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Ask the Experts Jewelry Displays Q&A

Q: I was wondering if you could help me. I want to start selling my jewelry at craft shows but I have no idea what displays to use and how many to order. Do you have any advice for me? I don't even know where to start. Thank you!

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Ask the Experts Luster Q&A

Q: Can you bring the shine back to mother of pearl?

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Ask the Experts Barrettes Q&A

Q: I make beaded barrettes. I have tried to use glue to hold down the beadwork but eventually the glue doesn't hold. I sew beadwork onto leather/suede, should I sew through the leather/suede and the bottom part of the barrette? What is better to use, Nymo® thread or wire?

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Ask the Experts Art Clay® Is Pure Silver Q&A

Q: I am interested in working with metal clay but was wondering if there is a difference between the silver clay and the pure silver that you can buy. Also, if I sold a piece of silver made from the clay, would I have to make a special note of it to the customer or could I just say it is pure silver?

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Ask the Experts Ball Style Q&A

Q: I am making a turquoise necklace and want to use the silver ball chain with the turquoise. How do you connect the chain to the turquoise?

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Ask the Experts Straightening Q&A

Q: I've been making feather earrings but find the feathers I am buying are curled or twisted and don't lay straight when worn. Is there a special type feather I need or is there some way to straighten the feathers out?

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Ask the Experts Disposing of Liver of Sulfur Q&A

Q: After you have used a liver of sulfur bath for a fired metal clay piece, how do you dispose of the liver of sulfur? Thanks for your help.

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Ask the Experts Size Q&A

Q: How does the gauge of the head pin coordinate with the size of the head pin?

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Ask the Experts Flex-Shaft Q&A

Q: I have been looking at your Rotary tool located in Metalsmithing. I am a new graduate from Jewelry Design and Repair and I'm wondering if this tool can take the place of a Flex Shaft. And if I purchased this rotary tool will it do all of the same jobs done that a flex shaft does or will I still have to purchase a Flex Shaft to do some jobs?

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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 Selling Q&A

Q: Pricing: I have read and followed your suggestions on pricing, but am still unsure if I am fair, too low, or too high. I have seen some very nice work on an artist's website and found similar work priced quite low, considering the high end beads and components used. Back to square 1—how else can I determine if I am fair? Thanks for your help.

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Ask the Experts Protection Q&A

Q: When I am making simple loops and otherwise finishing jewelry, my thumbnail seems to take the most abuse. Is there anything I can put over my thumbnail to keep it from damage?

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Ask the Experts Non-Tarnish Silver Wire Q&A

Q: What is the best silver wire to use that will not tarnish over the years? I am going to be decorating some hair combs for a wedding.

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Ask the Experts Beading Patterns Q&A

Q: I have a bracelet that is made with seed beads. I want to learn to do the pattern so I can make my own. Where would you suggest I look for great patterns to learn from? thanks!

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Ask the Experts Copyrights Q&A

Q: Sometime ago you had an article about copyright laws concerning bead patterns. I just sold a necklace that I now see the author of the pattern says it has been copyrighted--not to use for sale--I am terrified, please help.

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Ask the Experts Setting Stones in Earring Findings Q&A

Q: I just purchased leverback earrings with settings to set stones into. I have both cabochons and faceted stones, which one is appropriate for this type of setting? Also, can you please advise how to set the stones so I'm sure they stay secure?

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Ask the Experts Painting Q&A

Q: Could you tell me what paint to use on wooden beads that doesn't chip off? What varnish do you recommend to use after you paint?

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Ask the Experts Using Crimp Ends with Accu-Flex® Beading Wire Q&A

Q: I purchased Accu-Flex® beading wire and crimp ends to make bracelets. The crimp ends just fit on the end of the cord; will this be secure enough if I crimp with a crimper, or is there more to be done, maybe a drop of glue?

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Ask the Experts Metalsmithing Q&A

Q: I love the look of hand hammered brass washers from the hardware store. Do you have any tricks or tools for texturing both sides?

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Christmas Tree Earrings

Gold wire swirls around sparkling Crystal Passions® beads to create the perfect holiday silhouette. This understated earring design needs only three shapes of crystal beads to make a lightweight design.

Design Idea PH2G

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Ask the Experts Making a Seed Bead Bezel for a Cabochon Q&A

Q: Where can I find instructions on surrounding cabochons with beads? Is there a book that I could get?

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Ask the Experts Large-Hole Beads Q&A

Q: Is there any way to make the hole of a moderately sized bead smaller so it will work well on a headpin or Accu-FlexÂ® beading wire?

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Ask the Experts Glass Pearls Q&A

Q: I love to use vintage glass pearls in my pieces, but very often these old pearls have a coating that is flaking off. While it adds to the character of the piece, I worry that, with wear, the coating will come off entirely. Is there some way to seal the pearls to prevent more of the coating coming off? I've seen Designaseal mentioned in many of these articles--is it appropriate for glass pearls, or will it destroy the coating? Thank you!

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Ask the Experts Cabochons Q&A

Q: Several cabochon gemstones and paua shells do not exactly fit the settings I purchased for their size. How do I shave down the edges to make them fit?

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