Capture the ferocity of black diamond chips with these hypnotic hoop earrings. This bold pair exudes power and sophistication, ensuring a lasting impact.

Anodizing is a technique used in jewelry making to enhance the durability and color of metal pieces. By applying an electrolytic process, it thickens the metal's natural oxide layer, improving its resistance to wear and corrosion. This method allows for the introduction of vibrant, long-lasting colors to metals like aluminum, titanium, and silver, without the need for dyes, resulting in durable and aesthetically appealing jewelry.

Discover tips for safely caring for embellished clothing including how to wash, iron and store these clothing gems for long-lasting fashion.

We know every cent counts when designing jewelry to sell. Learn how to take advantage of our Big Box Blowout Sale products, Last-Chance Specials and jewelry-making supply sales.

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.

Q: I've used toothpaste to clean my silver necklace for about the last 4-5 years. I was just wondering if I was ok in using it, or am I hurting my necklace?

Q: I am just not good with knots. I would prefer to use crimp tubes on stretch cord ("powercord"). I would like some reassurance that finished bracelets would last for a long time with wear. Have you had any testimonies from clients on this, and what is your opinion?

Q: I have a couple questions about Kato Polyclay. First, what adhesives would you recommend to use with the clay? I've noticed that some of them "eat" through the clay or make it soft and sticky again, and it might take a couple of weeks before you get such a "surprise." The last glue I've used was E6000® Jewelry and Craft Adhesive; no "surprises" so far. Are there any other adhesives which are safe for the polymer clay? Second, is there any particular glaze which is best to cover cured polymer clay with? I've tried Sculpey®, but for some reason it sometimes forms little bubbles on the surface of the clay when dried. Thank you very much.

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: I have silver tone fashion jewelry that with only a few times of wearing it, the silver tone begins to rub off. I know they will not last a lifetime, but I can only wear them a few times before they look old and faded. I know this happens because of the oils on my skin and products I use. My question is the following, is there any type of silver tone or even sterling silver finish liquid or spray or even paint that you can brush on to "refinish" these pieces and make them look new again? Thank you!

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: I am trying to understand the difference of quality and longevity when using gold plated or gold filled clasps; also silver, or nickel. I think there must be many versions of gold plated as some tend to wear off immediately and others last. I am not making expensive pieces yet but I would like to use good quality clasps that last. What do you recommend and how do I recognize good from bad. I live in China and feel very unsure even when they tell me its good; price is not always the indicator!

Q: I live in Denver, CO and I have a problem with elastic cording breaking. My guess is it due to the lack of humidity. What would be the best elastic cording to use that will last?

Q: Can you please tell me what type of drill along with drill bits I will have to purchase to drill through the stones like quartz crystal? I currently use a water pump lapidary tool by Gunther but the drill bits are too expensive and they don’t last. I’m looking for another alternative.

The process in the last stage of metal finishing in which a rotating instrument is dipped in a polishing substance. Increases shine and eliminates flaws.

Indulge in the timeless allure, Crystal Passions® drop bead triple-strand necklace and earring set is a perfect fusion of sophistication and style that will enhance any ensemble, leaving a lasting impression wherever you go.

Garnet rough and gold-filled beads slid over Add-a-Bead chain creates a beautiful jewelry set. Jewelry Designer Rose explains, "to ease the chain through the beads, I used a short length of thread (Nymo), put it through the last link of the chain and used it like a needle."

Follow Christi as she leads you through this sparkling assemblage of a project and shows you the last two techniques to round out your polymer clay skill set.

Silk cords are a wonderful reminder of the red string of fate that binds two lovers, and this bracelet is here to help you create lasting bonds.

Transform plain cotton-filled gift boxes into captivating treasures by adorning them with enchanting embellishments. Elevate your gift presentations from the ordinary to the extraordinary, leaving a lasting impression on recipients.

The measure of fineness of gold. 24Kt is pure gold, 14Kt gold is 14 parts pure gold. The balance is alloy. 14Kt is the standard fineness used for most jewelry in the USA. Our 14Kt has a rich yellow color and has hardness and durability suitable for lasting use. Our 18Kt gold has a darker color with a deeper yellow tone.Karat MeasureGold/Alloy Content24Kt100% pure gold18Kt75% pure gold - 75014Kt58% pure gold - 58010Kt42% pure gold - 4209Kt37.5% gold - 375

Create decorative Easter eggs that will last year-round with this pastel design. Polymer clay heishi beads and seed beads keep these festive earrings light.

Whip up this simple and sparkling necklace as a last-minute addition to any outfit needing a little "zhuzhing."

Looking for creative ways to use leftover beads? String them into fun, eclectic bracelets like this one, perfect for quick sales and last-minute gifts.