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 Bead Huggers Q&A

Q: What can I use to secure a seed beaded bead I made? It’s an inch long and 2mm hole. I’m putting it on a silver 2mm tube, but it slides around. Does your company make bead huggers big enough to go onto the tube? What would you suggest?

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Ask the Experts Cleaning & Polishing Q&A

Q: What is the best way to clean tarnished silver chain that has semi-precious stones included without harming the stones?

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Ask the Experts Polymer Clay Q&A

Q: Can polymer clay be painted on with water-based paints? Before or after baking? And what kind of sealer do you use on the finished product?

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Ask the Experts Beading Material Q&A

Q: How can I ensure that the longer necklaces I design using heavy beads (porcelain, marble, glass, etc.) will not come apart from the weight. I am using AccuFlex 0.019 49-strand wire. On these longer necklaces, I sometimes use a clasp and other times I do not use a clasp. Would extra crimps work? Would they work at the back where the clasp would be or would it be better to work them into the design of the necklace so they could be spaced throughout the length of the piece? Other ideas?

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Ask the Experts Seed Beads Q&A

Q: When using beads and E6000 to glue a cabochon to ultra suede or Lacy's Stiff Stuff, is one row of beads around the base sufficient? Some instructions say to add several rows of progressively smaller beads, some don't. This is for a stationary object not jewelry. Thank you for your help.

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Ask the Experts Beading Q&A

Q: I’m having trouble with my seed bead fringe earrings. I’m always having an issue with curling. How do you keep them soft and flowy? I’m using Fireline 4lbs. Also it’s hard to find a balance between pulling them a little bit on the tighter side or having too much of a gap. Could it be the thread? What is the trick ?

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Ask the Experts Beading Q&A

Q: Newbie here. I understand the peyote stitch can be odd or even count. Can you tell me why I would choose one over the other? And I am having a hard time finding patterns for even count, plenty of odd count though.

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Ask the Experts Q&A

Q: I am making bracelets using 4.6mm alphabet letters and 2mm leather cording. My letters (arranged into a word) are centered on the cord. To hold them in place so they don't slide, I tie a knot on each side of the word. I am looking to use some type of bead, crimp or something instead of the knot to prevent the letters from sliding on the cord. Any suggestions? I saw something called smart beads but I don't think the hole is big enough to fit the 2mm leather through it.

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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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Ask the Experts Best Gauge for Making Earring Wires Q&A

Q: What is the best size and type of sterling silver wire to make earring wires?

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Ask the Experts Finishing a Silk Multi-Strand Necklace Q&A

Q: I have seen a necklace that I would love to make, but I need advice on the clasp at the back. The necklace was 10 strands of silk thread with pearls and crystals knotted about 1 to 1-1/2 inches apart. It looked like a crimp with a loop that finished it off, but I am unsure which one to order to complete the necklace, or even if this is the right way to go. Can you please advise? Thanks so much!

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Ask the Experts Unpierced Earrings Q&A

Q: How do you make earrings for people who don't have pierced ears?

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Ask the Experts Stone Q&A

Q: I am wondering how to drill small holes in certain pieces to accommodate certain designs. How would I drill holes in sterling silver or brass components? Also, how would I drill an extra hole in a pendant made of howlite? HELP!

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Ask the Experts Stringing Q&A

Q: What is the best way to compensate for stringing beads that have different hole sizes?

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Ask the Experts Illusion Necklace Q&A

Q: If I make a necklace that has the gems floating, what type of wire is good, and what type of crimp bead is good for keeping the bead in a suspended hold?

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Ask the Experts Wirewrapping Q&A

Q: I have a glass pendant that the loop broke off of. How can I wire wrap it and put a loop at the top, where the glass loop broke off?

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Ask the Experts Right-Angle Weave Q&A

Q: I am totally new to beading. I want to make a right-angle-weave bracelet. Can you tell me where to find instructions for adding the center bead to each right angle group? Thanks.

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Ask the Experts Design Q&A

Q: What is the best way to make a simple loop at the top of a headpin that will keep multiple beads on the headpin from twirling around (so that they stay stable and facing forward)?

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Ask the Experts Wire Q&A

Q: When making wrapped wired drop earrings, how can I be sure they will be the same length? Thank You.

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Ask the Experts Design Q&A

Q: How do you keep top-drilled beads going in an alternating pattern on a necklace or bracelet? I have some small pearls that I would love to use.

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Ask the Experts Beading Q&A

Q: I'm just starting out in beading. My interest is in beaded bracelets and necklaces. I'm starting with bracelets first. To prevent waste, how long do I need to make the beading wire before I cut it? How much extra do I leave? 1 - 2 inches? Thank you

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Ask the Experts Metal Beads Q&A

Q: I have old brass curved tube beads in varying sizes. I want to cut or file some of the outside edge of the curve to expose a little cord inside. Do I use a file, a jeweler's saw? What type of blade or file? Thank you.

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Ask the Experts Wire Gauge for a Wire-Wrapped Ring Q&A

Q: I recently purchased a bead ring from a street vendor. The ring's band is made with a smooth silver wire with two loops, then a bead is attached using a thinner wire which is threaded through the ring's loops and twisted to secure. What kind and gauge of hypo-allergenic wire can be used to make a similar ring for my family and friends?

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