Q: I bought an odd-shaped cameo in Roatán, Honduras. Would I damage the product if I bonded a bail to it? I bought just the piece, so there is no sterling or any other type of metal attached to it already.

Q: 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?

Q: Is there a way to disinfect jewelry when we are selling at our community market that won't damage stones or wire? Customers like to try on pieces to see how they fit, but if they don't buy them, the necklaces/rings/bracelets need to be disinfected before someone else tries them on? How??

Q: When I am making simple loops and otherwise finishing jewelry, my thumbnail seems to take the most abuse. Is there anything I can put over my thumbnail to keep it from damage?

Q: I have some pieces that have some rhinestones in them that don't look so good. I want to remove and replace them without damaging the metals, but it seems they are glued in. Is it possible to remove them?

Q: Thank you so much for providing answers to my many questions. I hadn't realized this was an option. I've been fascinated with Argentium, but I can't find much in the way of instructional materials. I have several questions for you, and I thank you in advance for taking time to answer.

Q: We make silverware jewelry. We like to use gemstones in the center of our bracelets. After wearing for awhile, the wire breaks. I have tried different wire, etc. but have not solved the problem. We use the half hard 24-gauge sterling. Another jeweler suggested we try using virgin silver wire and then tumbling our pieces to work-harden. How do you tumble the finished product without damaging the stones? I cannot figure out a way to tumble the piece without the stone set. Is there a product to cover and protect the stones, etc while polishing? Also, I have tried a few different methods trying to get a gloss on polished gemstones when they are not premium grade. Is there a product that we can use on a Ruby to add luster which will harden and not damage the stone? The last one I tried I thought was the answer, however, after a few weeks the surface seem to soften. Thanks.

Q: When I glue a crystal fancy stone into the setting, the glue oozes out the sides and makes a mess. What am I doing wrong, and what is the best way to clean off the extra glue without damaging the setting? Thanks.

Memory wire is a favorite jewelry wire for quick bead stringing projects, but you need a special tool to cut the stainless steel so your wire (and pliers!) aren't damaged.

Learn the easy way to open magnetic clasps without risking damage or losing the magnets.

Wax from a beehive that is used during beading to make the surface of a thread smooth and slightly sticky. This keeps multiple fibers together for ease of beading and to give protection against fraying and water damage.