Ask the Experts | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

Ask the Experts Cabochons Q&A

Q: I purchased a couple gorgeous cabochons online that are smaller than I expected (14x23mm). I’m not talented enough to wire-wrap something that small, and I can’t find a cabochon setting that will fit them. What should I do?

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Ask the Experts Polishing Q&A

Q: I have a large labradorite bead that lost its glossy finish when I polished the necklace it's set in. Is there any way to restore the shine without taking it to a jeweler? Thanks.

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Ask the Experts Gemstone Beads Q&A

Q: Hi, I have been working with Agate Druzy stones lately and I'm finding that the stones lose the bright color after they have been worn in jewelry up against the skin. Is there a sealant that I can use to keep this from happening? I appreciate any insight you may have! =)

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Ask the Experts Stringing Q&A

Q: I want to string heavy gemstones and chips with flowing knotted cording the way that pearls are knotted. I'm afraid the weight and sharp edges of the stones will wear out and tear ordinary silk. Will it? What else can I knot that is strong and won't fray? Will nylon cord work?

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Ask the Experts Setting Q&A

Q: What is the best way to set a cabochon 23x23mm by 4mm for a pendant? I have virtually no experience with adjusting for “tolerance.” Thank you.

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Ask the Experts Faceted Stones Q&A

Q: I'm looking for faceted gems stones to use in my wire wrapped jewelry. Any suggestions?

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Ask the Experts Gemstones/Druzy Q&A

Q: What on earth is druzy and what is druzy quartz and blue lace agate druzy? Merriam-Webster on-line does not recognize the word druzy.

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Ask the Experts Opal Care Q&A

Q: I have some opals stored in glycerine oil. They have been in oil since the 1930s. Must they stay in the oil or can I put them in cage bails?

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Ask the Experts Lentil and Melon Beads Q&A

Q: I've come across the terms "lentil beads" and "melon beads." What are they? How do you describe them?

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Ask the Experts Saltwater vs. Freshwater Q&A

Q: What is the difference between saltwater and freshwater pearls?

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Ask the Experts Turquoise Q&A

Q: I need to identify and price turquoise I purchased in New Mexico 20 years ago. I do know that some pieces are Sleeping Beauty turquoise. What is the best approach to identifying this gemstone?

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Ask the Experts Pearls, Dyed Q&A

Q: Is the color on dyed pearls permanent?

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Ask the Experts Gemstone Treatment Guide Q&A

Q: What do all the initials in parenthesis after the gemstones mean--example coral (IMIT). Thank you, is it listed in the catalog?

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Ask the Experts Briolettes Q&A

Q: I purchased a string of tourmaline briolettes with the holes cut at the top from Fire Mountain. I want to attach them to a gold filled chain (like a string of fish) for earrings. The problem is the holes are much too small to attach with head pins. I have the 26 gauge gold-filled wire from your catalog--but in a dilemma to get the half-hard or full-hard through to make the twisted loop attachment?

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Ask the Experts Briolette Repair Q&A

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?

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Ask the Experts Gemstones Q&A

Q: How do I explain to my customers what jasper is? It goes by so many names. I want to feel comfortable in what I say. I just got some banded jasper and I need something to say about it. Thanks for great products and services.

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Ask the Experts Making A Flat Briolette Bail Q&A

Q: How do I make a bail for a flat briolette using sterling wire?

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Ask the Experts Setting Marcasite in Art Clay® Q&A

Q: I'm interested in doing silver clay jewelry. What's the best way to get started? I love marcasite. Can I put them in the silver clay and then heat or is it best to glue them in later. Would I use jewelry glue or slip?

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Ask the Experts Heated vs. Dyed Colored Stones Q&A

Q: What is the difference between "heated" and "dyed" colored stones?

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Ask the Experts Illusion Cord Q&A

Q: How do you attach beads to "illusion" cord?

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Ask the Experts Hemalyke™ Information Q&A

Q: I am very interested in learning more about your Hemalyke™ and how it is produced. I will be sending a large order very soon for the magnetized Hemalyke. I need to know more information since I'll be making and selling jewelry containing your trademarked hematite substitute.

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Ask the Experts Pearls Q&A

Q: What are irradiated pearls?

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Ask the Experts Knotting to Protect Soft Stones and Pearls Q&A

Q: I've noticed that for some beads such as natural pearls and malachite, it's recommended that they be strung on silk or similar with knots between beads to protect them, while other beads such as amethyst and crystals can be strung touching each other on something like Accu-Flex® beading wire. Is there an easy way to determine which beads should be strung and knotted on silk, and which ones will be okay strung on metal?

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Ask the Experts Cleaning Q&A

Q: I bought some lovely white agate nugget beads. However, many of them look like their edges are dirty. Can you tell me the best way to clean these beads?

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