Ask the Experts | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

Ask the Experts Adhesive Q&A

Q: Sure hope you can help me. I'm making a necklace and my pendant is a lampwork bead, sort of rondelle shaped. I want to use a large jump ring, 17mm, but I am having trouble as it does not seem secure on the necklace. Is there something I can use or some technique to keep this ring securely closed? I really don't want to invest in or learn soldering. Thank you so much.

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Ask the Experts Oval Jump Rings Q&A

Q: I am making earrings and a necklace using 2-3 links. Should I use a round jump ring or an oval jump ring to attach the links?

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Ask the Experts Jump Rings Q&A

Q: I've seen Chainmaille sites online and thought, "Wow, that looks cool! I want to make it!" How can I cut the wire to make jump rings, without it flattening the end of the cut part? I know I can buy machine made jumprings that are perfectly shaped and cut, but I want to make my own, so I can fabricate the entire piece. I've been using regular wire cutters, and am looking for a cutter that won't flatten the jumpring ends. Thanks

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Ask the Experts Jumprings Q&A

Q: I am a chain mail artist considering making my own sterling silver jump rings. Is the cost saving to buy sterling wire and make the rings myself worth the effort? My preferences for wire are 16 and 18 gauge half-hard wire.

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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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Ask the Experts Most Secure Charm Attachment Q&A

Q: What is the most secure way to attach a charm or bead to chain?

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Ask the Experts Keeping Jump Rings Closed Q&A

Q: When I close my jump rings, they won't close enough to keep from letting the other jump ring slide out and have the piece come apart. The space is very small, only enough for my fingernail. I use the tool I purchased from you that looks like a ring and fits on the finger.

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Ask the Experts Attaching a Center-Drilled Pendant Q&A

Q: What is the best way to attach a center drilled pendant to a necklace?

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Ask the Experts Chainmaille Q&A

Q: I have discovered the joys (and tribulations) of working with jumprings in making chainmaille jewelry. Besides soldering the rings closed, is there a special glue that can be used? I love working with jumprings of all sizes and would like to know that the jewelry I make will stay together. Thank you!!

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Ask the Experts Scale to Design Q&A

Q: How do I know what size split ring, jump ring and wire to use on a project?

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Ask the Experts Soldering Q&A

Q: How do you use liquid solder? Do you have to use a torch? I am an amateur but need to know how to close silver jump rings.

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Ask the Experts Jumprings Q&A

Q: How do I determine the OD of a jumpring when all I have is the ID and the gauge?

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Ask the Experts Soldering Jump Rings onto Jewelry Q&A

Q: Hello, I'm a very beginner at jewelry making. I want to learn how to solder jump rings. I'm using gold-plated brass jump rings and wanted to know the best way to proceed. The jump rings that I'm using are very small and I'm wondering how to solder such small jump rings without heating the rest of the jewelry? Are there any alternative ways to do this?

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