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?