Jewelry supplies can come in a wide variety of shapes, styles, material and color. In the early day’sjewelry supplies were made out of what was readily available, many came from animals and the earth. The earliest of jewelry supplies were simple things; rocks, vines, shells, animal bones and animal teeth. In the era of Cleopatra jewelry supplies started to take a metallic turn. This was the dawning period for today’s modern jewelry. Man had begun using gold, metals, copper, bronze, and handmade beads for eccentric pieces of art. Jewelry supplies were starting to include tools to make pieces such as mallets in order to bend and shape the material heated with fire.

Now, jewelry supplies have more of a man-made look and feel as opposed to the earth made, natural look and feel. To make earringsthe supplies will be things like kidney shaped loops or fish hooks. This will go through the ear and fasten. Beads, feathers, and shells can all be used to make earrings as well as matching necklaces or bracelets. Necklaces and bracelets will require a base such as wire, thread, or fishing line to use for stringing decorations. Scissors, tweezers, rounded needle nose pliers and wire/chain cutters are also jewelry supplies needed for making jewelry.

Everyday objects can be added to jewelry supplies. Objects such as safety pins, old buttons, zippers, leftover thread, sequins from clothing, as well as beads off of old clothing can all be recycled jewelry supplies. Safety pins make great bracelets, earrings and necklaces. Old wooden clothespins can be made into brooches as well as bracelets. Buttons can add a unique touch to a pair of earrings as well as become a new pin! Zippers are a unique jewelry supply item in that they give each piece that rock star feeling. Any item of clothing with embellishments should be recycled for its jewelry supply items before sending it off to the local charity.

If a jewelry maker is trying to build up a stock of jewelry supplies the kit should include wire, thread, elastic cord, needle nose pliers, closures, clasps and beads. Beads to include are wooden, porcelain, plastic, crystal, glass, and metal. Other jewelry supplies to keep on hand are scissors, closures, clasps, jigs, jars, bottles, and a lap tray. These items will help in the process of making jewelry, also keeping everything contained and organized.