What you'll need to start making your own jewelry. (All items are available at bead or crafts stores.)
Tweezers
For tying knots in silk cord.
Chain
Standard bracelet is 7 inches; necklace, from 14 inches for a choker to 45 for a lariat (lengths from 16 to 20 inches are common).
Pliers and Cutters
You'll need chain-nose and round-nose pliers and cutters.
Ball Pins
Thread stones onto these wires, then twist wires to make a pendant.
Bead Tips
Place one at each end of the silk cord so that clasps can be attached.
Silk Cord
Use the thickest string the bead can take.
Ear Wire
For earrings; these come in many styles.
Jump Rings
These are connectors, used for joining pendants to chains and more.
Clasps
Affix to wire or string (with a bead tip).
Eye Pins
Similar to ball pins but with a loop for joining to chain or ear wire.
Wire
Fourteen- or 18-karat gold is best. Look for 22- to 26-gauge wire (higher numbers are thinner).
Head Pins
The same as ball pins but flat on one end.
Glue
Cement glue secures knots.
This is a nice little list for someone just starting out.
You might also want to add some:
crimpers, some round-nose pliers, some beading needles, and some beadalon.
Then go on the internet find a few tutorials and start with the simple ones. :-) Here are just two.
http://ganoksin.com/blog/cgmfindings/2012/09/25/easy-wire-wrapped-ring-tutorial-quick-easy-and-fun/
http://ganoksin.com/blog/cgmfindings/2012/09/25/basic-bead-stringing-intro-necklace-starter-project/
Above all - Have fun!