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
about Jewelry Making
Ask the Experts Beading Q&A
Q: How can I keep a flat bead from turning on the head pin when I make earrings?
Ask the Experts Glues Q&A
Q: What glue can be used when gluing cultured freshwater pearls to silver?
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!
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?
Ask the Experts Findings Q&A
Q: Are rose gold and copper interchangeable colors for findings?
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.
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.
Ask the Experts Stringing Q&A
Q: What size silk thread should I use for stringing peridot chips for a necklace?
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.
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!
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.
Ask the Experts Measuring Q&A
Q: What does 8x10mm glass bead mean?
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.
Ask the Experts Findings Q&A
Q: My necklace is a 16mm wide figaro. What size does my classic slide bail need to be?
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!
Ask the Experts Measuring Q&A
Q: What is the correct method of measuring a curved tube bead?
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.
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.
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!
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?
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?
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.
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.