So, if you are familiar with Craftelot Resin Co., you know one of our top products is real rose petal earrings. We love making them and we love that people love the product. However, it was a struggle to find the perfect epoxy resin to use to make our jewelry. If you visit the resin jewelry section in the Craftelot store you can see we make a few different types of resin jewelry, including dried flowers preserved in resin, pendants made from silicone molds, as well as wood and resin jewelry. Importantly, each of these products required a different type of epoxy resin to perfect. It took trial and error, but we believe we have figured it out. Let us save you some time and give you our selections for the best epoxy resin for jewelry. We will discuss what factors to consider when deciding which epoxy resin is best for your specific jewelry project, rate each of the epoxy resins in each of these categories, and give a detailed review of each.
For quick reference, here are our recommendations for the top ten epoxy resins for jewelry:
Best Epoxy Resin For Jewelry- Quick Reference
Factors to Consider When Purchasing Epoxy Resin for Jewelry
Here are the factors you should consider when deciding which epoxy resin for jewelry to purchase fo your next resin jewelry project:
Cure Time/Method
The cure time and cure method are very important factors to consider when deciding which epoxy resin for jewelry to purchase for your resin jewelry project. This category cannot be ranked as the others, because some resin jewelry projects are better suited towards a faster cure time, whereas others benefit from a longer curing time. For example, if you are looking for an epoxy resin for jewelry to put a glaze coat over a pendant or coat a polymer clay jewelry piece, a quicker curing epoxy resin is best. Why wait 12 hours for a cure if you can find an epoxy resin that cures in half as much time and delivers the same results?
As far as the cure method goes, you may decide that a UV resin is better suited for your rin jewelry project. UV resin cure almost instantly so you can save some time if you find quality Uv resin for jewelry. Do not worry, we have included a couple of our favorite UV resins for epoxy resin jewelry projects in our recommendation list as well because sometimes our project allows for Uv resin products that cure almost instantly.
Since each project calls for a different cure time and method, we will simply list the method and cure time in the reviews of each of the product recommendations. We will also explain which projects are best suited for each of the epoxy resins for jewelry we recommend.
Finish
Another factor to consider is whether the epoxy resin for jewelry creates a domed finish or a flat finish. This is dependent on what type of jewelry you are making as well. If you are working with bezels, you will want a resin for jewelry that cures with a slight dome on the top so your jewelry looks perfectly finished. However, if you are working with a silicone mold, you may prefer a thinner epoxy resin for jewelry because you are less likely to retain any air bubbles in your casting. For our jewelry made with silicone molds, we still like to add a doming resin on top to finish our pieces so you may decide to purchase one of each in this situation.
Since this category is also not rankable, we will simply list whether the resin is a doming resin or not and which projects we recommend using each of the epoxy resins recommended for.
Clarity
In our first rankable category, we rank the clarity of the epoxy resin. We feel it is crucial that epoxy resin for jewelry is absolutely 100% crystal clear when cured. Even if you are adding pigments to your epoxy resin for jewelry, a crystal clear cure means your chosen pigments show their brilliance and ultimately your artistry. This category will be ranked from one to five, one being the least clear and five the most. (Note: Most, if not all of our recommendations are 100% clear, and should not earn less than a four in this category. )
Affordability
This category is a given. No one wants to break the bank to make resin jewelry! Whether you are making resin jewelry as a fun weekend project or trying to start your own Etsy shop, affordability is key. That being said, you may have to spend a tad bit more to get a quality dependable epoxy resin for your jewelry projects. We promise that we have tried them all though and we have included the most affordable, best-quality epoxy resin for jewelry available on the market today in our list.
Rankings are from 1-5, 1 being least affordable and 5 being most.
Toxicity
Epoxy resin is a chemical! It is important you take precautions when using these chemicals to make jewelry or other crafts. However, there are some companies that strive to make their epoxy resin products less toxic than others. We believe a consideration of this factor is relevant to the decision of which epoxy resin for jewelry products is actually the best to purchase. Please remember, epoxy resin safety precautions should always be taken when working with resin. For more information, including the protective equipment we recommend you wear while working with epoxy resin please visit Is Epoxy Resin Hazardous to Your Health?
In the toxicity category, a 1 signifies more toxicity, whereas a 5 signifies less.
Quick Tip: Minimum Recommended Safety Gear for Resin Art
UV Resistance
UV resistance is another important factor to consider when deciding which epoxy resin for jewelry to purchase for your next projects. A quality product has the best UV filters and HALS protections mixed into its epoxy resin. These additives prevent the epoxy resin from yellowing. Yellowing is a big issue with epoxy resin, but many companies have added top-of-the-line additives to prevent this yellowing process for as long as possible.
Products with great UV resistance receive a 5, whereas products without any UV resistance receive a 1.
Best Resin for Jewelry
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
|
Cure Time/Method |
4 Hour Demold 8-10 Hour Full Cure |
|
Finish |
Level Finish |
|
Clarity |
Crystal Clear |
|
Affordability |
|
|
Toxicity |
|
|
UV Resistance |
|
Let’s Resin Fast Cure Epoxy Resin is one of our go-to epoxy resins for jewelry projects. It has all the great qualities one needs in a good resin for making jewelry. It is perfectly transparent, and nontoxic, and you can de-mold it in 4 hours!
The kit we suggest is fantastic for beginners to the resin jewelry craft as it contains all the goodies to get you started, including 10oz Resin+10oz epoxy Hardener,10pcs Small Cups,2PCS Disposable Gloves,10PCS Stir Stick,6PCS Mylar Flakes,2PCS 100ML Mixing Cups,5PCS Transfer Pipettes,1PCS Tweezers.
Even though this is a quick-curing resin, it cures crystal clear and bubble-free which is a must for resin jewelry pieces. If all those perks did not convince you the Let’s Resin Fast Cure Epoxy Resin for Jewelry is self-leveling, has little to no odor, and is resistant to yellowing.
Let’s Resin is one of our top go-to brands for epoxy resin for jewelry so you should already know it is a top-quality product. However, rest assured Let’s Resin offers a 100% Quality Assurance guarantee that this resin will last at least 1 year sitting n your shelf if you do not use it right away.
- Coating Flowers
- Filling Bezels or open charms
- Wood and Resin Jewelry
- Time Sensitive Projects
- Silicone Mold Resin Jewelry (Note: Be sure tp use a toothpick tp pop bubbles after pouring into a mold because fast cure resin does not release as many air bubbles because it cures quicker.)
- Mix ratio 1:1 by volume
- Mix for three minutes at a slow, even speed.
- Resin cures in temperatures between 75-85°F
- Use in a well-ventilated space.
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
|
Cure Time/Method |
4 Hour Demold/8-10 Hour Full Cure |
|
Finish |
Level Finish |
|
Clarity |
Crystal Clear/Super Glossy |
|
Affordability |
|
|
Toxicity |
|
|
UV Resistance |
|
JDiction 4-Hour Demold Epoxy Resin for Jewelry is another one of our favorite resins to use for jewelry. Its perfect clarity and quick demold make it easy to work with when making resin jewelry. JDiction scores a perfect rating in each of our ranking categories and it is the most affordable quick cure resin for jewelry I trust working with when making my own resin jewelry.
JDiction 4-Hour Demold Epoxy Resin for Jewelry earns its award of “Best UV Filters” because it has 2X UV yellowing protection, ensuring clear jewelry pieces years after the resin has cured.
JDiction resin cures with crystal clarity. which is great for super glossy resin jewelry pieces.
JDiction resin prides itself on making resin “By Crafters, For Crafters” so you know it will behave the way you want it to!
- Coating Flowers
- Filling Bezels or open charms
- Wood and Resin Jewelry
- Time Sensitive Projects
- Silicone Mold Resin Jewelry (Note: Be sure tp use a toothpick tp pop bubbles after pouring into a mold because fast cure resin does not release as many air bubbles because it cures quicker.)
- Formulated in the USA, and produced by the largest resin supplier in Southeast Asia.
- Resists Scratches, Stains and Yellowing.
- 1:1 mixing ratio
- Work at room temperature.
- Non-Toxic & Odorless/ Zero VOCs
- BPA free and Non-flammable
- Mix for three minutes at a slow, even speed.
- Resin cures in temperatures between 75-85°F
- Use in a well-ventilated space.
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
|
Cure Time/Method |
12 Hour Demold/24 Hour Full Cure |
|
Finish |
Level Finish |
|
Clarity |
Crystal Clear/Super Glossy/No Bubbles |
|
Affordability |
|
|
Toxicity |
|
|
UV Resistance |
|
Craft Resin is one of the best resin for artists on the market today! We absolutely love it and always have some on hand because it is so versatile. From paintings, coasters, and tables, to jewelry, castings, and dominoes, Craft Resin has got you covered.
Craft Resin does take 24 hours to fully cure, but when it does cure it is crystal clear and will not yellow for a surprisingly long period of time.
Craft Resin cures rock hard and has great degassing properties which means you are able to create pieces with zero bubbles in them.
This property makes Craft Resin ideal for making any type of resin jewelry, especially pendants made in silicone molds.
- Best Use: Resin Pendants made in Silicone Molds
- Coating Flowers
- Filling Bezels or open charms
- Wood and Resin Jewelry
-
1 to 1 Mixing Ratio
- Mix slowly with the included reusable stir stick for 3-5 minutes, or until mixture is clear and fully incorporated.
-
Glass-like finish and no yellowing over time.
-
Popular for all types of Resin Art including, table top coating, tumblers, mold casting and jewelry making.
-
Bubble Free and Great Degassing
-
Self Leveling
-
Certified Food Safe, no odor, non-toxic, free of VOCs & solvent materials
-
Harmless to the environment when used as directed.
-
12 hour Demold and 24 hour full cure
-
Heat Resistant
-
Rock hard, and Scratch Resistant
-
Craft Resin kits include resin/hardener, reusable mixing stick, gloves, and instructions.
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
|
Cure Time/Method |
20 Hours Dry Time |
|
Finish |
Domed Finish |
|
Clarity |
Crystal Clear/Transparent |
|
Affordability |
|
|
Toxicity |
|
|
UV Resistance |
|
Pebeo Gedeo Glazing Resin is the best on the market for creating a dome effect on resin jewelry. It is viscous(thick) when mixed so it is easy to build the product up to a perfect dome.
Another thing that makes Pebeo Gedoe Resin perfect for jewelry making is that you can buy it in smaller quantities. Many resin jewelry makers do not need a gallon of epoxy resin for sit on their shelves for a long time. If you are not using much resin, like in jewelry making, you want to make sure your resin stays fresh. The kit we recommend here is the perfect size to make many resin jewelry pieces, while avoiding waste when the resin has aged past its best use date.
The eco friends formula of Pebeo Gedeo Resin allows an artist to create with resin while minding their health and the environment.
- Best Use: Doming Jewelry Pieces
- Great for use on jewelry pieces not made of Resin
- Filling Bezels or open charms
- Wood and Resin Jewelry
- Jewelry made in Silicone Molds
- Jewelry made in other types of molds (ie. plastic)
- Any type of jewelry you want to add a clear dome to
- 2:1 Resin/Hardener Mix
- Mix slowly for 3-5 minutes, taking mind not to introduce air bubbles into the mixture.
- Beautiful transparent effect, gives shine to flat surfaces
- Creates dome over any flat surface
- Compatible with wood, metal, organic materials, canvases, plastic and many other craft materials.
- Eco-Friendly Formula – BIO-based at more than 50%, with a high percentage of carbon from plant origin.
- Easy-to-pour liquid suitable for casting (< 0. 5 cm), drawing with a pipette, and making laminates or magnifying effects.
- Been in business for more than 3 generations.
- 3 sizes available in 45 ml, 150 ml and 300 ml kits
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
|
Cure Time/Method |
UV Cure (Sunlight or UV/LED light) |
|
Finish |
Domed or Level Finish |
|
Clarity |
Crystal Clear/Transparent |
|
Affordability |
|
|
Toxicity |
|
|
UV Resistance |
|
UV Resin is a favorite for resin jewelry artists. Its ability to cure almost immediately, in the place you pour the resin, makes it ideal for jewelry crafting.
Unfortunately, there are many UV Resin options on the market today, but few are worth purchasing.
Let’s Resin upgraded UV Resin, on the other hand is superbly formulated. It dries hard and quickly. The finish is clear and glass like. It does not shrink and it can used to dome jewelry pieces or to make flat, level jewelry pieces.
- Best Use: Smaller jewelry pieces (not suitable for big projects)
- Great for detailed jewelry pieces.
- Great for making dipped jewelry pieces, like umbrella pendants.
- Domed Jewelry Pieces
- Great for use on jewelry pieces not made of Resin
- Filling Bezels or open charms
- Wood and Resin Jewelry
- Jewelry made in Silicone Molds
- Jewelry made in other types of molds (ie. plastic)
For recommendations on the best UV light for curing UV Resin Jewelry check out Best UV Resin for Crafts: Everything you Need to Know
- Let’s Resin’s upgraded UV resin is made of more advanced raw materials, compared to others on the market.
- Cures fast with little shrinkage.
- Super clear, glasslike finish
- No mixing required, unlike epoxy resin
- Cures hard under sunlight or UV light.
- Cures hard under UV light, daylight, or sunlight in a short time.
- Can be also mixed with mica pearl powder, resin colorants, glitter powder to get colorful finishes.
- Made of high-quality and non-toxic materials, which is low odor and safe to use.
- Cures hard.
- Excellent for various resin art crafts, like DIY UV resin jewelry making, crafts decorations, doming, cast figurines, encapsulating objects.
- Kit contains 500g (2 250g bottles) UV Upgraded Formula Resin
- Includes a small nozzle tip and mixing tools.
- Open and squeeze the UV resin out and cure.
- Let’s Resin provides a 60-day products exchange and a money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with your purchase.
Final Thoughts
We hope this list has helped you decide which resin is best for your next resin jewelry project! This list is constantly evolving as we test and fall in l love with other resin products for jewelry on the market so remember to check back periodically. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to comment below; we will respond quickly! Happy crafting.
Related Searches
Best UV Resin for Jewelry Making, Epoxy Resin for Jewelry Making, Best Epoxy Resin for Crafts, Crystal Clear Epoxy Resin for Jewelry, Best UV Resin for Jewelry, Best Resin for Pendants, Best Resin for Bezels, Best Epoxy for Open Bezel Jewelry
10 Responses
Thank you for such an informative article! I don't have much jewelry, but I like making my own to add to my collection. However, I may end up purchasing some resin jewelry from your shop because, WOW. This article really gets into detail about which epoxy resin is best when trying to make jewelry with different materials such as wood, dried flowers, or pendants made from silicone so it will really help me when I get started making my own. Thanks, again. Great article and keep up the excellent work!
Thanks! So glad we could help and good luck making your own!
One of the main benefits of using epoxy resin in jewelry making is its ability to mimic the look of glass. When poured into molds or bezels, the resin takes on a glossy, transparent appearance that can be enhanced with the addition of pigments or inclusions such as glitter, beads, or dried flowers.
That is right JR! Gotta love the glass-like appearance. These epoxy resin suggestions will achieve that look flawlessly. Happy crafting.
Ashley,
The level and depth of your artwork and website is mesmerizing. Your art talent is far beyond words. I am intrigued by your unique creativity. This website is mind-blowing. Don't be surprised if you get an email one day requesting a resin art workshop. You are a resin art rock star. I am speechless. You have honed your craft to the letter. Your originality is so special. Your website made my day complete.
Wow! This is Excellent artwork at its best.
Rachele- I cannot thank you enough for those kind words. You are a gem. I hope to get enough people together to book a classroom and run another resin workshop. Thanks again!
Ashley,
The level and depth of your artwork and website is mesmerizing. Your art talent is far beyond words. I am intrigued by your unique creativity. This website is mind-blowing. Don't be surprised if you get an email one day requesting a resin art workshop. You are a resin art rock star. I am speechless. You have honed your craft to the letter. Your originality is so special. Your website made my day complete.
Wow! This is Excellent artwork at its best.
Rachele
Rachele- This comment is everything. Thank you. YOU made my day. 🙂
Great article! I found it to be very informative and helpful. I have a few questions about the topic though: Can you explain more about the different types of epoxy resin and their specific uses? And are there any recommendations for beginners just starting out with resin jewelry making?
I found your reviews of the different epoxy resins to be very detailed and helpful. It's always great to clearly understand the pros and cons of different products before making a purchase. I also like the tips and recommendations provided on how to use the resin properly and create a perfect finish.
Personally, I am new to resin jewelry making, but I am excited to try it out. I found your article to be very useful in helping me understand the different types of resin and which one to choose for my project. Thanks for sharing this valuable information!
Bob- So glad you found the information useful. For beginners, we recommend using an epoxy resin, any of the resins on the list will do. As you advance you can experiment a bit more with UV resins, but start with an epoxy, 2-part resin. All of the suggestions in this article are wonderful for beginners and the tutorials are all beginner level as well.
Please let me know if you have any further questions! I would be happy to help.