Ask the Experts | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

Ask the Experts Stringing Q&A

Q: I’m using 550-lb parachute cord for stringing, but I can find anything that will cut it cleanly. I’ve tried a bunch of tools but only my newest wire cutters come close, and they still don’t cut it cleanly.

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Ask the Experts Tools Q&A

Q: I need someone to contact me with hands-on experience and knowledge on how to properly use eyelet and rivet pliers (4065TL). I want to use them to set 3.5mm eyelets. The tutorial isn't clear on the proper orientation of the eyelet when crimping.

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Ask the Experts Drilling Q&A

Q: How do I drill a hole in mini crystal chips? It’s too small to be held in place.

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Ask the Experts Glass Kilns Q&A

Q: Do you have the kiln for fusing glass in a microwave?

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Ask the Experts Cleaners & Polishers Q&A

Q: Is there a way to disinfect jewelry when we are selling at our community market that won't damage stones or wire? Customers like to try on pieces to see how they fit, but if they don't buy them, the necklaces/rings/bracelets need to be disinfected before someone else tries them on? How??

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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 Wirework Q&A

Q: I am playing around with wire to make earrings. I need to flatten the ends. Which type of hammer would do the best job. I just purchased a chasing hammer with a flat other end. Is there something better?

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Ask the Experts Flush Cutters Q&A

Q: What are the best flush cutters? Thank you in advance.

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Ask the Experts Needles Q&A

Q: What needle should I use for my seed bead project?

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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 Gemstones Q&A

Q: I recently collected a lot of small stones and pebbles on the beach and want to wire wrap them and turn them into pendants. However, after the stones dried, they lost some of the appeal that made me pick them up in the first place. How can I treat the stones to give them the ''just out of the ocean'' look again? And I need this to be permanent and safe to wear. Thank you,

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Ask the Experts Cleaning Jewelry Q&A

Q: How do I get my pieces clean after people handle it at a show, and get fingerprints off, too?

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Ask the Experts Seed Beads Q&A

Q: How can Thread Magic® help my seed beading?

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Ask the Experts Bead Holes Q&A

Q: How can I remove dried glue from a bead hole so I can use the bead again? Thank You.

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Ask the Experts Rotary Tumbler Q&A

Q: I recently bought a Lortone Rotary Tumbler and would like to tumble metal in it. How do I do this? The instruction booklet doesn't address this. Thank you.

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Ask the Experts Sizing Q&A

Q: Can sterling silver rings be sized up?

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Ask the Experts Bead Reamer Q&A

Q: I was given a battery operated bead reamer as a gift, but am hesitant to try it. I was watching your bead reamer video and didn't even see a powered version mentioned as an option. It seems to me the hand versions offer more control. Do you have any recommendations?

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Ask the Experts Wire Gauges Q&A

Q: What is the best gauge wire to use with the wire jig? The best gauge to make jump rings?

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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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Ask the Experts Hammering Metals Q&A

Q: Please tell me what tool to use for a hammered look on metals like sterling silver and gold-filled?

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Ask the Experts Pliers Q&A

Q: Please tell me the difference between "lap joint" and "box joint" pliers?

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Ask the Experts Release Q&A

Q: I was wondering if you need any kind of release with the flex molds? I'm thinking for PMC you'd want to oil them, but what about resin?

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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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