Ask the Experts Wire 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
about Jewelry Making
Ask the Experts Tools Q&A
Q: I have split-ring pliers. They work fine for keyring size, but when you get down to 4mm or 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 farther, but then the beginning of the ring closes down, and I can't slip my focal in. Any ideas?
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?
Ask the Experts Findings Q&A
Q: I want to use copper spacers and clasps in some of my necklaces, and wonder if when people wear them, will their skin turn green? Is it okay to mix gold and copper?
Ask the Experts Earwires Q&A
Q: Can you make your own ear wires out of gold-filled wire? Or does work hardening and using a burr-cup tool on the end ruin it? I don't know how to get ready-made gold-filled earring wires & findings that are the same gold tone as my gold-filled wire.
Ask the Experts Rondelles Q&A
Q: What size rondelle do I use with a 12mm bead?
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?
Ask the Experts Wire Working Q&A
Q: How do you use a draw plate? Looking for a tool to keep wires in place when wrapping.
Ask the Experts Packaging Q&A
Q: I try to make jewelry look nice in a gift box, but I know that as soon as someone moves the box around, the pieces won't stay the way I arranged them. A long time ago, I think I read about sticky dots or something similar to make the jewelry stay where it should. Do you have any additional information or suggestions to make jewelry stay put? Thanks.
Ask the Experts Seed Beading Q&A
Q: What can you put on a seed bead project when it is finished? Is there a liquid?
Ask the Experts Apparel Q&A
Q: I need instructions on making hat pins, please.
Ask the Experts Knotting Q&A
Q: I made a 4mm sterling silver bead elastic bracelet. What is the best way to hide the knot? The hole in the bead is too small to hide the knot. Do I use a 4mm crimp bead, put it over the knot and then use a 4mm sterling crimp cover? Would the beads all look the same once completed? Thanks so much.
Ask the Experts Stringing Q&A
Q: I need basic instructions on how to make stretch bracelets. I live in Puerto Rico and the heat and humidity play havoc on the stretch elastic. What is the strongest and best to use?
Ask the Experts Shell Q&A
Q: I have two matching huge giant clam shells. They lived outside my parents’ house in Kent in the wind and rain for 50 years and kept the beautiful mother-of-pearl inside. After some years outside here in Bristol, they have lost the mother-of-pearl, except where the rainwater has collected. What might have caused this? Can the mother-of-pearl be restored on the rest of the shell or is it destroyed and lost forever?
Ask the Experts Wire Q&A
Q: I am interested in making mobiles. I have used wire from hardware stores but would like to upgrade. Can you suggest a medium-grade wire for this purpose? I’m also concerned with changing color and rust.
Ask the Experts Wire Working Q&A
Q: Which wire hardness would be best for making roses for a necklace or bracelet?
Ask the Experts Jump Rings Q&A
Q: If I have jump rings that say they're made of "iron alloy," can they be soldered?
Ask the Experts Pendants Q&A
Q: I’ve been looking everywhere for pendant settings with dogs or paws. I’ve found owls, turtles, dolphins, cats but no dogs. Doesn’t seem like they exist. Is there a way to make them?
Ask the Experts Beading Q&A
Q: Are turquoise heishi beads made from a solid piece of turquoise or out of ground turquoise and resin? Thank you
Ask the Experts Findings Q&A
Q: What size ( interior size) of end cap do I use to solder on the ends of a 1mm snake chain? Thank you for responding to my question.
Ask the Experts Findings Q&A
Q: I noticed there are so many sizes of crimps. Sometimes when I use the crimp that is designated on the various types of wire I have they still pull off or where off and then the item breaks. Why does this happen I always double check it and give it a tug and figure it is fine. What is going wrong?
Ask the Experts Wire-Working Q&A
Q: I would very much like to start making simple wire ring designs. What shape(s), gauge(s), and tools etc. do you recommend please. Thank you so very much for your time and help!
Ask the Experts Findings Q&A
Q: How do you determine the size slide clasp to use?
Ask the Experts Beading Q&A
Q: I am very new to beading. What type and size of product are best to use for most beading?