7 bead tools that earn their place on the table

Buy these seven and you can make almost anything strung, woven or wired.

1. Flat-nose pliers — grip, open/close jumps, flatten. Two pairs for jump-ring work.
2. Round-nose pliers — loops. The tapered jaw gives adjustable loop radius.
3. Crimping pliers — the two-step roll that separates amateur from pro. Non-negotiable.
4. Flush cutters — trim wire tails without pokey ends. The flush side faces your work.
5. Bead board — flocked channels for layout, measured grooves for length.
6. Bead mat — stops rolls-off-the-table disasters; seed beads cling to it.
7. Magnification — a cheap lap stand or visor. Your eyes will thank you at 11/0 scale.

Later add: nylon-jaw pliers (straighten wire), a knotting tool (pearls), a stepped mandrel (consistent loops), a bead reamer (tight holes).

Every one of these is provided in class at the workshop — try before you buy, then buy once. Technique partners: the stringing guide and wire loops.

What students say

“The skills learnt help me in choosing my purchases. I may consider helping a relative in the jewellery business and get included in the exhibitions.”

— Joyce T. (Singapore) · published student feedback

“I will use the skills learnt to draw more designs for my company as we are now dealing a lot in fancy cut diamonds.”

— Darvina P. (Singapore) · published student feedback

Free ways to explore

No sign-up, no payment — start with any of these.

DDownload the gem e-bookFREE
The school's free guide to gems — reading companion to the webinars.FFree gem webinar replaysFREE
Full recorded sessions on gems and the jewellery trade.PPlay Name That GemFREE
The school's free gem-identification game — addictive.TThe complete course guideFREE
Every course, family and diploma in one PDF.

Keep exploring

5 stringing materials compared — cable, silk, nylon, elastic and leatherFive stringing materials compared by strength, drape, knot-ability and best use — pick theStringing fundamentals — knots, crimps and terminations that lastThe complete beginner guide to stringing bead jewellery — thread choices, crimping techniqBead jewellery photography — sell the piece, not the pictureHow to photograph bead jewellery for listings — light, backgrounds, scale, angles and consPearl knotting guide — the classic silk-thread techniqueHow pearl knotting works — silk thread, knots between beads, awls and knotting tools, when

Turn beading into a certified skill

JDMIS in Singapore runs hands-on fashion jewellery and beading courses, from one-day workshops to a full Fashion Jewellery Arts diploma.

Visit jdmis.edu.sg