a better form to your pieces...http://www.northernleisure.com.au/beadwi...

If you want to make something fancier you can try sterling silver precious metal clay (pmc).....http://www.silverclay.co.uk/

Resin, acrylic and plastics, sheet and tube metal can all be used but do require a specialist knowledge, techniques and tools, so i'd stick with finding different ways of beading to start with and sourcing yourself a book to give you more information and ideas.

Some links below might give you some thoughts.:-)