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about Jewelry Making
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Ask the Experts Testimonials Q&A
Ask the Experts Testimonials Q&A
Q: A customer wrote me a very nice thank-you note recently. When I asked her if I could use it as a testimonial on my website, she said I could, but she only wanted me to use her initials. When I see a testimonial without a full name, it looks fake, but I'd like to post hers with just her initials because it's so positive. What do you suggest?
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Ask the Experts Tools Q&A
Ask the Experts Tools Q&A
Q: I understand that tools such as pliers, etc. should be conditioned before use. How do I do this?
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Ask the Experts Pearls Q&A
Ask the Experts Pearls Q&A
Q: How do I string pearls with silk thread, what size thread do I use and how do I attach a clasp? Also, what type of finding should be used? Thank you.
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Ask the Experts Wire Cutting Pliers Q&A
Ask the Experts Wire Cutting Pliers Q&A
Q: Hi, Wire Cutters—Can you explain the difference between end cutter and flush cutter? Which cutter should I use to cut memory wire? Thank You.
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Ask the Experts Polymer Clay Q&A
Ask the Experts Polymer Clay Q&A
Q: Can foil leaf be used on raw polyclay and then baked? If so, should it be covered with a thin sheet of translucent clay or glazed after baking? Can it be used in the mokume-gane technique?
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Ask the Experts Settings Q&A
Ask the Experts Settings Q&A
Q: I want to put a star sapphire into a ring setting. What needs to be done so that the back won't scratch during wearing?
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Ask the Experts Bending Q&A
Ask the Experts Bending Q&A
Q: I would like to know the best method for bending silver tubing. Plumbers and jewelers must have a secret method. What is it?
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Ask the Experts Stonesetting Q&A
Ask the Experts Stonesetting Q&A
Q: What tools should I use to stretch the Sterling silver bezel for a cabochon that has fallen out of it's setting? Which tool do I use to get the bezel down around the stone again?
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Ask the Experts Oxidizing Wire Q&A
Ask the Experts Oxidizing Wire Q&A
Q: I would like to wirewrap gemstone rondelles and link them together to form a gemstone chain. I would like to use liver of sulfur to oxidize the chain. Is it safer to oxidize the wire before or after wirewrapping the gemstones beads into the chain?
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Ask the Experts Wire Q&A
Ask the Experts Wire Q&A
Q: I like to make my own earwires and findings from sterling wire. I've heard of tumbling them to harden them, but is this necessary? If so, how do I go about doing that? What equipment do I need to strengthen sterling findings (without changing their texture)? Thank you!
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Ask the Experts Metal Stamping Q&A
Ask the Experts Metal Stamping Q&A
Q: I just started metal stamping and am having some difficulties ... the stamps don't seem to be going through well enough to leave a good impression. If I hit it harder, though, it is bending the metal. Is the problem with the stamping blanks I am using, or are they all about the same?
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Ask the Experts Work Harden Q&A
Ask the Experts Work Harden Q&A
Q: I am trying to use argentium wire for wire wrapping--I cannot straighten it--it has a mind of its own--should I anneal it?
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Ask the Experts Wire Q&A
Ask the Experts Wire Q&A
Q: We make silverware jewelry. We like to use gemstones in the center of our bracelets. After wearing for awhile, the wire breaks. I have tried different wire, etc. but have not solved the problem. We use the half hard 24-gauge sterling. Another jeweler suggested we try using virgin silver wire and then tumbling our pieces to work-harden. How do you tumble the finished product without damaging the stones? I cannot figure out a way to tumble the piece without the stone set. Is there a product to cover and protect the stones, etc while polishing? Also, I have tried a few different methods trying to get a gloss on polished gemstones when they are not premium grade. Is there a product that we can use on a Ruby to add luster which will harden and not damage the stone? The last one I tried I thought was the answer, however, after a few weeks the surface seem to soften. Thanks.
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Ask the Experts Cutting Wire Q&A
Ask the Experts Cutting Wire Q&A
Q: How do I cut soft aluminum wire (16 ga) to get a crisp cut? When I use my wire cutters, the ends get that squashed look, like when I cut cookie dough.
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Ask the Experts Cleaning and Polishing Gemstones Q&A
Ask the Experts Cleaning and Polishing Gemstones Q&A
Q: Is there a simple way that I can increase the polished look of the commercial grade stone beads like the sodalite?
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Ask the Experts Power Cord Q&A
Ask the Experts Power Cord Q&A
Q: I made a couple of gemstone chip bracelets on Power cord, but I don't like the way they turned out. The knot area, with a small dab of glue on it, is stiff and brittle. The cord seems to have "warped" and appears to be stretched out of shape. The chips slid on the cord easily so that would not seem to be the reason for this distortion of the cord. Help!
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Ask the Experts Cupchain Q&A
Ask the Experts Cupchain Q&A
Q: I recently purchased "The Bosses Bag." In it was a long chain with crystals in the links. I think it might be called a cup chain. I would love to make tennis bracelets with the chain but I cannot find anything on your site that tells me how to add a clasp to the ends. Please help.
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Ask the Experts Two-Part Epoxy Q&A
Ask the Experts Two-Part Epoxy Q&A
Q: I use Devcon's two part epoxy 30-min. for my metal jewelry projects. I have had a few customers contact me because their jewelry came apart--esp. during the winter. Does it become brittle? How do I fix this problem?
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Ask the Experts Metal Clay Polishing Q&A
Ask the Experts Metal Clay Polishing Q&A
Q: I work in bronze clay and I find that after firing the metal is dull even after polishing. I even changed the carbon recently. Can you tell me a solution to this problem?
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Ask the Experts Hair Combs Q&A
Ask the Experts Hair Combs Q&A
Q: I'm interested in making some decorative hair combs, but I would actually like to make my own hair comb out of wire. I've been looking everywhere for instructions, and can't seem to find any. Do you know of a pattern that is available for making the actual comb?
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Ask the Experts Cloisonne Q&A
Ask the Experts Cloisonne Q&A
Q: I have purchased several cloisonne pendant sets from you. The package states that cloisonne contains lead enamel glaze. I made a choker out of one of the pendants that rests against my bare neck, but today I read an article that says wearing cloisonne next to the skin is radioactive and dangerous. Is this true?
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Ask the Experts Plated and Precious Metal Clasps Q&A
Ask the Experts Plated and Precious Metal Clasps Q&A
Q: I am trying to understand the difference of quality and longevity when using gold plated or gold filled clasps; also silver, or nickel. I think there must be many versions of gold plated as some tend to wear off immediately and others last. I am not making expensive pieces yet but I would like to use good quality clasps that last. What do you recommend and how do I recognize good from bad. I live in China and feel very unsure even when they tell me its good; price is not always the indicator!
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Ask the Experts Mother-of-Pearl Q&A
Ask the Experts Mother-of-Pearl Q&A
Q: I have a mother of pearl disc set in a sterling rim. The disc has become warped. How can I flatten it out without cracking the mother of pearl?
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Ask the Experts Solder Q&A
Ask the Experts Solder Q&A
Q: I want to "trim" the edge of a seashell with silver. I definitely do not want to just glue metal on. Is there some way to attach metal to a shell? Could I perhaps even use metal clay?
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Ask the Experts Pearl Removal Q&A
Ask the Experts Pearl Removal Q&A
Q: I want to remove saltwater pearls from an old setting. How is that accomplished without harming the pearls?
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Ask the Experts Bone Beads Q&A
Ask the Experts Bone Beads Q&A
Q: This may sound silly, but where does the bone come from in all of the bone beads? Just curious! Thanks!
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Ask the Experts Bezels Q&A
Ask the Experts Bezels Q&A
Q: I want to create a thin metal setting to go around a variety of different stones and crystals ... to make them shape specific in a gold plate or copper color. Do I need to use bronze/copper clay for that or buy a thin sheet of metal and cut it to the stone? If I go with the second idea, will I need a kiln to fire it or can it be glued to seal? Thank you!
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Ask the Experts Knotting Q&A
Ask the Experts Knotting Q&A
Q: I used silk thread to wrap around a metal triangle with an open center that I want to use as my focal component in a necklace design. The wrapping turned out really nice, but I don't know how to cleanly finish it without a knot showing. Any ideas? Thanks.
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Ask the Experts Bead Holes Q&A
Ask the Experts Bead Holes Q&A
Q: If a bead or stone has a drilled hole in the wrong place for your idea, is there a way you can fill the hole and redrill a new one? How difficult will it be to drill a new hole?
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Ask the Experts Rosaries Q&A
Ask the Experts Rosaries Q&A
Q: I read in a book that Silamide (using a double strand) is one of the best stringing materials for prayer beads/rosaries. The rosaries will be made of olive wood beads and glass seed beads. Some will be especially long and have active use. Can you tell me if this is a good choice? Thank you for your help.
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Ask the Experts Crystals Q&A
Ask the Experts Crystals Q&A
Q: Can Crystal Passions be stored in an unheated building without bursting?
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Ask the Experts Protecting Seed Beads Q&A
Ask the Experts Protecting Seed Beads Q&A
Q: I see that an artist's fixative is recommended for use on metallic seed beads. I assume this is for use on a finished piece--otherwise wouldn't the fixative plug the holes? Is it best to use a paintbrush to apply the fixative, to keep it from getting on other parts of the piece? And to apply it on one side, let it dry, and then apply on the other? Also, I once applied a fixative to larger beads, and found the next morning that it had become thick and dried on the bottom. What position do you recommend leaving them in for drying? Thanks.
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Ask the Experts Tool Sharpening Q&A
Ask the Experts Tool Sharpening Q&A
Q: Some of my wire cutting tools are getting indentations and the wire I use does not seem to be that hard. What would be the best way to sharpen them? Thank you.
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Ask the Experts Sculptural Seed Beads Q&A
Ask the Experts Sculptural Seed Beads Q&A
Q: I would like to know how to create the 3-D seed beaded items I have seen here. The animals that I have seen here are incredible. But I don't know how to begin; or using a cow skull to cover with seed beads. Any resource would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
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Ask the Experts Displaying Your Work in a Gallery Q&A
Ask the Experts Displaying Your Work in a Gallery Q&A
Q: What's the best way to get space for my jewelry in a gallery? I thought of sending a letter to the gallery owner with some photos of my work ... is that a good way to start?
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Ask the Experts Jewelry Displays Q&A
Ask the Experts Jewelry Displays Q&A
Q: I have been selling hand-made jewelry for about 12 years at shows and festivals. I am looking to get some new display items. I was wondering given the fact that half of my shows are outside and in the mountains, if the leatherette displays hold up better than the velvet ones? Going hand in hand what would be the best color to display brass or other mixed metal jewelry on, White or Black? I mainly have black velvet ones and they seem to collect dust and dead plant bits, which show up like there is no tomorrow when I am doing an inside show. Thoughts?
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Ask the Experts Removing Crimps Q&A
Ask the Experts Removing Crimps Q&A
Q: I just finished crimping the end of a necklace and now I found that I left a bead out. How can I remove the crimp without destroying the end of the wire? I have not trimmed the wire yet.
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Ask the Experts Glue Removal Q&A
Ask the Experts Glue Removal Q&A
Q: I am needing information on how to remove a glue-on bail from a square clear glass (approx. 1 1/2 inches by 1 1/2 inches) that also has an initial in this clear glass piece. (This customer wants to turn this into a pin, instead of a necklace.) Help!!
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Ask the Experts Oxidizing Wire Q&A
Ask the Experts Oxidizing Wire Q&A
Q: Can the Wrap-it® Wire in jeweler's bronze be oxidized? Since its mainly copper, will liver of sulfur work to give it a patina?
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Ask the Experts Refining and Recycling Scrap Q&A
Ask the Experts Refining and Recycling Scrap Q&A
Q: I do wire work with mostly sterling silver and 14k gold-filled wire. My silver scraps I send to a local artist who works with silver but what can I do with my gold-filled scraps?
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Ask the Experts Beading Wire Q&A
Ask the Experts Beading Wire Q&A
Q: Hello! Could you tell me if the Accu-Flex beading wires are water resistant? I bought another brand (foolish of me!) to make bracelets and they all got rusty after a few days when in contact with water. The ones that were not in the water, but in a place quite humid, eventually got rusty as well ... I don't want to go through that again! Thank you for your advice!
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Ask the Experts Holiday Gift Planning Q&A
Ask the Experts Holiday Gift Planning Q&A
Q: When preparing for the holidays, how far out should I be presenting holiday designs? Thanks for your help.
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Ask the Experts Custom Orders Q&A
Ask the Experts Custom Orders Q&A
Q: Occasionally, someone will contact me about a piece they want to buy from my website, but say they don't like the color of one of the stones, or they want a different kind of clasp. Should I tell them the piece is "as is," or should I offer to customize it? I don't want to take things apart I already made, but I don't want to lose a sale, either!
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Ask the Experts Credit Card Payments Q&A
Ask the Experts Credit Card Payments Q&A
Q: I have started a home party business. I want to be able to take credit cards, how would I go about this? Someone suggested Pay Pal, I don't understand how. Need better suggestions. Thank you for your time.
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Ask the Experts Metal Clay Q&A
Ask the Experts Metal Clay Q&A
Q: I had some left over Art Clay and wrapped it back into the original packaging. When I went to work with it again a few weeks later, it crumbled. I added some water and put it back in the packaging but it is still in pieces. Can you suggest another way of reconstituting it?
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Ask the Experts Seed Beads Weaving Q&A
Ask the Experts Seed Beads Weaving Q&A
Q: What is Apache weave?
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Ask the Experts Wire Crochet Q&A
Ask the Experts Wire Crochet Q&A
Q: How should I finish off a crocheted wire necklace with 3 strands or more? I have seen instructions to glue the wires, but I have more than 3 wires so it is heavy. Please let me know what to do and what to use.
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Ask the Experts Metalsmithing Q&A
Ask the Experts Metalsmithing Q&A
Q: I have seen coins (buffalo nickels) bent to make buttons or jewelry. How is this done?
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