| "P" Loop | A "P" loop is a loop made in wire where the loop is on one side of the wire. The shape of the loop and the wire makes this look like the letter "P", hence the name. Select the picture at right to navigate to our beginner's instructions on how to make a "P" loop. See instructions for how to make a P loop here. |
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| pavilion | The pavilion is the lower sloping portion of a cut and faceted gemstone. See the picture at right. Select here for more information on the portions of a cut and faceted gemstone. |
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| pliers | Pliers are hand tools used for bending, grasping or shaping wire. See also round nose pliers, chain nose pliers, bent chain nose pliers and step jaw pliers. See our pliers here. |
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| pony beads | Pony beads are beads that are generally cylindrical in shape with a larger hole. These beads are frequently used for wearing in ones hair. |
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| polishing | Polishing is the process of smoothing the surface of an object. With jewelry wire polishing results in a shiny appearance and can remove minor tool marks or blemishes. Frequently polishing involves using a mildly abrasive polishing compound to remove a thin layer of material. |
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| pressed glass (beads) |
Pressed glass is a technique for making glass beads. This technique involves shaping heated glass in a mold to create beads. Because of the process for making pressed glass, these beads tend to have a rounded shape and are less expensive than cut glass beads. |
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