Jewelry Making Resources | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

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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Ask the Experts Oxidation Q&A

Q: Someone I know purchased a bracelet from an art gallery - it was silver and copper. She told me that the first time she wore the bracelet it got wet and the parts that were copper turned black. Why would this happen?

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Ask the Experts Adding to Off-Loom Stitches Q&A

Q: I'm looking for your video or answer on how to join a new thread onto an existing thread for projects that need you to use a lot of thread, like necklaces, etc. What I mean is: I have started my project (beaded fringe on a bracelet, just like your video) and the string is now too short to do any more beading. How do I join the next piece of thread? Thank you.

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Ask the Experts Dog Collar Q&A

Q: I am attempting to make a jeweled leather dog collar. I would like to affix rhinestones and other colored crystal stones to the smooth leather face of the collar. The stones I am using are framed and backed in silver tone metal without rivets or claws to grip the leather. What is the best way to permanently attach these stones to the leather collar?

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Ask the Experts Seed Beads Q&A

Q: I would like to know how to get started with seed beads. I want to seed bead a 5" hoop to make a dreamcatcher. All I want to do is the outside (if not) the hoop in seed beads. Thank you.

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Single-Strand Necklace and Earrings Set

Bezel setting connectors have made creating gemstone cabochon jewelry a breeze. Create a sophisticated Western-inspired style with this turquoise set.

Design Idea PF2C

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Ask the Experts Plastic Q&A

Q: I am trying to learn the benefits of resin beads over plastic beads, what are the characteristics of resin beads?

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Ask the Experts Finding the Right Venue Q&A

Q: The manager of a gift shop told me she wasn't interested in carrying my work, and all I could think of to say was, "Thanks anyway." What's the right way to handle this kind of rejection?

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Ask the Experts Satisfaction Guarantee Q&A

Q: Should I offer a satisfaction guarantee for my jewelry?

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Ask the Experts Best Gauge for Making Earring Wires Q&A

Q: What is the best size and type of sterling silver wire to make earring wires?

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Ask the Experts Preventing Tarnish on Gold-Plated Beads Q&A

Q: I love the look of the gold-plated beads with my gemstones but they "turn" or tarnish with only one or two wearings, and then they look awful! Is there anything I can do to stop this? I can't afford to use the real thing.

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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 Lanyard Stringing Material Q&A

Q: I have made and sold over 50 beaded lanyards since November. Now all of a sudden people are coming back because they have broken. I used Accu-Flex® beading wire 7 strand 0.019 clear for stringing. Do you have any suggestions for something stronger? I have a large order coming up and really don't want to restring.

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Ask the Experts Half-Hard and Full-Hard Wire Uses Q&A

Q: Would you please explain the differences of sterling silver wire dead soft/half hard and what type of projects they are best suited for. Thank you much!

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Ask the Experts Best Stringing Material for Wood Beads Q&A

Q: When working with wood beads, what type of stringing material works best?

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Ask the Experts Unpierced Earrings Q&A

Q: How do you make earrings for people who don't have pierced ears?

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Ask the Experts Cleaning Cat's Eye Beads Q&A

Q: Do you know of a way to clean cat's eye beads?

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Ask the Experts Proper Headpin Gauge Q&A

Q: Is there a rule of thumb for what gauge of headpins to use for various projects (i.e. making dangles on earrings, adding a dangle to a bracelet, etc.)?

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Ask the Experts Cleaning Jewelry Q&A

Q: How do I get my pieces clean after people handle it at a show, and get fingerprints off, too?

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Ask the Experts Lentil and Melon Beads Q&A

Q: I've come across the terms "lentil beads" and "melon beads." What are they? How do you describe them?

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