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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.

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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?

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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?

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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.

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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?

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Ask the Experts Setting Up a Website Q&A

Q: How do you set up a website to sell your jewelry?

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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?

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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.

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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?

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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?

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Ask the Experts Bail for Single Pearl Q&A

Q: What do I use for a bail with a single pearl?

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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?

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Ask the Experts Stringing Material for Knotting Pearls Q&A

Q: What size silk thread should I use for knotting pearls?

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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Ask the Experts Making Your Own Neckwire Q&A

Q: How do you bend 16- or 18-gauge wire into a neckwire or choker?

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Ask the Experts Stringing a Continuous Necklace Q&A

Q: How do I string a continuous necklace without using a crimp bead?

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Ask the Experts Illusion Cord Q&A

Q: How do you attach beads to "illusion" cord?

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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?

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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.

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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?

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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?

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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?

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Ask the Experts Bead Crochet Stringing Material Q&A

Q: What thread do you use for bead crochet?

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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.

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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?

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