Choosing glue for your jewellery making project can seem like a tricky task as a beginner and is a query we get asked a lot. So we have two recommendations we want to share with you below, where we explain their uses and benefits.
We also include some top tips and tricks for ensuring that you are using glue correctly to ensure a strong bond and how to fix common problems.
Shop all the jewellery making supplies and tools you need with Kernowcraft including glue, gemstones, settings, threads and so much more.
This is our most popular and reliable glue for jewellery making, available as a duo syringe or tubes.
The glue comes with step by steps on the packaging, however we have also created a simple step by step photo guide on our website so you can see how easy it is to use.
Devcon 5 Minute Epoxy Glue is a popular choice among jewellers when setting cabochons into jewellery settings as pictured above. At Kernowcraft we stock a wide range of beginner friendly settings from rings, earrings, pendants, bangles and more!
Watch our video above on how to make a simple ring using a gemstone cabochon, Devcon 5 Minute Epoxy Glue and a sterling silver ring setting!
Head on over to our beginner tutorial page on even more projects using glue
G S Hypo Cement Glue a clear, drying cement glue with a fine nozzle for precision application. It's specifically designed for intricate work in jewellery making, ideal for using for bead stringing as the clever nozzle allows small amounts of glue to be applied in difficult to reach places such as on knots inbetween beads.
Discover our large range of threads and accessories! G S Hypo Cement Glue is ideal for using with elastic, silk, satin, cotton, leather and man made threads. Add a dab of glue to secure knots and your design.
After some beads for your next project? At Kernowcraft, we stock a wide range of gemstone and metal beads in a range of shapes and sizes to suit your needs.
If you're having problems with using glue for jewellery making, read our top tips below to ensure you're following the best method to ensure your design is secure and durable.
Before you prepare and apply the glue, ensure all of your surfaces, metal or material is clean and dry to ensure a secure bond.
If you are applying glue to a material that you can texturise such as metal, use a small pin or sandpaper to texture the surface to allow the glue to bond better. Don't forget to check the surfaces are clean of dust, oils and dirt before applying.
Once you apply glue, it usually dries quickly so you need to work fast! Always use small amounts of glue and add more if needed.
Devcon 5 Minute Epoxy Glue is available as a duo syringe or as 2 x 5oz tubes - it's important that you mix equal amounts of resin and hardener for best results.
Colder conditions can make the glue stringy and messy to work with, whereas warm conditions will allow the glue to remain more liquid in the working time.
One of the misconceptions about getting started in jewellery making is that super glue will be a good choice for securing designs as it's so strong! Unfortunately, this isn't the case as super glue won't fill gaps and after time it will go brittle and you will likely end up losing stones and be left with broken pieces of jewellery.
Use a pin to help apply glue into holes of half drilled beads or into tight spaces.
Sometimes you will find that the glue spills over and can leave excess on the setting or your chosen stone, there are a few options to fix this issue but this depends on the stone you are using and the size of the spill! The first thing to do is allow the glue to form a blob and avoid smearing the glue as this will create a thin layer which will be harder to remove once dry. Once the glue is dry or semi dry, you can use a sharp blade to remove the excess glue although be careful not to damage the stone.
Alternatively, excess glue can also be removed with acetone or nail varnish remover however you may want to test on a hidden area first. This is usually fine on hard gems like agate, though not suitable for pearls or other soft or absorbent stones like turquoise.
This depends on the design and type of glue you are using, however you can try soaking the setting in hot water which can help soften the glue to make it easier to remove.