Jewelry Making Resources | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

Ask the Experts Split-Ring Pliers Q&A

Q: I have the split-ring pliers. They work fine for keyring size, but when you get down to 4-5mm rings, the pliers only open the ring a little, and I can't keep them open wide enough to insert my focal. I've tried sliding the ring up the shaft of the pliers to open it further, but then the beginning of the ring closes, and I can't slip my focal in. Any ideas?

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Memory Wire Bracelet

Add a little sweetness with this confectionary-cute bracelet made of sparkly seed beads and finished with a charming candy cane dangle. It's a treat to design!

Design Idea RE2A

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Ask the Experts Wire Q&A

Q: When doing wire weaving, I am having a hard time keeping the base wires straight, so my design comes out a little crooked. I am using either 20- or 18-gauge base wire. What am I doing wrong?

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Ask the Experts Tools Q&A

Q: I have split-ring pliers. They work fine for keyring size, but when you get down to 4mm or 5mm rings, the pliers only open the ring a little, and I can't keep them open wide enough to insert my focal. I've tried sliding the ring up the shaft of the pliers to open it farther, but then the beginning of the ring closes down, and I can't slip my focal in. Any ideas?

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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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Memory Wire Bracelet

Rich coils of gold-plated, ruby and green beads give this memory wire bracelet a festive flair, enhanced by jewel-tone bells for a little extra holiday cheer.

Design Idea RE27

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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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Single-Strand Necklace

A perfect necklace for the Year of the Horse or those who like a little horseplay in their style. Crazy Horse™ stone adds a touch of wild elegance.

Design Idea QJ4B

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Heart Bracelet

Create a little love in your jewelry collection with this bracelet featuring charming seed-beaded hearts, glass heart beads and gold-plated brass findings.

Design Idea QM2F

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Ring and Earring Set

Create a little love with this charming ring and earring set featuring golden citrine hearts nestled in sterling silver settings.

Design Idea QK28

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Earrings

Crystal Passions® gold pearls and gold-finished wings make this little angel shine in these glorious earrings.

Design Idea QM22

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DIY Wedding Jewelry and Décor

Smaller weddings mean more time and resources for big details. Explore design ideas you can use to create meaningful wedding décor and jewelry.

20 Little Known Tax Break Tips

Discover 20 secret tax break tips for small business owners and self-employed individuals. Maximize savings, so you can enjoy more of life's leisure moments.

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.

Find Your Audience!

Pin-pointing your niche market is a little like finding a needle in a haystack. On its own, your handmade art or craftwork--the needle--is shiny, creative, and one-of-a-kind.

The History of Egyptian Perfume Bottles

Unearth the history of ancient Egypt's perfume bottle industry and learn a little about Egyptian culture along the way.

Ornament

Bask in the rosy aura of this heavenly messenger. This little angel will add a touch of grace to your decorations, bringing a serene presence to any setting.

Design Idea PM2T

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The Anklet - A Bracelet for the Legs

Feel a little scandalous this summer: put on some jewelry and flash those ankles! Learn all about this edgy accessory here.

How to Embellish Flip-Flops and Sandals with Jewelry

Explore how to add a little pep to your step with embellished flip-flops, slides and sandals.

Life in Color: How to Use Oh! Ring™ Components

Oh how we love the flamboyant bright neon colors of soft and pliable rubber Oh! Rings™. Twisty little circles are so versatile and you can even add to jump rings for chainmaille.

Single-Strand Necklace

This enchanting little star delights with its radiant gold-finished brass and sparkling cubic zirconia embellishments. The faceted ball chain adds a celestial touch, providing an ideal complement to the star's sweet charm.

Design Idea QD34

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Soldering Savvy

Soldering can be a difficult task, but the end results are amazing. Helen Driggs, courtesy of Jewelry Making Daily, is here to help make soldering just a little easier.

Ask the Experts Memory Wire Q&A

Q: I want to make a necklace by memory wire, but the diameter of the necklace memory wire is smaller than the diameter of the necklace that I want to make. How can I make the wire open a little bit bigger than its memory diameter?

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Ask the Experts Metal Beads Q&A

Q: I have old brass curved tube beads in varying sizes. I want to cut or file some of the outside edge of the curve to expose a little cord inside. Do I use a file, a jeweler's saw? What type of blade or file? Thank you.

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