Best Jewelry Glue – Reviewing the Best Glue for Jewelry Making
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Jewelry making is great for both a hobby or a professional jewelry maker. Special tools are required to create jewelry, no matter how good a craftsperson you are, and you will need good jewelers glue to stick pieces of jewelry together in the making process. You could also want to make jewelry repairs, like if a stone had come loose and needed to be stuck back on. Most people wear some form of jewelry every day, including rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces. Regardless of whether you’re doing repairs or creating a great piece, having the best adhesive is extremely important. We will go through all of the details in this article.
Table of Contents
Types of Jewelry Glue
Jewelry comes in all shapes and sizes, and to work on metal pieces you will need a soldering iron or decent jewelers glue to bond metal jewelry. You can create jewelry from all sorts of materials like ceramics, gems, wood, plastic, stones, clay, and precious metals. The best jewelry glue will create a long-lasting bond that lasts a long time. There are different types of adhesives like epoxy resin, craft glue, general jewelry glue, and glue for metal jewelry.
All-purpose Jewelry Glue
An all-purpose general glue that will work on glass, fabric, wood, leather, ceramics, metal, and jewelry. It is both handy to have around the house and extremely versatile. The glue can be used on all kinds of projects as it is waterproof, temperature-resistant, and stays flexible.
Cement or Jewelry Glue
Cement, or jewelers glue, is an exceptionally durable jewelry adhesive that can be used for fine details, small beads, and adornments. Using a fine applicator, precision work can be done on all your pieces. The glue gets into all of the hard-to-reach places and dries clear, fast.
Fixing cord ends and using it on appliqués are two more of the versatile uses of the right glue.
Epoxy Resin
Epoxy Resin is a heavy-duty option when it comes to jewelry. Great glue for securing beads to metal or for bonding gemstones. The resin also dries clear and that makes it excellent for creating jewelry. The epoxy resin can also be used to cast smaller parts or even to create whole jewelry pieces.
Superglue
A glue that can be used on all sorts of surfaces, superglue is also very versatile. It dries incredibly fast, sets very clear, and therefore it is perfect for sticking beads to vertical surfaces. Superglue can be kind of liquid and runs easily, though the quick drying time makes it difficult to work with as you have very limited time to do the job.
It is best for minor jewelry repairs and pieces that don’t need too strong a bond.
Guide to Buying Jewelry Glue
Always read the instructions on the product label before buying the best jewelry glue as there are loads of different types of glue available. The large range of glue available can have different formulas which change according to bonding strength, performance, and purpose needed. There are a few things to take note of when buying the right jewelry glue for your needs, we will go through them here.
Choosing the Best Jewelry Glue
We have talked about the many types of glue that you can use to make jewelry. Make sure that you always read the label to check that it will bond to the surfaces that you are working with. Not every glue will stick to every surface, especially not metal surfaces and non-porous surfaces. We can buy glue specifically for working on jewelry or we can use epoxy resin. We could also use superglue though it probably wouldn’t be a great choice with the multitude of other great options available.
Every adhesive has a list of strengths and weaknesses. It is important to choose the best glue for metal jewelry, as well as the best glue for gemstones.
Drying Time
Drying almost instantly, superglue is one of the fastest, while many other types of glue can take a few hours or even longer to set properly. Superglue is great for quick jobs and issues where time is of the essence. If you want a stronger bond, more durable, and longer-lasting, you will need to wait a while longer. Working times are also something that needs to be thought about. The quicker a glue dries, the less time you have to work on the issue while fixing it or creating the piece. Slower drying adhesives will allow more time to get things done.
Ease of Use
Jewelry is often a very fine undertaking, especially when working on very small pieces, so it can be a problem when glue gets over everything and makes a mess. Often the glue will have a very fine nozzle that can be used to offer very tiny amounts in exact positions on small bits and extremely fine work. It is also important for the glue not to be too runny. As it needs to have a good consistency, to create the best bonds on all of the surfaces.
Flexibility
Glues that dry too hard and become brittle and crack are not desirable for jewelry making. Hands will often hit jewelry pieces and create pressure on the adhesive, so a bit of flexibility is extremely important, you don’t want the piece to break when it hits something.
Strength
Your jewelry is exposed to all sorts of circumstances every day, so any glue on it should be able to resist high temperatures and stay strong. Hot weather can become an issue for some adhesives, so they would be good enough to be used for jewelry. People are also in the water a lot with their jewelry on, so these glues must be able to resist water as well as possible without coming loose.
Oils and creams could also be an issue, so glues without any weaknesses to those ingredients should also be better considered.
Color
When creating jewelry, it is important to find an adhesive that sets clear so that it becomes less visible. If the glue is transparent it will not be seen on any part of the jewelry. Mistakes will not be the end of the world as they will not stick out and will not be seen. Some epoxies could have a slightly yellow tint when dry, which could easily bring attention to flaws in the work. You can paint on some glue, so the issue can be disguised in some instances.
Best Glue for Jewelry Making
Since we have gone through all of the essentials for the right glues and figured out that not all of them are the same, we have curated a few different choices for the best glue for jewelry making. Whether you’re finishing the design of a very unique and special piece or doing easy repairs, the most effective glue is always necessary.
Best All-Round Jewelers Glue: E6000 Jewelry and Bead Adhesive
The E6000 Jewelry Adhesive works on a variety of surfaces that include fabric, leather, ceramics, glass, metal, and wood, making it a strong all-rounder. The adhesive stays flexible when dry and will stay stuck with any harsh conditions and varying temperatures. It is gel-like in its look and gives enough time to work on the piece with a drying time of around 24 hours. It is great for very detailed work as it has a precision applicator that can apply fine amounts exactly where necessary.
- The most well-known and popular glue for metal jewelry
- Strong and durable permanent finish that is flexible and clear
- Can be used on a wide range of surfaces, including metal and ceramic
PROS
- Good all-rounder
- Very precise applicator
- Clear drying
- Strong and durable
- Permanent and flexible bond
CONS
- Can be messy to work with
- Has a bit of an unpleasant odor
Best Jewelry Super Glue: GORILLA Super Glue Gel
A brilliant choice for household uses, Gorilla Super Glue can also be a great glue for making jewelry. It sets very quickly though, so be careful not to bond your fingers, but creates a strong and durable bond. The adhesive will dry in only a few seconds to a clear seethrough bond that can handle a decent amount of knocks and shocks. It is a non-drip formula, so can easily be worked on vertical surfaces. This adhesive can be properly bonded on most types of surfaces like metal, stone, rubber, leather, and many more.
- No run control gel formula that is great for use on vertical surfaces
- Gorilla tough anti-clog cap helps keep glue from drying out
- Specially formulated for increased impact resistance and strength
PROS
- Bonds to almost all materials
- Very fast drying
- Simple to apply
- No dripping formula
CONS
- Could dry too quickly for fine work on jewelry
- Could give off fumes
- Not 100% waterproof
Best Resin Jewelry Glue: DECORROM UV Resin
This DecorRom UV Resin comes ready to use without the need to mix or prepare it to apply. It will set completely in a few minutes when placed under a UV light. This resin sets clear, resists scratching, and will not go yellow over a long time. It is perfect for crafting projects and making all sorts of jewelry, as well as other fabrication work. The resin is safe for our environment and non-toxic.
- The UV resin requires no preparation and cures instantly under UV light
- The resin is self-leveling cures to a crystal clear and glassy finish
- The resin is scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, and yellowing-resistant
PROS
- Mixed and ready for use
- Quick-drying under UV
- Water-Resistant
- does not go yellow
- Resistant to scratches
- Good value
CONS
- Smells bad
Comparing These Products
Sometimes, like super glue, you will want to be able to create something quickly, so here’s a table to compare all of the best glue for jewelry making that we have been discussing and its typical uses. Like we said before, always check out the product label to see if the adhesive has the right properties that you will be needing. You can also get more information from reading product reviews, to help you choose the right glue for your work.
Jewelry Adhesive | What can it be Used With? | Drying Time |
| E6000 (All-purpose glue) | Leather, ceramics, metal, wood, glass, fabric, stone | Clear Drying, working time of 4 minutes, sets in 20 minutes and is fully dry in 24 hours |
| Gorilla Glue (Super Glue) | Glass, rubber, metal, leather, stone, and certain plastics. | Clear, Between 10 and 45 second setting time, fully cured in 24 hours |
| DecorRom UV Resin | Most surfaces including metal, glass, plastic, stone, rhinestones, cabochons, wood, and ceramics | Dries clearly, sets in a couple of minutes under UV light or 10 to 15 minutes in sunlight |
Using Bead Glue
Though you may think that using glue is simple, it can be quite difficult in fine work. There are several ways to learn to make it easier without making too much of a mess. Firstly, you must choose the best glue for metal, the best glue for gemstones, or the best glue for bead jewelry.
As we have seen, many of the glues are quite versatile and can be easily bonded to many different surfaces. That said, tiny beads require can require much more precise work. Choosing the wrong glue can cause a lot of mess and frustration. Making jewelry professionally can be challenging and intricate work, so try to keep it as simple as possible. We are including a simple setting tutorial for a ring that can be used by beginners.
Beginning Slowly
If you want to get a better-finished result, you can make the surface rougher on your metal setting, which will allow the glue to create a very strong bond. You can work the surface with a small pin or sand it roughly to scratch the piece. When you’re done, be sure that the surface is both properly dry and clean before applying the adhesive.
Superglue is not always the answer, not for many situations, except maybe a quick repair. it is not the first choice in jewelry making as there are better jeweler’s glue options that we can use to create a very long-lasting and durable bond.
How to Make a Ring
Just about anyone can create this, it is a great beginner’s tutorial if you would like to fashion your own unique jewelry for yourself or to sell. Firstly, get all of the tools and other items that you are going to use. Here is a shortlist of things needed:
- A ring set
- Cabochon gemstone or flat-surfaced bead
- Epoxy adhesive, ready mixed or two-part epoxy syringe
- Piece Of Cardboard
- Toothpick
Put some glue on the cardboard. To mix the two-part syringe epoxy, squeeze some onto the cardboard and combine it with the toothpick. Apply the glue to the ring setting with the toothpick, making sure to get a nice and even coating. Then stand the ring in some putty or Blu Tack, which will hold the ring up while you stick on the bead or gemstone. Once you have placed the gemstone properly into the setting, let it stand for ten minutes.
The setting time of the glue will differ depending on which product you’ve used, check the label for the information.
Removing Jewelry Glue
Creating pieces will not go smoothly every time, sometimes repairs will go wrong. You could also mess on your workspace surface or stick your fingers together by accident. Don’t worry or get upset, there are ways to remove the glue without too many issues.
Rubbing Alcohol
This is a great method for getting the glue off but can affect certain materials, so you should check and make sure that the materials are safe from alcohol. Some softer materials or stones such as opals or pearls could be easily damaged. Metals like silver, gold, or stainless steel should be fine in using this method. Test your jewelry by placing a small amount on the piece and check if it starts to create any issue.
If there aren’t any problems after testing then you can soak the piece in the alcohol for a couple of hours. Remove it from the alcohol and wipe it clean with a cloth.
Acetone
Acetone can also be used to remove glue from your skin or jewelry. You could also use nail polish remover because it has a portion of acetone, which should loosen up the glue. It is also very strong, so test your jewelry with it first for any issues before soaking it or rubbing the jewelry with it.
Scraping the Adhesive Off
The easiest method to remove glue is still to wipe it off when it is still wet, then the next simplest is to scrape off the glue. When it is dry, you can use a sharp tool, toothpick, or brush to scrape the glue off. Just be careful to be gentle with it and not scrape the surface.
If the materials or stones are soft, work lightly or use a different method to remove the glue.
Polishing Cloth
Excellent for removing scratches, dirt, and fingerprints, a polishing cloth will add a shine to your jewelry piece, especially if the surface is gold, silver, or steel. It can also buff gemstones to make them shiny as well as remove glue residue from your piece.
Our Top Tips for Using Jeweler’s Glue
Creating jewelry pieces can be a very richly rewarding and satisfying experience. Professional jewelry designers and makers already possess the skills and knowledge to make great pieces. If you make jewelry as a hobby or you are a beginner, here are some tips to continue learning this new skill:
- Remember to use flexible glue that can withstand the stress of wear and tear.
- Use water-resistant or waterproof glue on your jewelry so that it does not get affected in the bath or shower.
- Always check the label on the glue product to make sure that it will dry clear and transparent as some adhesives will turn yellow when dry.
- Make sure your space is well ventilated and perhaps wear a set of gloves when working with glue
- Always put the cap back on the glue to stop it from getting dry.
- Remove any residue or dirt on your surface by wiping it down with rubbing alcohol.
- If you are working on leather, purchase a special purpose-made leather glue.
Hopefully this article has given you all the information that you need to choose the right jeweler’s glue for all of your jewelry-making needs. Good luck and happy jeweling!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jeweler’s Glue Expensive?
A new hobby like creating jewelry can be very expensive to start with when investing in new materials. That said, jewelry adhesive is a reasonably priced part of your jewelry-making kit. Many different glue products are handily available online and in stores, so you can choose the right product for your work.
What Is the Best Bead Glue to Get?
To work with smaller items and precision, glue cement (G-S Hypo) is the easiest to use with beads, ceramics, plastic, and glass. You can get into all of the tiniest bits, specifically for where the smallest beads are used.
Is Epoxy Resin Stronger Than E6000?
This is dependent on the project that you are working on as these two adhesives are completely different from each other. The E6000 provides flexibility because it is silicon-based while epoxy has a very strong bond, is less flexible, and is usually made up of two parts. Epoxy can also bond metal surfaces properly.
Is the Best Choice for Jewelry Making Superglue?
Though superglue can be used on jewelry, it is best used for quick repairs. Alternative jewelry options can offer much better results, especially bonding metals and other surfaces. Superglue can give a very strong bond, but many types are not clear when dry and can give an uneven finish. The runniness and exceptionally fast drying time also make it much more difficult to use when making jewelry pieces.
