Ask the Experts Stick Pins Q&A
Q: Does crimping or gluing work best to hold beads on a stick pin?
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Ask the Experts
about Jewelry Making
Ask the Experts Briolette Repair Q&A
Q: While creating a wire wrap for a very large faceted lemon quartz briolette, I inadvertently caused chipping on each side of the top-drilled hole. I've decided not to use the stone as a briolette since the drill hole is no longer useful. Can I repair the damage and what then can I do with the stone?
Ask the Experts Bead Tips Q&A
Q: Can bead tips be used with Accu-Flex® beading wire?
Ask the Experts Molds Q&A
Q: I am interested in creating my own jewelry company. I have started out by making bracelets, however I need to separate my bracelets from other bracelet makers. I have many ideas of beads I want to design myself but am not sure how to go about getting them created. For example, some companies have their logos as pendants on a lot of their jewelry. I want to make a logo pendant for my bracelets but am not sure how to "create" it. Are there jewelry supply companies that can make my logo into a pendant or is this something I have to create on my own?
Ask the Experts Cloisonné BeadsQ&A
Q: How should I clean cloisonné beads?
Ask the Experts Seed Beads Q&A
Q: If gluing seed beads to a flat surface, is there a spray or glue to put on top to make sure they stay smooth and secure to the object?
Ask the Experts Beading Q&A
Q: I am working with stainless steel wire, knitting a necklace and bracelet. I notice the wire is really dark. What can I do to clean stainless steel wire and make it brighter and more shiny?
Ask the Experts Accu-Flex® Beading Wire Q&A
Q: Which gauge of Accu-Flex beading wire is smallest? Does Accu-Flex beading wire fray?
Ask the Experts Cleaning Q&A
Q: When a natural pearl starts to discolor, does that mean it is "sick"?
Ask the Experts Seed Beads Q&A
Q: Which gauge wire can be used with size 11/0 seed beads?
Ask the Experts Matching Pearls Q&A
Q: How can I match pearls easily?
Ask the Experts Gemstones Q&A
Q: How do I explain to my customers what jasper is? It goes by so many names. I want to feel comfortable in what I say. I just got some banded jasper and I need something to say about it. Thanks for great products and services.
Ask the Experts Chain Q&A
Q: Are Omega chains stiffer than regular chains?
Ask the Experts Apoxie Sculpt Q&A
Q: Can Apoxie Sculpt be used with polymer? Ex: If I make say a bezel type pendant and want to inlay it with a cab gemstone can I use the Apoxie Sculpt if I choose?
Ask the Experts Tarnish Removal Q&A
Q: I have quite a collection of Hill Tribe Silver beads. I have been keeping them in clear hard plastic stackable screw together storage containers. I have noticed that they are beginning to tarnish. It will be quite a job to shine them up again. Could you recommend the best way to store them (for the future) and what would be the best way for me to clean these intricate beads. Many thanks for your help.
Ask the Experts Sterling Silver-Filled Q&A
Q: Can your new dead soft silver-filled wire be work-hardened?
Ask the Experts Wire Gauge Q&A
Q: What is the best gauge wire for making ear wires?
Ask the Experts Mounting Faceted Gemstones Q&A
Q: I'm trying to make an ankle bracelet and I want to use some faceted round gemstones, like a 4mm London blue topaz and a heart shaped 4x4mm ruby. How do I go about setting these and other stones so I can hang them from the bracelet?
Ask the Experts Pendants Q&A
Q: If the half-drilled pendant findings or screw eyes are too large, what is a good substitute?
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?
Ask the Experts Product Warning Labels Q&A
Q: I am thinking about selling the jewelry I make. What are my obligations as far as describing the materials that my jewelry is made from? It can be so confusing!
Ask the Experts Loomwork Q&A
Q: What kind or size of thread do I use on the beading loom?
Ask the Experts Selling Q&A
Q: I'm fine selling my jewelry face to face, right up to the point where I have to ask for the money. Then I get nervous. How common is that, and what can I do about it?
Ask the Experts Art Show Q&A
Q: I just had a bad experience selling at a local show. It was well-attended, but there were mostly ''bargain-hunters'' there who complained about my prices. What can I do to make sure I don't wind up at another ''flea market''?
Ask the Experts Seed Bead Fringe Q&A
Q: How do I correct a tension problem in my seed bead fringe?
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?
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!!
Ask the Experts Making A Flat Briolette Bail Q&A
Q: How do I make a bail for a flat briolette using sterling wire?
Ask the Experts Designer End Head Pin with Loop Ideas Q&A
Q: What can you make using 3-3.5 inch head pins with a designer end with loop? I find it is too thick for most of my beads. Any design ideas for them?
Ask the Experts Setting Marcasite in Art Clay® Q&A
Q: I'm interested in doing silver clay jewelry. What's the best way to get started? I love marcasite. Can I put them in the silver clay and then heat or is it best to glue them in later. Would I use jewelry glue or slip?
Ask the Experts Rosaries Q&A
Q: I'd like to make a rosary using either wood or glass round beads. What kind of chain do I use? I've never worked with chain before.
Ask the Experts Using Flexible Beading Wire with Gemstone Beads Q&A
Q: Is 0.014-inch beading wire a good size for 10mm lapis lazuli and 16x12mm tourmaline beads? Will a 0.08mm inside diameter crimp work?
Ask the Experts Most Secure Charm Attachment Q&A
Q: What is the most secure way to attach a charm or bead to chain?
Ask the Experts Crimping Pliers Q&A
Q: Do I have to use crimping pliers when using crimp beads?
Ask the Experts Manufacturing Q&A
Q: How are seed beads made?
Ask the Experts Business Ethics Q&A
Q: I find great inspiration from the Gallery of Designs and the Beading Instructions. Will I get in trouble if I make and sell my jewelry using inspirations from these resources?
Ask the Experts Seed Beads Q&A
Q: Do Delica® beads fade?
Ask the Experts Finishes Q&A
Q: What is the difference between seed bead finishes such as matte, inside color, transparent, etc.?
Ask the Experts Charity Sponsorship Q&A
Q: A local charity is hosting a run, and they asked me to ''sponsor'' it. I'm willing to participate, but I'm not sure how to get the most out of my contribution. Any suggestions?
Ask the Experts Email Marketing Q&A
Q: I sell my jewelry online from my own website. I'd like to send follow-up emails to clients, but I don't want to annoy them. What's the best way to stay in touch after the sale?
Ask the Experts Beading Loom Q&A
Q: What should I consider when buying a beading loom?
Ask the Experts Using Beading Cones with Multi-Strand Designs Q&A
Q: How do you make multi-strand necklaces and fasten the wires to a cone-style clasp? How do you attach the cone to the clasp?
Ask the Experts How to Thread Beading Needles with Ease Q&A
Q: I have a major problem threading a size 10 or 11 beading needle with a wire threader, but need to use a thin needle for peyote stitching with seed beads. I use a Wide Eye needle for loomwork and have great success with it, but the needle is too long for off-loom stitches. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you.
Ask the Experts Heated vs. Dyed Colored Stones Q&A
Q: What is the difference between "heated" and "dyed" colored stones?
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.
Ask the Experts Ball Chain Q&A
Q: How do I attach a clasp to ball chain? What type of clasp do I use?
Ask the Experts Head Pin Gauge for Earring Dangles Q&A
Q: What is the best gauge head pin to use for 2'' dangle earrings? I'm looking for something that is thin enough to work with, but thick enough that the earrings won't bend too easily. Thanks.
Ask the Experts Using Spacer Bars Q&A
Q: I want to make a wide bracelet. What do I use to join the rows of beads together?
Ask the Experts Fixing Bracelet and Necklace Tension Q&A
Q: I am having trouble with the tension on my bracelets/necklaces when doing the second side of them. No matter how much I pull the wire through the crimp bead there is always a gap between the crimp and beads. What can I do?
Ask the Experts Beading Thread Q&A
Q: I am looking for a thread/cord that WON'T STRETCH and can be used with heavier beads and knotted to finish. I have read that Dandyline braided beading cord is a good one, but you don't carry it. So, which is the correct one to use? Also, I would like it to come in colors. Thank you.
Ask the Experts Crimping Q&A
Q: Sometimes when I am working on a bracelet or necklace, the crimp bead breaks off, and I have to start all over again. What am I doing wrong?
Ask the Experts Setting Up a Website Q&A
Q: How do you set up a website to sell your jewelry?
Ask the Experts Beading Needles Q&A
Q: What needle should I purchase that will go through both beads and fabric, in order to bead fabric?
Ask the Experts Drilling Q&A
Q: I recently came upon and purchased several pieces of natural quartz in various sizes. Mostly spear or column shaped. I know most times these are wire wrapped for wearing, but I was wondering about drilling a hole to string them that way. Would that be possible? If so what kind of drill bit should I use? Should I do anything to prepare the quartz before that? Thanks.
Ask the Experts Adding Thread to Peyote Tube Q&A
Q: I'm new to beading but have started working a peyote-stitched tube with seed beads. I need to add additional thread to extend the length of the tube. Any suggestions?
Ask the Experts Best Knot and Glue for Elastic Cord Q&A
Q: What kind of knot do you tie when using elastic cord for a bracelet so it is secure when you're done beading?
Ask the Experts Bail for Single Pearl Q&A
Q: What do I use for a bail with a single pearl?
Ask the Experts An Extra Hand with Multiple Bead Strands Q&A
Q: When working on a multiple strand necklace, what advice do you give as far as handling the ends while you're beading? I've tried it and sometimes drop a line and my beads go everywhere!
Ask the Experts Metal Allergy Q&A
Q: I am allergic to nickel, sterling silver and gold plating. I used to use brass barrel clasps, but I am now having problems finding clasps that are not gold-plated. Can you recommend something besides 10Kt gold? I purchased some findings from other companies that claimed they were ''hypoallergenic,'' but they weren't.
Ask the Experts Choosing the Right Bail Q&A
Q: How do you select the right size bail? I want to use the bails for donuts and other pendants. The pendants are generally medium to large size.
Ask the Experts Will Silver-Plated Beads Patina Q&A
Q: Will silver-plated pieces get the antique color that regular silver gets, get a bad color or never change color?
Ask the Experts Crimp Covers to Disguise Slack in Piece Q&A
Q: How do crimp covers work? How do they take up slack on jewelry without restringing?
Ask the Experts Value of Dyed Q&A
Q: Are dyed, heated or stabilized gemstones less valuable than the natural ones? And what is the difference between them?
Ask the Experts Using Devcon Jeweler's Epoxy with Pearls Q&A
Q: Is your Devcon Jeweler's 2 Ton Epoxy safe for freshwater pearls? Thanks.
Ask the Experts Mixing Metals Q&A
Q: I'm looking for information on mixing different metals within one jewelry piece. Specifically, I'm wondering if there would be any bad reactions between brass and sterling silver. Is there somewhere I can find that kind of information? Thanks.
Ask the Experts Selling at Shows Q&A
Q: In terms of selling my jewelry at shows, should I look for events where I'll be the only one selling the kind of jewelry I make, or one where there are others who do similar kinds of jewelry?
Ask the Experts Stringing Material for Knotting Pearls Q&A
Q: What size silk thread should I use for knotting pearls?
Ask the Experts Cleaning Beads Q&A
Q: When I buy beads in bulk, they often have a white powdery substance in the bead hole. I am using a small file or a fine drill bit to clean out some of them, but there must be an easier way to do this.
Ask the Experts Delicate Wrapped Loop Wire Necklace Q&A
Q: Which wire works best when doing a wrapped loop necklace or earrings? Or which gauge? I want it to look delicate.
Ask the Experts Using Story Cards to Sell Jewelry Q&A
Q: My work will be sold in a gallery, but I won't be there to sell it. I'd like to include some information that prospective buyers can read. What's the best way to do that?
Ask the Experts Enamel Paint Q&A
Q: I want to paint silver charms with enamel. What kind is the best paint and what is the proper procedure?
Ask the Experts Selling Upscale Jewelry to a Casual Crowd Q&A
Q: My work is "upscale," yet at shows, people are often wearing casual clothing that isn't a good fit for my jewelry ... any ideas on how to deal with this?
Ask the Experts Gold-Finished Versus Gold-Plated Q&A
Q: Is there any difference between gold-finished and gold-plated, or is it just a new way to market gold plate?
Ask the Experts Beginners' Guide to Stringing Materials Q&A
Q: HELP! I have just started to bead and have some questions about what kind and what size of thread/wire I should use with my projects. What do all the numbers/gauge/sizes mean?
Ask the Experts Finishing a Necklace with Large-Hole Glass Beads Q&A
Q: I am making a necklace with glass beads, but when I put on the crimp bead to hold the bead in place, the hole in the bead is bigger than what the crimp bead holds. What do I do to keep my glass bead in place?
Ask the Experts Knotted Gemstone Necklace Q&A
Q: I would like to knot some gemstone beads. Is a bead tip sturdy enough to hold the heavier gemstone rounds and nuggets? What are the options for attaching a clasp if a bead tip is not used? Can a knotted strand be attached to chain?
Ask the Experts Making Your Own Neckwire Q&A
Q: How do you bend 16- or 18-gauge wire into a neckwire or choker?
Ask the Experts Stringing a Continuous Necklace Q&A
Q: How do I string a continuous necklace without using a crimp bead?
Ask the Experts Illusion Cord Q&A
Q: How do you attach beads to "illusion" cord?
Ask the Experts Strengthening Necklaces Q&A
Q: I am using Accu-Flex® 7 strands (.012") and crimp beads with pearls and other beads. Some of the necklaces get broken after a while. What can I use to make them stronger?
Ask the Experts Choosing the Right Stringing Material Q&A
Q: I was wondering which thread to use when stitching a necklace using a mix of beads, including seed beads and crystals. I would love a thread that is really strong and available in several colors.
Ask the Experts Rosary Eye Pins Q&A
Q: I am making a rosary and am looking for the thickest and strongest eye pin. I have had trouble with the loops stretching open under normal stress. Any suggestions?
Ask the Experts Making Tiles Into Pendants Q&A
Q: I want to make a necklace out of small tiles, but I can't put a hole in them. I need a type of ring to glue on the top to put the beads through. What is it called, and how do I find them?
Ask the Experts Making Watch Bands Q&A
Q: Hi! I'm new to beading and love it! I want to make bands for my existing watches that have a bar. What do I use to start? Is there a special finding?
Ask the Experts Bead Crochet Stringing Material Q&A
Q: What thread do you use for bead crochet?
Ask the Experts Using S-Hook Clasps Q&A
Q: I don't understand how to use S-Hook clasps. Am I supposed to separate one of the S's so that the ring will slide on and off? I purchased one, but the S is too tight on both sides to slide the jump ring on and off.
Ask the Experts Hemalyke™ Information Q&A
Q: I am very interested in learning more about your Hemalyke™ and how it is produced. I will be sending a large order very soon for the magnetized Hemalyke. I need to know more information since I'll be making and selling jewelry containing your trademarked hematite substitute.
Ask the Experts Mother-of-Pearl Shell Q&A
Q: What kind of beading wire would I use with mother-of-pearl beads or cultured freshwater pearls?
Ask the Experts Finishing a Multi-strand Necklace Q&A
Q: I believe the answer is a no-brainer but I cannot figure it out. I would like to find out how to finish off a multi-strand necklace, particularly when done on thread. When I go to How-To's, it brings up design ideas. I see the picture and the list of materials, but for the life of me, I cannot find instructions to go with it. How do I find what I want?
Ask the Experts Best Wire for Earwires Q&A
Q: In general, what is the best gauge and hardness of wire recommended for making earrings?
Ask the Experts Attaching Beads to Leather Q&A
Q: How do I attach beads or crystals to leather ~ as in a leather cross or even a halter for a horse?
Ask the Experts Finishing Silk Thread Q&A
Q: If I am making a necklace with silk thread, do I make a knot at the end using a tube crimp and then crimp the tube or just leave it?
Ask the Experts Fast Seed Bead Stringing Q&A
Q: My wife uses size 14 and size 15 seed beads to make little purses, and she is always saying she wishes she had a way to string the beads onto her needle that would be faster and easier than from a saucer and one at a time. I have heard about a bowl that you turn and the beads string onto the needle; is there such an item? Please let me know if you have any ideas.
Ask the Experts Alternatives to Gold and Silver Q&A
Q: With the price of gold and silver being so high, I'm thinking of using alternative metals, such as pewter or copper. How do other metals compare when used in jewelry?
Ask the Experts Closing Crimp Covers Q&A
Q: How do I close crimp bead covers without marking them? They are too tough to close by hand.
Ask the Experts Metal Beads Q&A
Q: What are liquid silver beads and how do you use them?