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Ask the Experts Attaching Clasps to Bulk Chain Q&A

Q: What findings are used for attaching clasps to sterling silver or gold-filled chain sold by the yard? What is the best technique for it?

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Ask the Experts Rough Edges Q&A

Q: I use a lot of acrylic beads in my designs, especially "pony" beads. I notice that a lot of them have excess plastic and rough edges left over from the manufacturing process. I was wondering what is the fastest and most effective way to file down these rough spots. Is it possible to use a rock tumbler for greater speed?

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Ask the Experts Design Q&A

Q: I have many pairs of cuff links from my father who has passed away. I would like to make earrings out of them for myself and my sisters. Many of them can probably be made into post style earrings and some can be attached to ear wires. I don't have any idea how to go about doing this; any help/ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

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Ask the Experts Online Q&A

Q: I was thinking of starting to sell jewelry online but I am not sure if I would have to have a business license or any other legal documents to sell? Should I do it myself or go thru a site like Etsy.com? Also are there any other sites besides Etsy that I could try? Thanks!!

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Ask the Experts Bead Glass Q&A

Q: Can I use the rock tumbler to make beach glass?

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Ask the Experts Remove Foil Back Q&A

Q: How can I remove the foil back from rhinestones?

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Ask the Experts Cleaning Q&A

Q: I bought some lovely white agate nugget beads. However, many of them look like their edges are dirty. Can you tell me the best way to clean these beads?

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Ask the Experts Cleaning Q&A

Q: How do you safely clean bone beads and antique ivory jewelry?

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Ask the Experts Solder Q&A

Q: What flux can you use with solder wire? I'm planning on using 24 ga tarnish resistant copper wire. Thanks.

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Ask the Experts Fine Silver Q&A

Q: Can Hill Tribes items be fired with metal clay? This is technically fine silver; but, will it mess up any design?

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Ask the Experts Heishi vs. Rondelles Q&A

Q: What is the difference between heishi and rondelles, and how do you determine the hole size?

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Ask the Experts Posts Q&A

Q: I would like to take the long earwire off a dangling earring and replace it with a post or something other than the long wire. Can it be done?

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Ask the Experts Wire Q&A

Q: I am designing a piece which uses mostly seed beads (11/0) on a fine wire, which has to bend and then double-back through some small gem beads a second time. The wire has to be thin enough to go through 4mm gem beads twice, but still hold the shape to which I bend it. What do you suggest?

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Ask the Experts Metal Allergies Q&A

Q: I'm making a necklace with a pendant for a sister-in-law who has metal allergies. The pendant measures 3.5" long. I thought of making the necklace long enough to slip over the head so no metal findings would be used, but with the pendant so long, it would hang too low to look good. How would you finish a shorter necklace (16-17") without using metal findings?

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Ask the Experts Scale to Design Q&A

Q: How do I know what size split ring, jump ring and wire to use on a project?

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Ask the Experts Measurement Q&A

Q: I have a caliper and I would like to know how to measure an earring finding for a leverback.

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Ask the Experts Peyote Stitch Q&A

Q: What is the easiest way to read a peyote stitch pattern without getting lost?

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Ask the Experts Multiple Strand Bracelets Q&A

Q: I would like to make a stretch bracelet with three strands, how do I connect them so they stay together? Thank you.

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Ask the Experts Bracelet Q&A

Q: What is the best clasp for a bracelet? Magnetic clasps require two hands if they are strong enough for heavier pieces, as do most other clasps. What is the easiest clasp to work with one hand?

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Ask the Experts Adjustable Q&A

Q: I want to adapt bracelet designs to make headbands. I want the size to be adjustable to fit a range of head sizes. What kind of fitting or fastener could I use that would enable the wearer to adjust the band to fit and then clip it to that length?

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Ask the Experts Findings Q&A

Q: I would like to form my own wire wrapped cones. How do I make these?

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Ask the Experts Bead Caps Q&A

Q: I want to make my own bead caps in copper and sterling silver sheet metal using the disc cutters and dapping blocks. What gauge metal do I need?

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Ask the Experts Setting Q&A

Q: I have a pretty rose cabochon with petals that can't be set in a bezel. Should I wire wrap it—if so, how do I do this? Thank you.

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Ask the Experts Soldering Q&A

Q: How do you use liquid solder? Do you have to use a torch? I am an amateur but need to know how to close silver jump rings.

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