Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts Stringing Q&A

Q: I have 10mm Opal Beads - I'm looking to put a gold spacer bead between them - I want to keep this necklace elegant - What would you suggest to the size of the gold spacer bead to look the best?

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Ask the Experts Freshwater Pearls Q&A

Q: I would like to make some fancy freshwater pearl necklaces and bracelets. However, I don’t know which wire to choose (22 gauge? 7 strands? 19 or 49?). Could you please help me out? What would be the best wire for freshwater pearls jewelry making? Many thanks in advance

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Ask the Experts Metal Beads Q&A

Q: Hi!! I'd like to purchase some gold and silver spacer beads, but I'd like to make sure they do not tarnish. What is my most affordable option? Thank you!

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Ask the Experts Crystal Q&A

Q: I have a vintage piece of jewelry where a pear shape crystal 15x10mm has most of the foil back removed. I purchased a 14x9mm pear shape from Fire Mountain, but it is too small. Is there any way to replace the foil backing on the original? Did not see where Fire Mountain has the size I need.

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Ask the Experts Magnets Q&A

Q: Do magnets lose their strength over time?

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Ask the Experts Bead Looming Q&A

Q: I would like to buy a bead loom and make wall hangings. Are there patterns available? And where can I find more information for this type of project?

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Ask the Experts Storage Q&A

Q: Will anti-tarnish bags also work on metal alloys or only on silver, gold and copper? Many of the beads, bead caps and other findings are made of a type of alloy and tend to "tarnish" after a time. Will the anti-tarnish bags stop or slow the process down on those also? Thank you.

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Ask the Experts Stringing Length Q&A

Q: Is there a standard length for lanyard-style eyeglass holders, either with a central loop or with the earpiece loops?

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Ask the Experts Wire Q&A

Q: Which gauge wire can be used with size 6/0 seed beads?

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Ask the Experts Drilling Q&A

Q: How do I drill a hole in mini crystal chips? It’s too small to be held in place.

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Ask the Experts Beading Q&A

Q: I recently emailed you a question on what size beading bracelet thread should be when using 8mm beads. I am inquiring again. Thank you.

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Tiara

Get Ren Faire ready or Castlecore comfy with this glorious tiara. Coated quartz crystal points add luminous color behind copper moon-phase medallions.

Design Idea RA2P

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Ask the Experts Bead Huggers Q&A

Q: What can I use to secure a seed beaded bead I made? It’s an inch long and 2mm hole. I’m putting it on a silver 2mm tube, but it slides around. Does your company make bead huggers big enough to go onto the tube? What would you suggest?

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Ask the Experts Polishing Q&A

Q: I have a large labradorite bead that lost its glossy finish when I polished the necklace it's set in. Is there any way to restore the shine without taking it to a jeweler? Thanks.

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Ask the Experts Bails Q&A

Q: I have a 36-inch gold plate rope chain 2.5mm thick, and I want to attach a 1x2-inch pendant that consists of my initials. A tiny hole is attached to the top center of the pendant. I need some help finding an inexpensive bail that will hold the pendant steady as I wear it. Would appreciate any help! Thanks.

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Ask the Experts Glass Beads Q&A

Q: I am making a suncatcher to go outside, hanging on a tree. It will have seed beads (#11 the smallest) as well as large glass beads. What is the strongest wire to use that will go through these beads twice, and will not rust? Do I really need to run the wire through twice?

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Ask the Experts Glass Kilns Q&A

Q: Do you have the kiln for fusing glass in a microwave?

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Ask the Experts Seed Beading Q&A

Q: I recently purchased a copy of the bead embroidery handbook and am learning the different stitches. Can you tell me which goes best for each type of stitch? I was trying the tubular peyote with the Czech seed beads but it's not coming out right. I read somewhere that the Delica beads are better for this. What can I use my Czech beads for instead?

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Ask the Experts Findings Q&A

Q: Hi, ready to SCREAM. I like to make OPERA length pearl and crystal necklaces. The tiny crimps won't hold. HELP

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Ask the Experts Cord Q&A

Q: I want to make an 8mm beaded bracelet using turquoise and mother-of-pearl. What size elastic cord should I get?

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Ask the Experts Soldering Q&A

Q: What flux do I need for soldering 14-gauge gold-filled wire? What solder do I need?

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Ask the Experts Beading Wire Q&A

Q: Hi! I am trying to make 20-gauge wire hoops but cannot really figure out what hole size beads will fit on the hoops. Do they have to be above 0.8mm in order to fit? Thanks.

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Ask the Experts Seed Beads Q&A

Q: Hello, I am looking for non-tarnish seed beads to use in my jewelry work. It is so disappointing when the lovely bright metal seed beads go all dark and they spoil the look of my beaded pieces. Can you help please?

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Ask the Experts Cleaners & Polishers Q&A

Q: Is there a way to disinfect jewelry when we are selling at our community market that won't damage stones or wire? Customers like to try on pieces to see how they fit, but if they don't buy them, the necklaces/rings/bracelets need to be disinfected before someone else tries them on? How??

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Ask the Experts Findings Q&A

Q: Do the stainless steel earring hooks you sell contain nickel at all? I purchased some and don’t want to sell any yet, in case they contain nickel.

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Ask the Experts Findings Q&A

Q: I have 3 cookie tins of screwback earrings from my mother’s jewelry collection. There are so many beautiful ones, but I don’t know how to change from screw or clip to pierced.

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Ask the Experts Cleaning & Polishing Q&A

Q: What is the best way to clean tarnished silver chain that has semi-precious stones included without harming the stones?

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Ask the Experts Polymer Clay Q&A

Q: Can polymer clay be painted on with water-based paints? Before or after baking? And what kind of sealer do you use on the finished product?

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Ask the Experts Zebra Wire Q&A

Q: I used gold-colored Zebra copper wire 20 gauge and in less than a week my son’s necklace has faded to grey. I'm kind of shocked. I tried cleaning it and polishing to no avail. I'm hoping this doesn't happen to any of the pieces I have sold. Very upsetting.

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Ask the Experts Gemstone Beads Q&A

Q: Hi, I have been working with Agate Druzy stones lately and I'm finding that the stones lose the bright color after they have been worn in jewelry up against the skin. Is there a sealant that I can use to keep this from happening? I appreciate any insight you may have! =)

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Ask the Experts Wire Q&A

Q: Wire gauge size 6 and 8 in inches.

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Ask the Experts Beading Material Q&A

Q: How can I ensure that the longer necklaces I design using heavy beads (porcelain, marble, glass, etc.) will not come apart from the weight. I am using AccuFlex 0.019 49-strand wire. On these longer necklaces, I sometimes use a clasp and other times I do not use a clasp. Would extra crimps work? Would they work at the back where the clasp would be or would it be better to work them into the design of the necklace so they could be spaced throughout the length of the piece? Other ideas?

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Ask the Experts Thread Q&A

Q: What type of thread is used to make the tassel on a graduation cap?

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Ask the Experts Seed Beads Q&A

Q: When using beads and E6000 to glue a cabochon to ultra suede or Lacy's Stiff Stuff, is one row of beads around the base sufficient? Some instructions say to add several rows of progressively smaller beads, some don't. This is for a stationary object not jewelry. Thank you for your help.

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Ask the Experts Wirework Q&A

Q: I am playing around with wire to make earrings. I need to flatten the ends. Which type of hammer would do the best job. I just purchased a chasing hammer with a flat other end. Is there something better?

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Ask the Experts Crimp Ends Q&A

Q: I am using 0.5mm leather cording and am not sure what size crimp cap ends to use with this size cording? Thank you.

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Ask the Experts Seed Beads Q&A

Q: Hi I use Miyuki Delica seed beads, is there anything I can use i.e., (glue) to give them an extra bit of security of not breaking? Thanks.

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Ask the Experts Metal Work Q&A

Q: How should I store liver of sulfur for safety? How long does a liver of sulfur solution last?

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Ask the Experts Shell Beads Q&A

Q: I’m looking for a dye to color capiz shells. I’ve tried food coloring but it didn't work very well. Can you advise me. Thanks.

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Ask the Experts Stringing Material Q&A

Q: What type of stringing material do you recommend I use for mala necklaces?

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Ask the Experts Beading Q&A

Q: I’m having trouble with my seed bead fringe earrings. I’m always having an issue with curling. How do you keep them soft and flowy? I’m using Fireline 4lbs. Also it’s hard to find a balance between pulling them a little bit on the tighter side or having too much of a gap. Could it be the thread? What is the trick ?

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Ask the Experts Crimps Q&A

Q: What are the advantages in a crimp with a heavier wall? Or disadvantages? I have been using a number 3 in sterling on the heavier necklaces I make and wonder if heavier wall would be stronger? Thank you.

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Ask the Experts Large-Hole Bead Q&A

Q: I have purchased plenty of very large hole beads but can't find things to keep them from moving all together on a bracelet and necklace. What can I do to keep them spread out? They move around and stack together. I want to do something with this large investment in all kinds of large hole beads and shapes. Please help!

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Ask the Experts Cord Q&A

Q: I do leather wrap bracelets. I intend to do an even sequence of 4mm crystal rounds and bicones. What thread should I use, strong enough for crystal and soft that will not damage a 1.5mm leather cord? Should I go with Fireline, Griffin Silk, Hana or Accu-Flex?

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Ask the Experts Mounting Q&A

Q: Should foil backed crystals be mounted in closed back settings or is an open back setting okay? If a closed back setting is advised, what type of glue is recommended?

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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.

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Ask the Experts Chain Q&A

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

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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?

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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.

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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?

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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?

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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.

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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.

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Ask the Experts Flush Cutters Q&A

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

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Ask the Experts Faceted Stones Q&A

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

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Ask the Experts Cupchain Q&A

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

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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?

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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?

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Ask the Experts Twister Clasp Q&A

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

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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?

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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?

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Ask the Experts Q&A

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

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Ask the Experts Q&A

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

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Ask the Experts Pearls Q&A

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

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Ask the Experts Needles Q&A

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

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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?

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Ask the Experts Hot-Fix Crystals Q&A

Q: Can garments which have been embellished with hot fix rhinestones be ironed safely? Or will the heat of the ironing cause them to un-adhere? I would be ironing at synthetic or silk settings, not at high.

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Ask the Experts Crochet Q&A

Q: I would like to know what wire to use for bead crochet.

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Ask the Experts Gemstones Q&A

Q: I recently collected a lot of small stones and pebbles on the beach and want to wire wrap them and turn them into pendants. However, after the stones dried, they lost some of the appeal that made me pick them up in the first place. How can I treat the stones to give them the ''just out of the ocean'' look again? And I need this to be permanent and safe to wear. Thank you,

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Ask the Experts Wire-Wrapping Q&A

Q: Which precious metal wire forms the best, and does it hold its shape?

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Ask the Experts Cord Coils Q&A

Q: How do you secure cord coils to rubber cord? The fit is pretty tight, but is there some way to secure it further? Thanks.

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Ask the Experts Copper Q&A

Q: I would like to start using pure copper beads and findings, but I'm not sure about whether or not they can be cleaned at all, and if so, how? What about copper plated items?

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Ask the Experts Business Competition Q&A

Q: A customer of mine told me that a competitor was bad-mouthing my business. We're in a small town, and I know the competitor. What should I do?

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Ask the Experts Memory Wire Q&A

Q: How do you cut memory wire into individual loops for use with strand separators?

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Ask the Experts Cupchain Mesh Q&A

Q: I'm curious about cup chain and cup-chain link mesh. Exactly what is it and how is it used? Thank you

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Ask the Experts Business/Pricing Q&A

Q: I am looking to sell my jewelry online. Do I need to get a business number if I only plan on selling $100 or $200 worth of jewelry each year, if I am lucky?

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Ask the Experts Customers Q&A

Q: I love doing shows! The problem I have is when there are several people standing at the booth. I'm afraid if I focus on one person, the others will leave because I am not paying attention to them. What do you recommend I do?

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Ask the Experts Flat Back Q&A

Q: I am going to add some crystals to wooden letters. What would be better, flat backs or hot fix, and what glue would I use? If hot fix is better, how do you use them? Thank you

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Ask the Experts Lover's Knot Q&A

Q: My great aunt used to tie her beaded necklaces into a lover's knot, but I have lost the instructions. Do you know how?

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Ask the Experts Selling Q&A

Q: I recently started selling jewelry. I've had a repeat customer that has bought my standard sized beaded bracelets. However, she now wants them re-sized to be smaller. Should I charge her a fee to do this? I don't want to lose money on my supplies to do this, but I don't want to lose a repeat customer.

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Ask the Experts Pearl Knotting Q&A

Q: How do you know what size thread to use for a necklace strung with knots in between each bead? I have had experience with the beads slipping over the knots.

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Ask the Experts Jewelry Cleaner Q&A

Q: How do you clean the black off around the holes of the beads ... this is from the wire rubbing with wear? Thanks.

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Ask the Experts Findings/Earrings Q&A

Q: I have a faithful customer who wears clip-on earrings. What can I use to make them less painful for her? Is there something similar to the coating for tools that could be used?

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Ask the Experts Gemstones/Druzy Q&A

Q: What on earth is druzy and what is druzy quartz and blue lace agate druzy? Merriam-Webster on-line does not recognize the word druzy.

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Ask the Experts Designing Q&A

Q: What should I use to clean up any excess Apoxie from my piece? Should the excess be removed before set and dry?

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Ask the Experts Selling Q&A

Q: Hello! I have a question about how to market my fine silver pendants: With the rising cost of precious metals I often find it difficult to sell my pendants for the price I want if I consider the chains that go with them. I really want to sell my pendants "as is" without a chain to keep costs down, but I feel if I do that it hinders sales since people want to wear the pieces right away or they don't have a chain of their own. Should I just charge more and supply a chain? Or should I keep my prices affordable and skip the chain? I was thinking about using a cord or something since it would be cheaper, but I'm afraid it won't mesh well with the more formal look of my pieces. Help?

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Ask the Experts Finishes Q&A

Q: I recently completed a bracelet using various colors and two sizes of seed beads. After wearing the bracelet once, I noticed the finish on the semi-transparent, size 8 purple ones wore off over some of the exposed surfaces. I'm told this problem happens often with purple and red beads. Any suggestions?

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Ask the Experts Labeling Q&A

Q: With the precious metal market so volatile, I've been using some silver plated findings in my designs. On my cards I tell of what each piece is made. Is there a legal explanation required when you have a piece, say, 20% silver plate, 80% sterling or can I just say SP and Sterling or Sterling w SP and leave it at that? I don't want to mislead my customers but I also want to point out that the piece is mostly sterling. My cards are not large so space is limited.

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Ask the Experts Opal Care Q&A

Q: I have some opals stored in glycerine oil. They have been in oil since the 1930s. Must they stay in the oil or can I put them in cage bails?

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Ask the Experts Grading Q&A

Q: Only a few of your pearls indicate a grade in the description. Does that mean that the others are D grade or below? Thanks.

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Ask the Experts Copyrights Q&A

Q: I buy pendants and antique beads at garage sales, flea markets and other sources. I use these pendants as focal points to build my necklaces around and some of them have a name printed on the back. Do I have a copyright problem or is there some other problem I might have if I want to sell my work?

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Ask the Experts Cord Coils Q&A

Q: How do you use spring coils? I often see them in men's jewelry.

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Ask the Experts Antiquing Q&A

Q: I have some copper pieces that I would like to look a bit darker, more antique. What product should I use to do this?

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