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?

Polymer clay expert and renowned artist, Christi Friesen is back in the studio to lead us through this exciting 10-part series outlining her top techniques and secrets to creating with polymer clay.

The right packaging for your jewelry can make a big impact that keeps people coming back. Find tips on branding and packaging for business success in this article.

This trend is back, and bigger is better. Explore how chunky chain jewelry is melding 80's style with modern, industrial glamour to take the fashion world by storm.

Explore the differences between Victorian jewelry and Art Deco, Modern and Art Nouveau. Set the way-back-machine, because we're traveling through time for this one.

Nail art is more popular than ever. Create amazing nail art using Crystal Passions® crystal flat back stones, rhinestones, seed beads and more.

The unit of weight used for precious stones. One carat equals one-fifth of a gram. Also a measurement of fitness in gold. Pure gold is expressed as 24Kt.The term ''carat'' dates back to the traders of the ancient world. A standard weight was required for precious gems as merchants of the ancient Mediterranean and Middle East were dependent on the ability to trade with a reasonably consistent unit of measurement. It was this need that led to the adoption of seeds and grains as widespread units of measurement.The carob seed and the wheat grain, both of which had been used for food purposes were found to be ideal units of weight. For centuries the carob seed remained the weight measurement for precious gems. By the Middle Ages, however, changes in the trade routes had occurred and large centers of trade were now found within Europe. The carat, as it had become known, became linked to 4 grains Troy weight, with the carob seed having been abandoned at some point during the shift of trade centers. The Troy carat was the equivalent of approximately 205 milligrams. This measurement of weight lasted for the carat until the 20th century. It was between 1907-1914 that the carat was married to the metric system of weights. By 1914 the United States officially abandoned the former Troy measurement of 205.3 milligrams for the carat, and adopted the current metric carat measurement of 200 milligrams.

Create this enchanting bookmark featuring twin hearts embellished with Crystal Passions® rhinestones. A delicate flowering vine winds its way down the double-sided brass bookmark, infusing it with feminine allure.

Crystal Passions® rhinestone crystals illuminate this stunning ring, creating a captivating checkerboard pattern that sparkles with unmatched radiance.

Secure your eyeglasses in style with this eyeglass holder, featuring exquisite gemstone beads and sparkling Crystal Passions® flat backs, elegantly accented by metallic beads.

A delicate floral lei forms the essence of this radiant necklace, adorned with Crystal Passions® light rose and tanzanite crystals. Cascading gracefully, the necklace evokes the enchanting beauty of a blossoming garden.

Giving back to the community, jewelry making and Christmas decorating--this article tells the process of creating a tree to auction for charity at an event called Winterfest.

The royal hues of amethyst combine with the sparkles of tiny marcasite stones set in large sterling silver beads. This vintage style, so popular in the 1920s, is back on-trend for another decade of 2020's.

You'll love the celestial jewelry trend to the moon and back!

Want to go the extra mile and make something that really pops? Why not make custom earring components using polymer clay, as in this gorgeous pair of bright raspberry earrings with shimmering crystals?

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

Turn back time with the captivating brilliance of Crystal Passions® rhinestones and the timeless elegance of majestic green crystals in these stunning dangle earrings.

Q: I buy pendants and antique beads at garage sales, flea markets and other sources. I use these pendants as focal points to build my necklaces around and some of them have a name printed on the back. Do I have a copyright problem or is there some other problem I might have if I want to sell my work?

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 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!

Q: I have made and sold over 50 beaded lanyards since November. Now all of a sudden people are coming back because they have broken. I used Accu-Flex® beading wire 7 strand 0.019 clear for stringing. Do you have any suggestions for something stronger? I have a large order coming up and really don't want to restring.

Q: I'm making hatbands, but I don't know how to finish the ends. They need to be adjustable. Do you have any ideas? I'd prefer to NOT sew the bands to a backing. Thanks!

Q: Is there some magic way to attach a crimp tube with an attached clasp to a finished piece strung on wire? Attaching the first tube at one end is easy, but when attaching the second one, the wire slips back through the beads (and then the beads fall off the wire causing endless frustration)--and the wire is cut so short (to fit into the crimp), there's nothing to grasp. The opening on the tube is so narrow that it would be nearly impossible to put a long piece of wire through the tube and cut it later. Any suggestions?

Q: I'm making a wind chime from some old stained glass pieces. I bought some memory wire from you a while back, but haven't tried it yet for this purpose. Will it hang straight when used or do you have another idea for connecting my pieces. Thanks!