Essential Jewelry Making Supplies: Beginner's Starter Kit
Updated 2026-05-07
Six things get a beginner from "I want to make jewelry" to "I just finished my first bracelet." Here's exactly what to buy, why each one matters, and what to skip until you know what styles you like.
1. Stretch cord (0.7mm or 1.0mm elastic)
The fastest way into jewelry making. No clasps, no crimps, just thread and tie. Get a clear or white spool of 1mm: visible enough to thread comfortably, strong enough not to snap.
Recommended: Stretch Magic Bead Cord 1mm, about $4 for a 25m spool.
2. Starter bead mix (multi-shape, multi-color)
Skip the 5,000-piece seed bead mega-packs. Buy a curated 6-8mm acrylic + glass mix in coordinating colors so your first bracelet doesn't look like a kid's project.
Recommended: Mixed Jewelry Beads Pack, about $10-15 for a useful starter assortment.
3. Wire (20-22 gauge, copper or silver-plated)
For attaching charms, making earring loops, and any non-stringing technique. 20 gauge is the all-purpose choice; 22 is for more delicate work.
Recommended: Beadalon Craft Wire 20 Gauge
4. Pliers set (round nose + flat nose + wire cutters)
The three-piece basic set. Round nose makes uniform loops; flat nose grips and bends; cutters trim wire flush. Buy as a set; individual pliers cost as much.
Recommended: 3-Piece Jewelry Pliers Set, about $12-15.
5. Findings starter pack (clasps + jump rings)
Lobster claw clasps and 5-6mm jump rings cover 90% of beginner clasp needs. A multi-pack of mixed silver/gold-tone is the cheapest way in.
Recommended: Findings Starter Pack, about $8.
6. Bead mat (microfiber pad)
Beads roll. A bead mat stops them. The single most underrated $5 in jewelry-making; it will save you from chasing seed beads across the kitchen floor.
Recommended: Microfiber Bead Mat
What you don't need (yet)
Skip these until you've finished a project and know your style:
- A torch / soldering kit. For metalsmithing. Totally different craft, four times the supply cost.
- Sterling silver chain by the foot. Use plated chain while learning. Sterling later.
- A bead loom. Specialized for woven bead designs. Not a beginner tool.
- Tumbler / polisher. For finishing metal; not relevant to bracelets.
- Resin / epoxy kits. Different craft (resin art). Stay focused.
Total starter cost
Cord ($4) + beads ($12) + wire ($5) + pliers set ($14) + findings ($8) + mat ($5) = about $48. With this, you can make a dozen bracelets and start understanding what styles you actually want to invest in.
Once you have these supplies, the complete beginner's guide covers the basic techniques, first projects, and answers to the questions that come up before you've spent your first $20.