Q: Can garments which have been embellished with hot fix rhinestones be ironed safely? Or will the heat of the ironing cause them to un-adhere? I would be ironing at synthetic or silk settings, not at high.

Q: I would like to start using pure copper beads and findings, but I'm not sure about whether or not they can be cleaned at all, and if so, how? What about copper plated items?

Q: I'm curious about cup chain and cup-chain link mesh. Exactly what is it and how is it used? Thank you

Q: My great aunt used to tie her beaded necklaces into a lover's knot, but I have lost the instructions. Do you know how?

Q: Only a few of your pearls indicate a grade in the description. Does that mean that the others are D grade or below? Thanks.

Q: Someone I know purchased a bracelet from an art gallery - it was silver and copper. She told me that the first time she wore the bracelet it got wet and the parts that were copper turned black. Why would this happen?

Q: Do you know of a way to clean cat's eye beads?

Q: How do I get my pieces clean after people handle it at a show, and get fingerprints off, too?

Q: I am looking for the Crystal Passions® bead colors for all the different cancers. I have breast cancer and want to make bracelets for the nurses at the oncology department at my hospital. I know there are names for them, but they do not match the beads. Can you help?

Q: What kind of dye can I use on bone beads?

Q: I am wondering how to drill small holes in certain pieces to accommodate certain designs. How would I drill holes in sterling silver or brass components? Also, how would I drill an extra hole in a pendant made of howlite? HELP!

Q: I've used toothpaste to clean my silver necklace for about the last 4-5 years. I was just wondering if I was ok in using it, or am I hurting my necklace?

Q: Ring sizes: I notice you often mention ring size 6 or 7 etc. Is this size in mm? And what is the average ring size for a lady?

Q: I have a bracelet I made out of large chunks of turquoise and spaced out with much smaller coral and bronze beads. The problem is that my arm hairs get pinched really badly, even though I tried to leave some room for the beads to move around. Is there a trick to knowing how much room to leave so the beads can move without pinching?

Q: What size bead should I use to put between charms for a Pandora or Biagi bracelet? The mm means next to nothing to average people. Thanks!

Q: How do I check for colorfastness?

Q: I'm hearing that aluminum is a good metal for jewelry chain. What are the benefits to using aluminum vs. sterling silver? Also, what is rhodium? Is it hypoallergenic? Thank you.

Q: How do you get the kinks, creases, etc. out of leather cord or other types of cord so it will lay nicely?

Q: How do I attach a ribbon to a beading wire?

Q: How can I remove dried glue from a bead hole so I can use the bead again? Thank You.

Q: What's the difference between a paua shell and an abalone shell?

Q: Please can you tell me what size snake chain is best to use for Pandora beads. If I buy the chain in lengths without clasps how do I fix the clasp to the chain?

Q: How do I enlarge the hole in plastic beads? I am making a craft that requires running a 1.5 inch ribbon through the bead. What tool can I use to enlarge the hole? I bought the diamond reamer but it does not work on plastic!!!

Q: Why does the glass bead split when I ream out all the white powder? Will the powder wear away eventually if I don't ream it out? Thank you