Q: What is the difference between saltwater and freshwater pearls?

Q: What needle should I use for my seed bead project?

Q: When I use my split ring pliers to open the ring and put a charm on, I seem to "ruin" the ring. It doesn't close back up properly, but remains separated from the center. Am I opening them incorrectly?

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: How do you secure cord coils to rubber cord? The fit is pretty tight, but is there some way to secure it further? Thanks.

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: I am going to add some crystals to wooden letters. What would be better, flat backs or hot fix, and what glue would I use? If hot fix is better, how do you use them? 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: How do you know what size thread to use for a necklace strung with knots in between each bead? I have had experience with the beads slipping over the knots.

Q: How do you clean the black off around the holes of the beads ... this is from the wire rubbing with wear? Thanks.

Q: What on earth is druzy and what is druzy quartz and blue lace agate druzy? Merriam-Webster on-line does not recognize the word druzy.

Q: What should I use to clean up any excess Apoxie from my piece? Should the excess be removed before set and dry?

Q: I recently completed a bracelet using various colors and two sizes of seed beads. After wearing the bracelet once, I noticed the finish on the semi-transparent, size 8 purple ones wore off over some of the exposed surfaces. I'm told this problem happens often with purple and red beads. Any suggestions?

Q: I have some opals stored in glycerine oil. They have been in oil since the 1930s. Must they stay in the oil or can I put them in cage bails?

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: How do you use spring coils? I often see them in men's jewelry.

Q: I have some copper pieces that I would like to look a bit darker, more antique. What product should I use to do this?

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: I'm looking for your video or answer on how to join a new thread onto an existing thread for projects that need you to use a lot of thread, like necklaces, etc. What I mean is: I have started my project (beaded fringe on a bracelet, just like your video) and the string is now too short to do any more beading. How do I join the next piece of thread? Thank you.

Q: I am attempting to make a jeweled leather dog collar. I would like to affix rhinestones and other colored crystal stones to the smooth leather face of the collar. The stones I am using are framed and backed in silver tone metal without rivets or claws to grip the leather. What is the best way to permanently attach these stones to the leather collar?

Q: I am trying to learn the benefits of resin beads over plastic beads, what are the characteristics of resin beads?

Q: What is the best size and type of sterling silver wire to make earring wires?

Q: I have seen a necklace that I would love to make, but I need advice on the clasp at the back. The necklace was 10 strands of silk thread with pearls and crystals knotted about 1 to 1-1/2 inches apart. It looked like a crimp with a loop that finished it off, but I am unsure which one to order to complete the necklace, or even if this is the right way to go. Can you please advise? Thanks so much!