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Ask the Experts Jump Rings Q&A

Q: What kind of jump rings do I need to use so they don't clump up and stick to the magnetic clasps? I've tried using stainless steel jump rings, but they still stick to the magnetic clasp. Thanks.

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Ask the Experts Eye Pins Q&A

Q: Does the length listed for the eye pins include the round head or just the shaft?

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Ask the Experts Polymer Clay Q&A

Q: I make old wine bottles into hummingbird feeders by beading them. If I make beads from polymer clay and finish them properly, will they be able to be used outdoors in bright sunlight and high (118 degrees) temperatures and still keep their color?

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Ask the Experts Fishhook Ear Wire Gauge Q&A

Q: I want to use pre-made fishhook ear wires but am confused over which gauge is best. I have received earrings that have fishhooks that are TOO thick to go into my pierced ears. Can you clarify which gauge is thick vs thin?

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Ask the Experts Choker Design Q&A

Q: I'd like to make 3- or 4-strand chokers with a cabochon in the center of the strands. Other than wire wrapping the cab, are there any settings that will allow me to do this? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

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Ask the Experts Stainless Steel Earring Wires Q&A

Q: Can I make earring wires from stainless steel wire? If so, explain the challenges and what gauge wire to use. Will it harden when hammered?

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Ask the Experts Split-Ring Pliers Q&A

Q: I have the split-ring pliers. They work fine for keyring size, but when you get down to 4-5mm rings, the pliers only open the ring a little, and I can't keep them open wide enough to insert my focal. I've tried sliding the ring up the shaft of the pliers to open it further, but then the beginning of the ring closes, and I can't slip my focal in. Any ideas?

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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 Drill Holes Q&A

Q: What are the names of the types of drill holes for jewelry?

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Ask the Experts Stringing Q&A

Q: How do I use silk thread for necklace stringing so it won't relax and stretch?

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Ask the Experts Beading Q&A

Q: How can I keep a flat bead from turning on the head pin when I make earrings?

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Ask the Experts Glues Q&A

Q: What glue can be used when gluing cultured freshwater pearls to silver?

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Ask the Experts Finishing Q&A

Q: I am struggling with finishing a necklace with a delicate single charm. It is strung on a very delicate chain, and I have no earthly idea how to finish the chain so that I can then attach an equally delicate clasp. I am assuming that super glue is out, but what are my other choices? Thanks so very much for your kind assistance!

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Ask the Experts Beading Q&A

Q: I use Beadalon® 49-strand wire and 7-strand wire. What size crimps and wire protectors should I use on each size? Also, what size will I need if I use the 7-strand wire doubled?

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Ask the Experts Findings Q&A

Q: Are rose gold and copper interchangeable colors for findings?

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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 Crimp Tube Sizes Q&A

Q: What is the difference between a micro, a cut and a regular crimp tube and the proper use of each one? Also, why are there fancy crimp tubes when you’re going to crimp them anyway? It seems like you'd loose the "fancy" look after crimping.

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Ask the Experts Stringing Q&A

Q: What size silk thread should I use for stringing peridot chips for a necklace?

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Ask the Experts Findings Q&A

Q: What is a good gauge size for sterling silver head pins? I've been using some that I bought at a local craft store, but they don't say the gauge size. I want to buy silver 2-inch and 3-inch head pins.

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Ask the Experts Beading Q&A

Q: I always buy gemstone beads. I get them all over. Recently, I ran into an issue. I paid more than I usually would for what was pictured as nice looking "jewelry beads/agate" online, but what I received was a ton of HUGE drilled tumble stones with mineral deposits. The seller and I are in a disagreement about them being exactly as listed. What technically makes a bead a bead and a rock a rock? Is there a standard? Thanks!

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Ask the Experts Stringing Q&A

Q: I only use FireLine for my wrapped bracelets (chan-lu style) but I find it breaking quite often when I’m making sure tension is correct and all glass beads or semi-precious stones are in place and ready to tie off the project as I’m completing the bracelet. Please help. This is maddening.

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Ask the Experts Measuring Q&A

Q: What does 8x10mm glass bead mean?

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Ask the Experts Findings Q&A

Q: Would you have a crimp cord that can be used for more than one cord? I am making a leather bracelet using 3 cords and cannot find a big enough crimp for it.

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Ask the Experts Findings Q&A

Q: My necklace is a 16mm wide figaro. What size does my classic slide bail need to be?

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Ask the Experts Wire-Wrapping Wire Q&A

Q: I'm a beginner jewelry maker who would like to incorporate my own handmade ear wires into designs. Currently, the wire I've been using for much of my work is plated German-style wire. Is this wire safe to use for ear wires for most people? Thank you!

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Ask the Experts Measuring Q&A

Q: What is the correct method of measuring a curved tube bead?

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Ask the Experts Findings Q&A

Q: Is it better to use a 3mm crimp for a beading wire necklace, or will a 2mm crimp suffice? If I use a 3mm crimp, do I use a 3mm crimp cover, or should I use a bead that is 1mm larger? Same for a 2mm crimp - should I use a 2mm crimp cover over a 2mm crimp? Thank you in advance.

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Ask the Experts Cleaners and Polishers Q&A

Q: I did a poor job of applying gloss topcoat to my 24Kt gold-plated seed beads and need to remove and redo it. How do I remove the topcoat I applied to them? Thank you.

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Ask the Experts Findings Q&A

Q: I usually have difficulty in making crimps grip the stringing material. Recently, I attended a class at which the instructor told us that there are some crimp beads which have grooves scored in the inside of the crimp bead, which allows them to give a better grip to the stringing material. Do you have any information on this type of crimp beads? The ones I used in the class were small, 2x2mm, but they worked better than any others I have at home. Thanks for any info you can give to me!

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Ask the Experts Clasps Q&A

Q: I have a 10Kt gold magnetic clasp and the magnet has fallen out. How do I repair it?

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Ask the Experts Cleaners and Polishers Q&A

Q: How do I keep my plated 24Kt gold and my plated sterling silver seed beads from tarnishing or fading?

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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 Beading Q&A

Q: I’d like to make a necklace by loosely braiding or weaving three strands of wire together and adding beads periodically. Is memory wire the way to go? Would the bare wire be uncomfortable? I want a very light and airy feel to the necklace. Would something else work better? I’ve racked my brain, and I would appreciate your help! Thank you very much.

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Ask the Experts Beading Q&A

Q: A friend asked me to fix a beaded necklace that had two strands twisted around each other with a large pendant in the center. One strand broke, leaving one side still twisted. Some beads had fallen off and were missing, so I basically had to start from scratch using new beads. Before cutting the remaining strands, I photographed the twisted strand, and the ends attached to the clasp. I then inspected the twisted strands to see how they stayed twisted. I saw nothing special that made the twists stay twisted. Next, I made two strands of beads to test what looked like “too easy”. As I feared, the strands untwisted. I searched the internet looking for the magic trick that I was missing. I found one post, words only, no pictures, and it talked about twisting 3 strands, which I could not relate to my issue. I am hoping one of the experts at Fire Mountain Gems could make a tutorial for twisting two strands. Can you help?

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Ask the Experts Findings Q&A

Q: Do you have a circle earring or pendant with a jump ring inside the circle, so I can hang a bead or charm from it?

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Ask the Experts Stringing Q&A

Q: I would like to secure 1/16" elastic cords together (either end to end or overlapping). What size crimp should I get?

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Ask the Experts Stringing Q&A

Q: What is the best material for stringing spiny oyster heishi beads? What kind of fastener would be best?

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Ask the Experts Soldering Q&A

Q: I’m going to be soldering a ring band onto a bezel. What is better for that job—dead soft or half hard?

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Ask the Experts Wireworking Q&A

Q: I'm looking into wire looper tools and cutters. I use a lot of memory wire and wanted to know if the looper tools will work on memory wire.

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Ask the Experts Stringing Q&A

Q: I use Beadalon 49-strand wire and 7-strand wire. What size crimps and wire protectors should I use on each size. Also, what size will I need using the 7-strand doubled?

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Ask the Experts Hypoallergenic Jewelry Q&A

Q: What can I use to cover metal jewelry if it causes allergic reactions on my skin?

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Ask the Experts Stringing Q&A

Q: My pearl necklace broke. Is it possible for me to fix it? It is 14Kt gold.

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Ask the Experts Findings Q&A

Q: I am making small tapestries. The size is comparable to pen wraps when not zipped up. I'd like to hang them either in my windows with suction cups or on my Christmas tree. But how do I finish them on the top so that they can hang? Is there a finding to use? I've looked but I really don't know what I am looking for. Thank you very much.

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Ask the Experts Wire Q&A

Q: When doing wire weaving, I am having a hard time keeping the base wires straight, so my design comes out a little crooked. I am using either 20- or 18-gauge base wire. What am I doing wrong?

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Ask the Experts Findings Q&A

Q: What glue should I use to glue a silver bail to a gemstone cabochon?

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Ask the Experts Adhesive Q&A

Q: When purchasing the GS Hypo Cement® adhesive, is it better to purchase two or three, or just one tube at a time? I don’t use glue very often. How long does the glue stay effective?

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Ask the Experts Beading Q&A

Q: What is the finest size thread suitable for pearls, please?

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Ask the Experts Findings Q&A

Q: I have been asked to make beaded pull chains for ceiling fans and window shades. I want to rise to this challenge, but how can I make something secure enough to handle the force? I appreciate your advice.

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