Ask the Experts | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

Ask the Experts Wire Gauge and Type Q&A

Q: I’m making wire-wrapped glass stud earrings. What gauge and wire type is the best? I’d like to use sterling silver. Would half-hard be sturdy enough for an earring back? Thank you.

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Ask the Experts Beading Q&A

Q: What needle would you recommend for a loom project that is about 5 inches (94 columns) wide and uses 11/0 Delica seed beads? I'm having to thread back through just a few columns at a time with my standard #12 needle.

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Ask the Experts Wire Q&A

Q: I’m making wire-wrapped glass stud earrings. What gauge and wire type is best? I’d like to use sterling silver. Would half-hard be sturdy enough for an earring back?

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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 Metalsmithing Q&A

Q: If I'm creating a silver pendant for a flat back cabochon and have soldered on a bezel setting to a backplate, how do I set decorative faceted gems around it? I've used flat back smooth round cabs with bezel cups soldered on, but want to use faceted gemstones that have a point at the back, 4mm. Do I put something in the bezel cup, or make a hole in the backplate? Or something else?

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Ask the Experts Crystal Q&A

Q: I have a vintage piece of jewelry where a pear shape crystal 15x10mm has most of the foil back removed. I purchased a 14x9mm pear shape from Fire Mountain, but it is too small. Is there any way to replace the foil backing on the original? Did not see where Fire Mountain has the size I need.

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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 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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Ask the Experts Topcoats and Glazes Q&A

Q: Hi, I would like to make charms using polymer clay and crystals (gluing them back on after baking) and then apply a shiny glaze so that the charms are glossy. Is this possible over the crystals or will they lose their sheen?

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Ask the Experts Rhinestones Q&A

Q: I've never worked with flat-back rhinestones and want to apply some to a flat mother-of-pearl teardrop earring. What would work best for this, hot fix or not hot fix? I generally use the G-S Hypo cement for glue, would this be okay to use in this application?

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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 Flat Back Q&A

Q: I am going to add some crystals to wooden letters. What would be better, flat backs or hot fix, and what glue would I use? If hot fix is better, how do you use them? Thank you

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Ask the Experts Copyrights Q&A

Q: I buy pendants and antique beads at garage sales, flea markets and other sources. I use these pendants as focal points to build my necklaces around and some of them have a name printed on the back. Do I have a copyright problem or is there some other problem I might have if I want to sell my work?

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Ask the Experts Dog Collar Q&A

Q: I am attempting to make a jeweled leather dog collar. I would like to affix rhinestones and other colored crystal stones to the smooth leather face of the collar. The stones I am using are framed and backed in silver tone metal without rivets or claws to grip the leather. What is the best way to permanently attach these stones to the leather collar?

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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 Lanyard Stringing Material Q&A

Q: I have made and sold over 50 beaded lanyards since November. Now all of a sudden people are coming back because they have broken. I used Accu-Flex® beading wire 7 strand 0.019 clear for stringing. Do you have any suggestions for something stronger? I have a large order coming up and really don't want to restring.

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Ask the Experts Hatbands Q&A

Q: I'm making hatbands, but I don't know how to finish the ends. They need to be adjustable. Do you have any ideas? I'd prefer to NOT sew the bands to a backing. 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 Wind Chime Q&A

Q: I'm making a wind chime from some old stained glass pieces. I bought some memory wire from you a while back, but haven't tried it yet for this purpose. Will it hang straight when used or do you have another idea for connecting my pieces. Thanks!

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Ask the Experts Repair Q&A

Q: When I restick rhinestones with jewelry cement they lose their sparkle. Why is this? Does the stone need some sort of coating or a special glue?

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Ask the Experts Natural Q&A

Q: I made a necklace that was almost entirely wood beads. I made it in the winter. This summer the wood swelled and the necklace was too tight to hang right. Now it is winter again and the beads have shrunk back and the necklace is wearable. Any way to address this issue? It is making me shy away from using wood beads.

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Ask the Experts Commission Q&A

Q: I met with a gallery owner recently who wanted a huge commission to sell my jewelry. I was completely turned off and left without making a deal with her. Now I am re-thinking my decision. Should I go back and see if her commission is negotiable?

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Ask the Experts Flat Back Crystal Application Q&A

Q: I am fairly new to beading. How do I attach flat-backed crystals to a T-shirt or blouse?

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Ask the Experts Bead Holding Tools Q&A

Q: I was born with only one hand, but LOVE making jewelry. It's my most favorite thing to do. I was hoping that you could suggest some gadgets that would help me when I need to hold two tools in my hand. The hardest things to do are closing jump rings and holding earring backs while attaching drops. Any suggestions? Thanks so much!!

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