Jewelry Making Resources | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

Ask the Experts Adhesive Q&A

Q: When purchasing the GS Hypo Cement® adhesive, is it better to purchase two or three, or just one tube at a time? I don’t use glue very often. How long does the glue stay effective?

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Earrings

Preserve dried flowers in clear resin for blooms that last forever. Learn how in this free earring project.

Design Idea RB2U

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Ask the Experts Metal Work Q&A

Q: How should I store liver of sulfur for safety? How long does a liver of sulfur solution last?

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Flat Herringbone Stitch

Begin with a foundation row of even-count ladder stitch. String 2 beads, pass down through the second to last bead in the ladder, and up through the next bead. String 2 beads, pass down the next bead and then up through the following. Repeat to the end of the row. To end the row, pass back through the last bead strung. To begin the next row, string 2 beads and pass down through the second to last bead of the previous row. Repeat, stringing 2 beads per stitch and passing down then up through two beads of the previous row. The 2-bead stitch will cause the beads to angle-up in each row, like a herringbone fabric.

Ladder Stitch

Using two needles, one threaded on each end of the thread, pass one needle through one or more beads from left to right and pass the other needle through the same beads from right to left. Continue adding beads by crisscrossing both needles through one bead at a time. Use this stitch to make strings of beads or as the foundation for brick stitch. For a single-needle ladder, string 2 beads and pass through them again. String 1 bead. Pass through the last stitched bead and the one just strung. Repeat, adding one bead at a time and working in a figure-eight pattern.

Flat Peyote Stitch

One-drop peyote stitch begins by stringing an even number of beads to create the first two rows. Begin the third row by stringing one bead and passing through the second-to-last bead of the previous rows. String another bead and pass through the fourth-to-last bead of the previous rows. Continue adding one bead at a time, passing over every other bead of the previous rows. Two-drop peyote stitch is worked the same as above, but with two beads at a time instead of one.

Right-Angle Weave (Single Needle) Stitch

The right angle weave (RAW) is a basic jewelry-making stitch often used with seed beads and crystal beads. String 4 beads and pass through them again to form the first unit. For the rest of the row, string 3 beads, pass through the last bead passed through in the previous unit, and the first two just strung; the thread path will resemble a figure-8, alternating directions with each unit. To begin the next row, pass through the last 3 beads strung to exit the side of the last unit. String 3 beads, pass through the last bead passed through, and the first bead just strung. *String 2 beads, pass through the next edge bead of the previous row, the last bead passed through in the previous unit, and the last 2 beads just strung. Pass through the next edge bead of the previous row, string 2 beads, pass through the last bead of the previous unit, the edge bead just passed through, and the first bead just strung. Repeat from * to complete the row then begin a new row as before.

Earrings

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

Design Idea QC2X

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How to Care for Your Embellished Garments

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

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Every cent counts! Save on supplies with our Big Box Blowout, Last-Chance Specials, and other sales.

Ask the Experts Cleaning Q&A

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?

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Ask the Experts Crimping Q&A

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?

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Ask the Experts Patina Q&A

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.

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Ask the Experts Plating Q&A

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!

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Ask the Experts Wire Q&A

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.

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Ask the Experts Plated and Precious Metal Clasps Q&A

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!

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Ask the Experts Elastic Cord Q&A

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?

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Ask the Experts Drill Bits Q&A

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.

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Polishing

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.

Triple-Strand Necklace and Earring Set

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.

Design Idea EA3H

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Single-Strand Necklace and Earring Set

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."

Design Idea K801

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Secrets to Polymer Clay Project 10: Around and Around Donut Focal Video

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.

Video Length 29:08

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Bracelet

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.

Design Idea K62V

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Gift Box

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.

Design Idea PH24

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