Ask the Experts Briolette Repair Q&A

While creating a wire wrap for a very large faceted lemon quartz briolette, I inadvertently caused chipping on each side of the top-drilled hole. I've decided not to use the stone as a briolette since the drill hole is no longer useful. Can I repair the damage and what then can I do with the stone?

- Terri

Every repair situation will be different depending on the fracture or fissure, but your best route may be to ''upcycle'' the briolette and use an adhesive or clear resin to seal the break. Here is a how-to video on using resin. If the surface can work with a glue-in type bail, then the best way to go is as a pendant for a necklace.

If you are able to fix the hole and still want to wire wrap the briolette, consider a finer gauge wire--yet making sure you use the thickest wire possible, so the wrap is secure.

Depending on the size of the hole in the briolette, you may also be able to cover the affected areas with glue-in grommets. This can cover any flaws right around the hole and create a professional, finished look at the same time.

- Sandra Lupo, Metalsmith, Jewelry Artist and Instructor