Bead Stringing Resources | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

Crimp Tubes

Crimp tubes are THE finding to keep your stringing projects intact and crimps have come a long way from the days of the little round piece of metal you "crush flat" to secure inflexible beading wire.

Ask the Experts Finishing a Silk Multi-Strand Necklace Q&A

Q: I have seen a necklace that I would love to make, but I need advice on the clasp at the back. The necklace was 10 strands of silk thread with pearls and crystals knotted about 1 to 1-1/2 inches apart. It looked like a crimp with a loop that finished it off, but I am unsure which one to order to complete the necklace, or even if this is the right way to go. Can you please advise? Thanks so much!

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Ask the Experts Small Beads Q&A

Q: I have several strands of tiny 2.5mm diamond beads and am in a quandary as to the best way to string them. I've tried fishing line and extra fine beading wire, but I'm not satisfied with the results. I've also tried stringing them onto jump rings I made with 18K 30-gauge wire, but it made them look too spread out. Any suggestions?

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Ask the Experts Tennis Bracelet Stringing Material Q&A

Q: I saw a tennis bracelet pattern in Bead and Button book. I have made quite a few of them for gifts for my family although I used 6mm bicone crystals instead of the 4mm the instructions called for. The best one I've made so far was for myself, it was made using 6mm crystal AB. What I'm asking you is this: The pattern calls for mono filament beading thread. I am wondering if this line is going to get cut using the bicone crystals? Also, the pattern calls for a box clasp, mine keeps coming apart every time I wear it--what else can I use instead?

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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 Gluing a Cabochon Q&A

Q: I have two questions: 1) How do you glue a cabochon into a setting that doesn't have a back? If I glue around the edge, I still have problems with it being too easy for the cabochon to come off. 2) Besides the metal settings that are sold, are there other ways to create a setting that would allow a cabochon to become a pendant without drilling a hole in the cabochon? Thanks.

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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 Finishing Q&A

Q: When finishing a piece, I don't have a problem with crimping or threading the wire back through the finished beads but I have to pull on it a little too tight for comfort to make sure that the piece doesn't have too much slack in it...and be ruined. Some pieces cannot abide a crimp cover and the crimp will be hidden well but still, is there a secret to achieving the aforementioned task without using a winch?

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Ask the Experts Wire for Heavy Beads Q&A

Q: I am creating a necklace with rather heavy beads and am thinking about using 22 ga wire but have no idea how to finish it. I don’t think there’s a crimp big enough...HELP!

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Ask the Experts Elastic Cord Q&A

Q: I live in Denver, CO and I have a problem with elastic cording breaking. My guess is it due to the lack of humidity. What would be the best elastic cording to use that will last?

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Double-Strand Necklace

Sometimes it’s okay to monkey around! Louise Shadonix’ Hanging Around features an adorable silver metal clay gorilla encouraging you to just have a good time!

Design Idea J32Q

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Single-Strand Necklace and Earring Set

You don’t have to wait for Be an Angel day to bring happiness into someone's life. Be an angel for everyone and anyone, with angels made of wing charms, beads caps and druk glass beads.

Design Idea KA1B

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Single-Strand Necklace and Earring Set

Who says minimalism can't have some major sparkle? Crystal pendants and pavé beads create a vibrant, yet understated, design.

Design Idea LA3C

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Single-Strand Necklace and Earring Set

These sweet little angels have two halos! Beading hoops, a star clasp and pale blue Czech glass beads give this necklace and earring set a heavenly feeling.

Design Idea LA3B

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Single-Strand Necklace and Earring Set

Re-create this Memorial Day set to honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Design Idea MA2N

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Single-Strand Necklace and Earring Set

This jewelry set will have you feeling pretty in pink for Valentine's Day.

Design Idea J53F

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Double-Strand Necklace and Earring Set

Cowgirls just wanna have fun! This rhinestone-encrusted set features mismatched components and different layers to add visual interest to sparkle.

Design Idea L93P

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Single-Strand Necklace and Earring Set

Jewelry doesn't have to be over-the-top or complicated to make a major statement. This project shows how a simple stringing design with the perfect pairing of gemstones is glorious.

Design Idea ME2X

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Stretch Bracelet

Amazonite's minty green color instantly evokes images of cool drinks on a hot day and calm beaches in some quiet retreat. No wonder this stone is said to have a soothing effect on the nervous system.

Design Idea NG2N

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