Chips, natural stone sands | DIY jewelry and lithotherapy

How to use natural stone chips and mineral sands in crafting?

Natural stone chips, also called nuggets, are obtained from tumbled stones or fragments selected for their colors and aesthetic properties. Their irregular size provides an organic look that is difficult to replicate with traditional beads.

They are particularly used in UV resin or epoxy resin creations to make personalized pendants, cabochons, inclusion jewelry, keychains, bookmarks, or decorative objects.

Mineral sands, on the other hand, allow for the creation of texture effects, gradients, or decorative backgrounds. They are often used in creations inspired by nature, the marine world, or lithotherapy.

Grain size is an important criterion. Fine chips are suitable for small inclusions and miniature cabochons, while larger nuggets are ideal for pendants and creations requiring more relief.

Some natural stones retain their original colors, while others may have undergone stabilization or dyeing to achieve specific shades. This information is usually specified on product sheets when known.

To complete your creations, discover our natural stone beads for DIY jewelry, our cabochons and settings for DIY jewelry, our supplies for personalized jewelryas well as our tools for DIY jewelry.

FAQs

What size stone chips should I choose for resin or Jesmonite inclusion?

For small cabochons and pendants under 20mm, fine to medium chips are generally the most suitable. Larger nuggets are more appropriate for large pendants, thick resin creations, or decorative objects requiring a more pronounced mineral effect.

What is the difference between natural stone chips, tumbled stones, and stone beads?

Chips are irregular, undrilled fragments primarily used for inclusions and decorations. Tumbled stones are polished to achieve a smooth surface but generally remain undrilled. Natural stone beads, on the other hand, are calibrated and drilled to be directly mounted on a thread or chain to create jewelry.

Can sand and stone chips be used outside of resin?

Yes. They are frequently used in Jesmonite, decorative candle creations, lithotherapy vials, miniature phials, cabochon decorations, creative mosaics, and some scrapbooking or floral art projects. Their versatility makes them a popular material in many creative hobbies.