Q: Hi, I was wondering if there is a way to tell if a bead is sterling silver or something else. Whatever they are they are solid, nothing scratches off. Thanks

Q: Instead of Liver of Sulfur, will using muriatic acid in small amounts to oxidize metal make the metal brittle? I like the gunmetal look I achieved in gold- and silver-plated chains but am unsure how long the patina will last. Thanks.

Q: What flux can you use with solder wire? I'm planning on using 24 ga tarnish resistant copper wire. Thanks.