Jewelry Making Resources | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

Ask the Experts Tools Q&A

Q: I have split-ring pliers. They work fine for keyring size, but when you get down to 4mm or 5mm rings, the pliers only open the ring a little, and I can't keep them open wide enough to insert my focal. I've tried sliding the ring up the shaft of the pliers to open it farther, but then the beginning of the ring closes down, and I can't slip my focal in. Any ideas?

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Ask the Experts Mounting Q&A

Q: Should foil backed crystals be mounted in closed back settings or is an open back setting okay? If a closed back setting is advised, what type of glue is recommended?

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Single-Strand Necklace and Earring Set

Boldly colored faceted cube beads evoke futuristic circuits and binary pathways. Gold-plated findings add sleek, tech-inspired elegance.

Design Idea QK2Y

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Paperclip Chain Bracelet

Unlock endless possibilities! With paperclip chain's large, open links and lobster claw clasps, add and arrange charms to your heart’s content!

Design Idea QJ6C

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Bracelet

Simple components come together for a beautiful finish in this chic leather bracelet, featuring an antique silver-plated white brass heart and a matching clasp.

Design Idea RC2Q

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Ear Cuffs

Create western-inspired ear frames for a stylish statement by using ear wrap components with loops that easily open to attach embellishment.

Design Idea L52F

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Single-Strand Necklace and Earring Set

An asymmetrical pewter and turquoise pendant lends a distinctive flavor to this sky blue and silver necklace and earring set.

Design Idea QJ2B

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All About Jump Rings

Delve into our extensive jump ring resource. Here you'll find a wealth of information about one of the most versatile jewelry-making resources, from sizes and materials to chainmaille weaves.

Bringing Customers In: Retail Layout Secrets from the Big Box Stores

Transform your retail space with the tips in this eye-opening article.

Earrings

You can create beautiful stained-glass effects using open-backed components and colored resin. To achieve clean and precise lines, use resin tape as the secret to success.

Design Idea PA4W

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Ask the Experts Tools Q&A

Q: When I use my split ring pliers to open the ring and put a charm on, I seem to "ruin" the ring. It doesn't close back up properly, but remains separated from the center. Am I opening them incorrectly?

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Bracelet

Glistening with tiny crystals reminiscent of ice, this chic bracelet is sure to enchant. The freeform rectangles of pink and white druzy agate contrast beautifully with the open circles of hammered silver, weaving a captivating pattern.

Design Idea G91D

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Two-Piece Necklace and Earring Set

Crafted with meticulous detail, this captivating necklace and earring set features a silver-finished steel charm in the shape of a heart with a cutout design, complemented by a smaller single-sided heart charm in gold-finished steel. The set is elegantly accented with a silver-plated brass curb chain and gold-plated brass ear wires designed as round hoops adorned with open hearts.

Design Idea QC2K

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Single-Strand Necklace

Revitalize your style with this exquisite silver-plated brass necklace featuring a rolo chain and a stunning focal point—an open rounded rectangle encrusted with clear cubic zirconia—for a touch of timeless elegance.

Design Idea QC27

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The Beadmakers' Handbook

The first openly available resource for the beader and jewelry maker, the Beadmakers' Handbook includes bead-stringing designs and techniques. Download the free PDF and discover where it all began!

Crimping Pliers

Pliers with a grooved opening for folding, rolling and smoothing crimp beads and tubes. Crimping pliers create a smooth, rounded or curved crimp.

Is Someone Giving You the ''Evil Eye''?

Wear the Hand of Fatima a palm-shaped amulet that is commonly depicted as either an open right hand or a hand with 2 symmetrical thumbs.

Bracelet

Giddy-up! This stylish bracelet for the cowgirl features turquoise blue faux suede lace, an easy-open magnetic barrel clasp and a miniature version of a snaffle bit as a centerpiece.

Design Idea QD2W

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How to Dye Bone Beads

When you learn how to dye bone beads and other components you open a new avenue for creating distinctive jewelry pieces. Learn how with this informative article.

Ask the Experts Metal Clay Q&A

Q: I bought some silver Art Clay some years ago, it's never been opened. Do you know if it can still be used? I would be firing it with a butane torch. Thanks!

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Ask the Experts Restringing Q&A

Q: Is there some magic way to attach a crimp tube with an attached clasp to a finished piece strung on wire? Attaching the first tube at one end is easy, but when attaching the second one, the wire slips back through the beads (and then the beads fall off the wire causing endless frustration)--and the wire is cut so short (to fit into the crimp), there's nothing to grasp. The opening on the tube is so narrow that it would be nearly impossible to put a long piece of wire through the tube and cut it later. Any suggestions?

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Ask the Experts Memory Wire Q&A

Q: I want to make a necklace by memory wire, but the diameter of the necklace memory wire is smaller than the diameter of the necklace that I want to make. How can I make the wire open a little bit bigger than its memory diameter?

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Ask the Experts Metal Clay Q&A

Q: How can you prevent open, unused silver clay from turning moldy? We have the unused silver wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, sealed with masking tape to keep the plastic wrap from coming loose. Then we place the silver in an air tight rubber maid container with a sponge that is wet. Does it just turn moldy over time or is there something different we should be doing?

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Ask the Experts Rosary Eye Pins Q&A

Q: I am making a rosary and am looking for the thickest and strongest eye pin. I have had trouble with the loops stretching open under normal stress. Any suggestions?

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