The Ultimate Jewellery Making Starter Kit: 15 Essential Tools for Beginners

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At Hessle Cliff, we proudly supply jewellery making beads to customers across the UK. If you're visiting from the USA or another country where our products aren't currently available, we've included Amazon recommendations for tools and equipment that will help you get started with jewellery making wherever you are.

Starting Jewellery Making Doesn't Have to Be Expensive

One of the biggest misconceptions about jewellery making is that you might need to spend a lot on equipment before you can create your first piece.

The reality is much simpler.

With just a handful of quality tools and a selection of beads, you'll have everything you need to make bracelets, necklaces, earrings and keyrings from home.

This guide covers the essential equipment I recommend every beginner owns before buying lots of extra gadgets you'll probably never use.

Simply click the on the image for any of these products to open up a new tab and be directed to the product on Amazon.

What Should Be Included in a Jewellery Making Starter Kit?

1. Round Nose Pliers

Amazon Recommendation USA: Vouiu Round Nose Pliers

Amazon Recommendation UK: Jamakala Round Nose Pliers

Round nose pliers are one of the most useful tools you'll own for jewellery making.

Round nose pliers are used to create smooth loops in wire, making them one of the most useful tools you'll own.

They're perfect for:

• Creating eye loops

• Making wrapped loops

• Forming wire shapes

• Finishing earrings

• Making pendants

  
  

Choose a pair with comfortable handles and smooth jaws to avoid scratching your wire.

2. Chain Nose Pliers

Amazon Recommendation USA: The Beadsmith Chain-Nose Pliers

Amazon Recommendation UK: Skrfren Chain Nose Pliers

These are the workhorse of jewellery making.

You'll use them for:

• Opening jump rings

• Closing jump rings

• Holding wire

• Positioning findings

• Crimping small components

  
  

If you only buy one pair of pliers alongside your round nose pliers, make it these.

For an even better deal, you can currently buy a set of jewellery pliers containing both types of pliers along with a jump ring opener. Link to the set in the image below.

Amazon Recommendation USA:

USA - 3 Set

Amazon Recommendation UK:

UK - 3 set

3. Flush Cutters

Amazon Recommendation USA: Boenfu Flush Cutters

Amazon Recommendation UK: Nuosen Wire Cutters

Flush cutters create a clean, flat cut.

Ordinary wire cutters often leave rough, sharp ends.

Flush cutters create a clean, flat cut that gives your jewellery a much more professional finish.

They're essential if you plan on working with:

• Jewellery wire

• Head pins

• Eye pins

• Memory wire

• Craft wire

4. Bead Mat/Board

Amazon Recommendation USA: The Beadsmith Design Bead Board

Amazon Recommendation UK: The Beadsmith Design Bead Board

This board is fantastic for keeping everything organised.

Beads have an amazing ability to roll off tables and disappear forever.

A bead mat keeps everything in one place and also makes arranging your designs much easier before you start threading.

This particular board is available on both the US and UK Amazon marketplaces.

It's one of those inexpensive tools you'll wonder how you ever managed without.

5. A Good Bead Storage Box

Amazon Recommendation USA: Mathtoxyz Bead Organizer Box

Amazon Recommendation UK: Funtopia Craft Organiser

Good storage saves time!

As your collection grows, organisation becomes increasingly important.

Look for a storage organiser with:

• Adjustable compartments

• Secure lids

• Clear plastic

• Stackable design

  
  

Keeping your beads organised saves time and prevents colours and sizes becoming mixed together.

6. Elastic Jewellery Cord

Amazon Recommendation USA: Paxcoo Elastic Bracelet String

Amazon Recommendation UK: Caianwin Elastic Thread

Elastic cord comes in an assortment of diameters.

If you're making stretch bracelets, good quality elastic cord is essential.

Elastic can lose its stretch surprisingly quickly, so it's worth choosing a trusted brand. With over 1.4k reviews on the UK amazon marketplace, and an average rating of 4.5, it seems the majority of customers are happy with Caiawin's offering.

7. Jewellery Wire

Amazon Recommendation USA: Paxcoo 6 Pack Jewelry Beading Wire

Amazon Recommendation UK: Naler Craft Wire

Jewellery wire is a versatile tool.

Jewellery wire, just like elastic cord, is available in many thicknesses.

For beginners, a medium gauge craft wire is usually the most versatile.

You'll use it for:

• Wire wrapping

• Pendants

• Earrings

• Decorative designs

  
  

8. Jewellery Glue

Amazon Recommendation USA: B-7000 Craft Glue

Amazon Recommendation UK: B-7000 Craft Glue

Jewellery glus is great for securing knots.

Although many projects don't require glue, it's useful to have for:

• Securing knots

• Cabochon projects

• Repair work

• Cord ends

  
  

Only use a small amount, a little goes a long way.

9. Measuring Tape or Ruler

Amazon Recommendation USA: Soft Tape Measure

Amazon Recommendation UK: The Bead Shop Double Sided Tape Measure

Measuring accurately can also help reduce wasting your materials.

You may well already have a ruler or measuring tape at home!

Measuring accurately helps create jewellery that fits properly.

It's especially useful for:

• Bracelet sizing

• Necklace lengths

• Wire measurements

• Repeatable designs

  
  

10. Jewellery Findings

Amazon Recommendation USA: Qulltk 1200 Pcs Jump Rings for Jewelry Making Supplies

Amazon Recommendation UK: Bafiwu Jewellery Findings

A starter findings kit is perfect for beginners.

You'll also need various findings depending on the projects you make.

These include:

• Jump rings

• Lobster clasps

• Crimp beads

• Head pins

• Eye pins

• Ear hooks

  
  

Many beginners choose a starter findings kit, while others prefer buying individual components as needed.

11. Beads

Amazon Recommendation UK: Hessle Cliff

Of course, no jewellery making starter kit would be complete without beads.

At Hessle Cliff we specialise in:

• Gemstone chip beads

• Shell beads

• Round Crystal Beads

  
  

If you're in the UK, we'd love you to explore our collection.

Our beads are available here on the website (UK), as well as on our Amazon store.

There are of couse, so many different types of beads to consider. Depending on prefrences, budget etc there are a host of options out there.

If you're elsewhere in the world, you can find suitable beads through your preferred local retailer while using the same techniques explained throughout our guides.

Amazon Recommendation USA: Zefy Crystal Beads

Zefy provide crystal beads in the USA.

12. A Small Pair of Scissors

Amazon Recommendation USA: Beaditive Precision Craft Scissors

Amazon Recommendation UK: Beaditive Multipurpose Craft Scissors

Dedicated craft scissors are always useful.

You'll use scissors more often than you think for:

• Elastic cord

• Thread

• Packaging

• Display cards

• Craft projects

  
  

A dedicated craft pair is always useful.

13. A Notebook

Amazon Recommendation USA: ZCZN A5 Blank Notebooks

Amazon Recommendation UK: ZCZN A5 Blank Notebooks

A notebook can be incredibly useful.

This may seem like an unusual addition, but many jewellery makers quickly discover how helpful it is.

Use it to record:

• Bracelet sizes

• Favourite colour combinations

• Customer requests

• Stock levels

• Design ideas

  
  

Some of the best jewellery collections begin as quick sketches.

14. Good Lighting

Amazon Recommendation USA: Airlonv LED Desk Lamp

Amazon Recommendation UK: LED Desk Lamp

Natural daylight is ideal, but a daylight-style LED lamp is an excellent alternative.

Small details matter in jewellery making.

A bright desk lamp helps reduce eye strain and makes it much easier to work with tiny findings and beads.

Natural daylight is ideal, but a daylight-style LED lamp is an excellent alternative.

15. Patience and Practice

This isn't something you'll find on Amazon, but it's the most important item on the list.

Every jewellery maker starts somewhere.

Your first bracelet probably won't be perfect.

Neither will your second.

But with every project you'll improve your techniques, discover your own style, and gain confidence.

The most experienced jewellery makers all started exactly where you are now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start jewellery making with just a few tools?

Absolutely. Round nose pliers, chain nose pliers, flush cutters, a bead mat and some beads are enough to complete many beginner projects.

Do I need expensive equipment?

No. Good quality beginner tools will last for years if they're looked after.

What's the best jewellery making tool for beginners?

If you could only buy one, I'd recommend chain nose pliers. They're used in almost every project.

Should I buy a complete starter kit?

Starter kits can be a great value if they contain quality tools. However, many experienced jewellery makers eventually replace cheaper tools with higher-quality versions.

Final Thoughts

Starting jewellery making is easier than many people think.

You don't need a workshop full of expensive equipment, just a few reliable tools, some beautiful beads and the enthusiasm to create something unique.

If you're in the UK, don't forget to browse our range of jewellery making beads here at Hessle Cliff.

For readers in the USA and around the world, I hope the Amazon recommendations throughout this guide help you find the tools you need to begin your jewellery making journey.

Happy creating!