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Best Glue for Jewelry
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How We Found the Best Glue for Jewelry
Customer Reviews
Product Testing
Team Experience
Crafting and DIY projects are always a good time. Making something from your hands and showing off the final product to your friends gives everyone a sense of pride. Our team at Cleaning King knows first hand how rewarding it can be to accomplish something worthwhile! That is why we want to help you get the best out of your crafting and DIY projects.
Jewelry making is a pastime that has existed since long before modern civilization. For almost as long as humans have been around, we have been making jewelry. Jewelry making is both a hobby for some and a business for others. It takes skill, patience, and the right materials.
In the age of online learning and sales, more people than ever are taking up crafting as a hobby and as a source of income. If you have found yourself interested in the art of jewelry making, you have likely spent some time trying to learn everything you can. As with anything, the key to success with jewelry making is having the right materials in your arsenal.
In many cases a piece of jewelry will need a strong adhesive to hold it all together. Beads, gems, and jewels need to be bonded to the main body of the jewelry in order to make it work as intended. The right adhesive can make all the difference between having a piece of art last for years to come, or fall apart in no time. That is why you should always take care to get the best glue for the job.
Our team at Cleaning King has taken the time to carefully evaluate a host of different glues for jewelry making. We have reviewed different formulas, their bonding power, and how they hold over time. Now, we are here to give you all you need to know about choosing the right glue for jewelry making. We will talk about the best glues on the market, and the things to consider when buying a glue for jewelry–so stick around!
Best Glue Content
Our Reviews
Best Overall
Our Verdict – Best Glue for Jewelry
Gorilla Glue is a name that must be mentioned on virtually every list of glues and adhesives, no matter what the project is. From epoxies to caulking and super glue, Gorilla Glue makes some amazing adhesives. So, it should be no surprise that our team felt like Gorilla Super Glue Gel was pretty easily the best glue overall for jewelry making and repair. It provides an incredibly strong hold, and doesn’t break the bank doing it.
The best aspects of the Gorilla Glue Super Glue Gel are it’s gel formula for easy spread, and it’s crystal clear dry when finished. This allows the user to create fine details on their projects without worry of spreading or cloudy patches. Gorilla Glue can bind to metal, ceramic, stone, glass, rubber, you name it! This is the best all purpose super glue on the market, and it’s excellent for jewelry making and repair.
Stand-out features include
- Nearly instant drying times.
- Clear coating when dried.
- Gel formula.
- Best glue for jewelry making.
- Strong and reliable bond.
Best Glue for Jewelry Stones
Best Glue for Jewelry – Best Glue for Stones
Epoxy is a well known material across basically all forms of crafting. If you have ever done crafting of any kind in the past, you have likely encountered the need for epoxy. It is incredibly strong, holds for years, and provides a nice and shiny finish when mixed properly. This is because epoxy is a resin that dries completely clear and leaves a nice appealing shine that is nearly hard as a rock.
Using Epoxy 330 for jewelry making is a great idea especially when stones are concerned. Using stones or pearls in jewelry making can be difficult as these materials can have a hard time binding to other materials such as metal or glass. That is where epoxy comes in. The only drawback to epoxy is that it does require a bit of experience to mix the two compounds properly. Aside from this, epoxy is easy to use and leaves you with excellent results!
Stand-out features include
- Incredibly hard when dried.
- Provides a crystal clear shine to the jewelry when dried.
- Cost effective.
- Binds difficult materials such as glass, metal, and stone.
Cons
- Takes a long time to fully set.
- Strong odor.
Best for Advanced Users
Best Glue for Jewelry – Best for advanced users
UV Resin is a popular adhesive product for craft lovers and jewelry makers for a multitude of reasons. This extremely hard resin allows jewelry makers to create more advanced designs that can be locked into the resin once it has the chance to set and dry. It dries in an accelerated manner under the assistance of UV lighting, and finishes off with a rock hard crystal clear coating.
UV Resin is designed to dry in as little as 1-2 minutes under direct UV lighting. It can also be mixed with different powdered dyes to create exotic colors and patterns in your jewelry. UV resin also allows you to bind stones, metal, glass, gems, etc,. This is an excellent product for more detailed and intricate designs. However, it can also work for the more simple projects as well.
Stand-out features include
- Non-toxic.
- Quick drying.
- Rock hard when set fully.
- Anti-yellowing formula ensures a clear finish.
Cons
- Strong chemical odor that can be unpleasant.
- Requires UV lighting to quick dry.
Best for Shiny Finishes
Best Glue for Jewelry – Best for Shiny Finishes
Judikin’s Diamond Glaze is a great glue for jewelry of all different types and sizes–as well as materials. It performs excellently when used for binding pearls and stones in particular. This jewelry adhesive is designed to create a rock hard lacquer-like finish when fully set and dried. That means that you get a crystal clear glass type finish that shines like a diamond.
The Judikin’s Diamond Glaze adhesive is also incredibly versatile in how it can be used when making jewelry. It can be mixed with pigments and dyes to create more exotic colored finishes, and it can be diluted with water to create a very thin lacquer finish. This is a great adhesive for providing your jewelry creations with the shiny finish that is desirable in so many different styles.
Stand-out features include
- Incredibly versatile formula.
- Easy clean-up if spilled before drying.
- Gorgeous shiny finish.
Cons
- Not the easiest to use.
Best Glue for Pearl Jewelry
Best Glue for Pearl Jewelry
Aleen’s adhesives may not be the most flashy name on the market, but they certainly do carry a good reputation. Aleen’s Jewelry & Metal Glue is specifically formulated for jewelry making, which sets it above the rest of a lot of the competition. It comes with a gel like formula that dries near instantly, and does it without a trace of residue.
Aleen’s Jewelry & Metal Glue performs the best when using it to apply rhinestones or small gems to various surfaces and materials. It performs excellently when binding gemstones to metal, leather, fabric, ceramic, rubber, plastic, you name it! This is an ideal glue for fine detail work on jewelry or even for repairing damaged jewelry. For doing fine detailed gem work you can’t do much better than Aleen’s!
Stand-out features include
- Dries clear without residue.
- Fast drying.
- Gel formula for easier application.
Cons
- Can often dry up if left on the shelf without use.
Best Glue for Gold Jewelry
E6000 is suitable for small repairs of gold jewelry. For an item like a ring or an earring you will want to find a fine applicator like a skewer to carefully glue the area you want to join. Take care to purchase the clear version of E6000 and to not leave excess glue around the join.
Stand-out features include
- Waterproof
- Flexible
- Strong
Cons
- Can often dry up if left on the shelf without use.
Best Glue for Metal Jewelry
This two-part epoxy from Gorilla glue is our choice as the best glue for metal jewelry. Ideal for titanium, silver, steel and aluminum jewelry, this glue dries quickly to a dark grey colour. The bond created by this epoxy is incredibly strong and will last for many years.
Once you mix the two parts of the epoxy, you need to work fairly quickly. Because most jewelry work is very delicate, we recommend that you find an application tool with a fine point such as a toothpick or skewer.
Stand-out features include
- Fast setting
- Dries dark grey
- Very strong
What To Know When Buying Jewelry Glue
Jewelry needs a delicate hand and the proper materials to make it look as beautiful in reality as it did in your mind. Often that requires knowing your materials very intimately before you begin making jewelry in the first place. This means that there are some things you are going to want to know about jewelry glue before you make a purchase. Because often one type of glue won’t be able to handle every single job.
Before we dive into what types of factors you should consider, let’s first dive into what types of glues exist for you to choose from.
Different Jewelry Glue Types
- Epoxy.
Epoxy is a very common glue when trying to create strong holds on jewelry products. There are two different epoxy types to consider, 220 and 330. 220 epoxy takes quite a bit longer to dry, but creates a stronger bond. However, 220 dries with a slightly brown/yellow coloration. Epoxy 330 dries faster and almost completely clear, but isn’t as strong.
- Super Glue/Fast-Acting Jewelry Glue.
Super Glue is often used when you need an extremely quick and secure bond during your crafting. Not all glues can bind gems and metals together very quickly, and super glue is great for that. Super glue can dry in as little as 10-15 seconds, and allows you to hold pieces together without devoting a whole lot of time to waiting. However, super glues are typically very rigid and may be susceptible to cracking over time.
- Jeweler’s Cement.
Jeweler’s Cement is specifically designed to bind non-porous surfaces together. This is incredibly important when working with materials such as metal, painted woods, glass, gems, and stones. Jeweler’s Cement dries clear, and provides a durable and stress resistant hold that can last for decades. However, it is a bit more expensive and isn’t always the easiest to work with.
What To Consider when buying the best glue for jewelry
Buying the cheapest or best reviewed glue isn’t always going to yield the results you are looking for. This is because jewelry making is more of an art than a science. There are tons of different variables that will change the way that your jewelry reacts to adhesives and how they hold over time.
One example of this is how your adhesive holds up against the elements. If you are making a piece of jewelry that might be exposed to moisture often, you will need a glue that is completely waterproof. If you are making a piece that might be moving a lot–such as a necklace–then you will need a glue that has more flexibility. These are variables that have to be considered when buying glue for jewelry. However, there are a few constants that you should always consider no matter what:
Coloration
Typically you will always want a clear drying glue. This prevents the piece from being ruined by a glue that dries white, cloudy, or yellow. Keep the stones looking shiny and natural with a clear drying glue except in very rare cases where colored adhesive is needed. Clear colored glue is also best for dying and coloring.
Durability
Most jewelry undergoes quite a bit of abuse. This is due to being taken on and off regularly, being moved and jostled throughout the day, and being exposed to outside elements. You want a glue that is shock-proof that can take being pulled, dropped, and moved within reason. Always research how well the adhesive handles being put under stress.
Drying/Cure Times
Perhaps the most important aspect of buying an adhesive is the drying/curing timeframes. Some glues will take as long as 2-3 hours to dry, and others can dry in as fast as 10-15 seconds. This is, obviously, a massive difference. Always take the time to research how long each glue will take to dry and cure. If you are in need of a fast drying adhesive, you will do well to buy a super glue. If you can spare the time for a stronger hold, go for a jeweler’s cement or epoxy.
Application
Not all glues are exactly easy to use and manipulate. Some are incredibly thick, and some are far too thin and runny. This can pose it’s own set of challenges when it comes to applying the glue to the gemstones for jewelry components. You want a glue that is easy to apply and will go on exactly as you need it to. Typically thicker gel consistencies are easier to manipulate. However, thinner glues can provide more even and shiny surface lacquers. Always take the time to consider the consistency of the glue, as well as the application delivery system of the container/tube.
Waterproof Vs. Non-Waterproof
Not all glue is waterproof, and not all glue needs to be waterproof. In most cases your jewelry won’t be faced with excessive moisture. Unless you are going swimming with your jewelry, it likely won’t matter how water resistant your adhesive is. However, in some cases, it will. For example, jewels attached to fabrics might need to be washed every once in a while. In this case you will need glue that is waterproof so the gems or jewels don’t come off when being cleaned. This is important to consider and remember.
Conclusion – Best Glue for Jewelry
Making or repairing jewelry is a very fun activity that can become extremely lucrative for those who get good at it. However, as we have mentioned so many times before, it all depends on the quality of your materials. Our team at Cleaning King works hard to provide you with the answers you are looking for when it comes to crafting and adhesives. So, here is our final verdict for the best jewelry glue around…
After all of our research, our team ultimately finds that the best glue for jewelry is Gorilla Glue Super Glue Gel. It dries extremely quickly, is completely transparent, waterproof, and very resistant to external stress. It is the best overall glue for making jewelry.
For all of your general adhesive and glue needs, Cleaning King has your back. We research and test glues for all different purposes, from indoor to outdoor, and find the best of the best so that you don’t have to!
Best Glue for Jewelry FAQs
Bails are the piece of jewelry that is typically used to hold gemstones. They are most often used for necklaces or earrings. Adhering gemstones to bails can be a bit tricky if you don’t know what you are doing. Luckily, jewelry glues can typically get the job done if you are careful. Just make sure to not overdo the glue, and get a clear drying glue to prevent discoloration of the gemstone once it is set and cured.
Adding pigments and craft dyes to adhesives is very popular these days. A colored glue can add a nice bit of flair and vibrance to any piece of jewelry. However, not all glues respond well to the addition of pigments. Typically UV resins and lacquers are the best bet for dying and coloring when it comes to adhesives. Super glues and epoxies can be dyed but will require very careful measurements and mixing methods in order to prevent ruining the glue.
Any compound designed for crafting or industrial purposes can be, and often is, toxic. This is something that you should keep a close eye on when purchasing glue. Some jewelry glues are non-toxic and can in fact be almost completely natural. However, many adhesives are filled with unsavory compounds that can cause illness and injury when ingested. Be careful with every glue you bring into your home, especially if you have small children.
A big trend in craft jewelry making is to use a glue gun with hot glue to adhere gemstones and metals together. This is a pretty simple and fast gluing method that can produce some nice results when done properly. However, it is not advised for strong long-term holds. Hot glue can be easily pulled apart, and will often not bond non-porous materials very well–or for very long. Always choose a glue that is designed for jewelry and the non-porous materials that jewelry making uses.
Gluing metals to other objects is very popular in jewelry making and repair. You will often need to glue different metals such as gold, silver, stainless steel, titanium, etc,. Luckily, many different jewelry glues are able to bond metal to metal and even metal to other surfaces such as stone and glass. This is something that you can look for when making your jewelry glue purchase.
If you find yourself with jewelry glue stuck to your skin, don’t panic. In most cases the glue can be dissolved and removed without any damage to your skin. Begin by soaking the skin in warm soapy water and gently massage the area to try and break up the glue. If that doesn’t work, soak the skin in nail polish remover or acetone until the glue dissolves. Do not try to pull or peel the glue off of the skin without properly resting it. This can cause injury!
If you find yourself in need of glue removal from your jewelry, it may take a bit of work depending on the glue itself. First start by soaking the affected area under warm water for 10-15 minutes. If this doesn’t break up the glue, then switch to using acetone. A small amount of acetone on a cotton swab will help to dissolve the adhesive and remove it from almost any surface.
Jewelry glue needs to be applied with care, and often under very specific conditions. It’s always crucial that you read the instructions carefully before using the glue. This will prevent any mishaps and damaged jewelry. Make sure to read how long set and drying times are, and how to use the nozzle for proper application. Results will vary depending on glue type/thickness.
For elastic bracelets, you need a glue that is strong, flexible and waterproof.
Once broken, your elastic will unfortunately always have a weak spot. Our top choice for gluing elastic bracelets is E6000 Craft Glue.
