Ask the Experts Ball Chain Q&A
Q: How do I attach a clasp to ball chain? What type of clasp do I use?
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Ask the Experts
about Jewelry Making
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.