Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts Beading Q&A

Q: Newbie here. I understand the peyote stitch can be odd or even count. Can you tell me why I would choose one over the other? And I am having a hard time finding patterns for even count, plenty of odd count though.

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Chain Q&A

Q: I want to add some links to a chain with wire, what gauge should I use?

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Stringing Q&A

Q: I want to string heavy gemstones and chips with flowing knotted cording the way that pearls are knotted. I'm afraid the weight and sharp edges of the stones will wear out and tear ordinary silk. Will it? What else can I knot that is strong and won't fray? Will nylon cord work?

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Glues/Adhesives Q&A

Q: I'm making jewelry and keychains using glass cabochons and to stainless steel bases. What is the best type of glue to use? Will E6000 mess up the picture or words on the cabochon? Thank you.

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Wire Q&A

Q: What are the sizes used for wire? Can you explain the different types of wire used for jewelry and what do 18,22 etc. mean?

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Stretch Cord Q&A

Q: How do I choose how much elastic cord I need for a bracelet? Should it have any tension on the cord, or only after you put it on? Where do I measure, on the person, to get it right?

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Setting Q&A

Q: What is the best way to set a cabochon 23x23mm by 4mm for a pendant? I have virtually no experience with adjusting for “tolerance.” Thank you.

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Embellishing Q&A

Q: Hello, what can I use in place of metallic beads for a bit of bling? I find that they tarnish quite quickly. Thank you.

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Flush Cutters Q&A

Q: What are the best flush cutters? Thank you in advance.

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Faceted Stones Q&A

Q: I'm looking for faceted gems stones to use in my wire wrapped jewelry. Any suggestions?

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Cupchain Q&A

Q: How do you wire cupchain? Can lengths be attached to each other?

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Topcoats and Glazes Q&A

Q: Hi, I would like to make charms using polymer clay and crystals (gluing them back on after baking) and then apply a shiny glaze so that the charms are glossy. Is this possible over the crystals or will they lose their sheen?

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Storing Metal Findings Q&A

Q: Should you store metal findings out of their original packages or is it best to leave them in the packages? I inadvertently left a lot of mine out of their packages and in drawers of the little plastic cabinets I was storing them in. Oddly some of both were in good shape and others not so much. Can you advise as to which is recommended?

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Twister Clasp Q&A

Q: I am having trouble understanding how the twister clasp works. Is there a video on this?

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Rhinestones Q&A

Q: I've never worked with flat-back rhinestones and want to apply some to a flat mother-of-pearl teardrop earring. What would work best for this, hot fix or not hot fix? I generally use the G-S Hypo cement for glue, would this be okay to use in this application?

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Mermaid Glass Q&A

Q: I have a question about "Mermaid Glass" beads. I'm in the process of setting up an Etsy shop which includes some items with these beads. Am I permitted to use the term "Mermaid Glass beads" in my description or title for these items, or is special permission needed? Thanks!

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Bead Caps Q&A

Q: How do I finish beads with bead caps? I love the professional finish the caps bring to the beads but don't know how to use them.

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Q&A

Q: I am making bracelets using 4.6mm alphabet letters and 2mm leather cording. My letters (arranged into a word) are centered on the cord. To hold them in place so they don't slide, I tie a knot on each side of the word. I am looking to use some type of bead, crimp or something instead of the knot to prevent the letters from sliding on the cord. Any suggestions? I saw something called smart beads but I don't think the hole is big enough to fit the 2mm leather through it.

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Q&A

Q: I am looking for hypoallergenic earring posts. My sister has had success with Rhodium plated and platinum plated earrings. Can you recommend anything for me?

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Q&A

Q: What size settings do you use with what size cabochons?

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Q&A

Q: Mom wants to make some clip-on earrings with her seashells. How do I do this?

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Pearls Q&A

Q: What is the difference between saltwater and freshwater pearls?

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Needles Q&A

Q: What needle should I use for my seed bead project?

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Tools Q&A

Q: When I use my split ring pliers to open the ring and put a charm on, I seem to "ruin" the ring. It doesn't close back up properly, but remains separated from the center. Am I opening them incorrectly?

Read the Answer

Categories

Tags

about Jewelry Making