Dictionary: R

Rattail is a type of bead stringing cord, generally made of satin. This cord is thicker than thread, and is used with beads with a larger hole.

Reamers are jewelry making tools used to enlarge the size of the hole in a bead.  The reamer is used by placing the bit into the bead hole and spinning it around.  The abrasive nature of the bit removes some of the bead material causing the hole to become larger. 

View reamers here.

Ribbon is a fabric based bead stringing material.

Rondelle is a shape of bead.  Rondelle beads are essentially shaped like a Life Saver candy.

Round beads are generally spherical in shape.  Round beads may be faceted like the bead shown at right, or may be smooth like a pearl. 

Round nose pliers have two conical jaws and are frequently used for making loops.  The size of the loop is determined by how far down the jaws the loop is grasped and then formed.  Loops made near the tips are smaller than loops grasped closer to the hinge. 

View round nose pliers here.

Round wire has a cross section that is circular or round.  Other wire shapes used for jewelry-making include half-round and square.