Jewelry Making Resources | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

Ask the Experts Hatbands Q&A

Q: I'm making hatbands, but I don't know how to finish the ends. They need to be adjustable. Do you have any ideas? I'd prefer to NOT sew the bands to a backing. Thanks!

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Ask the Experts Stringing Q&A

Q: I've been beading for about a year and my biggest issue is the excess wire at the end of my project. Is there a trick to threading it into the strand of beads?

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Ask the Experts Wirewrapping Q&A

Q: I have a glass pendant that the loop broke off of. How can I wire wrap it and put a loop at the top, where the glass loop broke off?

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Ask the Experts Mixed Media Pendant Q&A

Q: I am seeing cabochons used with pictures and words, and I want to use this style to make a 50th wedding anniversary piece for my mom. Is it just printer paper, or is there a certain glue or mounting that has to be used?

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Ask the Experts Colorfast Q&A

Q: How do I check for colorfastness?

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Ask the Experts Metals Q&A

Q: I'm hearing that aluminum is a good metal for jewelry chain. What are the benefits to using aluminum vs. sterling silver? Also, what is rhodium? Is it hypoallergenic? Thank you.

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Ask the Experts Leather Q&A

Q: How do you get the kinks, creases, etc. out of leather cord or other types of cord so it will lay nicely?

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Ask the Experts Restringing Q&A

Q: Is there some magic way to attach a crimp tube with an attached clasp to a finished piece strung on wire? Attaching the first tube at one end is easy, but when attaching the second one, the wire slips back through the beads (and then the beads fall off the wire causing endless frustration)--and the wire is cut so short (to fit into the crimp), there's nothing to grasp. The opening on the tube is so narrow that it would be nearly impossible to put a long piece of wire through the tube and cut it later. Any suggestions?

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Ask the Experts Ribbon/Beading wire Q&A

Q: How do I attach a ribbon to a beading wire?

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Ask the Experts Center-Drilled Q&A

Q: I have some carved shell flowers. The hole is in the middle of each flower. How do I attach beads, and how do I make them into earrings?

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Ask the Experts Oval Jump Rings Q&A

Q: I am making earrings and a necklace using 2-3 links. Should I use a round jump ring or an oval jump ring to attach the links?

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Ask the Experts Right-Angle Weave Q&A

Q: I am totally new to beading. I want to make a right-angle-weave bracelet. Can you tell me where to find instructions for adding the center bead to each right angle group? Thanks.

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Ask the Experts Wine Charms Q&A

Q: I just bought some beads, charms and hoops to make wine charms. They look great, but the beads fall off easily. Do you have any suggestions for what I could do to fix this? I bought 25mm, 24-gauge hoops. Thanks!

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Ask the Experts Stringing Q&A

Q: I would like to string some heavy gemstone beads on elastic. What's the best material to use and how do I finish it? If I tie it, how do I hide the knot? Thanks.

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Ask the Experts Crimping Q&A

Q: I am just not good with knots. I would prefer to use crimp tubes on stretch cord ("powercord"). I would like some reassurance that finished bracelets would last for a long time with wear. Have you had any testimonies from clients on this, and what is your opinion?

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Ask the Experts Business/Consignment Q&A

Q: I have sold my jewelry and wire work on consignment before, with pretty good success. However, I recently spoke with a shop owner who wanted me to pay a nonrefundable consignment fee to sell my work. I'd honestly never heard this before, and I'm a bit wary. Should I be?

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Ask the Experts Business/Pricing Q&A

Q: I am new to the jewelry making business and have been interested in a business of my own since my work related accident, which forced me into early retirement. I was doing a web search for something that would help in my fixed income and I came across Fire Mountain Gems and Beads and decided that this would be something that I could do from my home. I am interested in both making and buying the pre-made jewelry. I would like to know something about the price point system, regarding the pre-made jewelry. If I buy the pre-made pieces of jewelry, what sort of price range would be the best? For example, if I buy a pre-made necklace, what would my price point be? Say if the pre-made pieces of jewelry at wholesale cost would be $5.34. Would I multiply the wholesale cost by 2, 3, 4 times the cost, or what percent would I mark up the necklace? If I decide to sell this necklace with a bracelet and earrings, what would the markup be on this set? Also, if I buy a set of 6 of the same kind that cost $7.42 for the set of 6 how would I break this down to each individual piece? I will be setting up at the flea market and craft shows and making up my website and ebay store. Thank you.

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Ask the Experts Business/Licensed Logos Q&A

Q: If I buy a licensed college or pro team charm and use it in a jewelry design, do I have the right to resell it?

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Ask the Experts Bead Holes Q&A

Q: How can I remove dried glue from a bead hole so I can use the bead again? Thank You.

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Ask the Experts Fold-Over Clasp Q&A

Q: How do you attach a fold clasp to beading wire?

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Ask the Experts Crimps Q&A

Q: Are there any downsides to using screw-tites versus crimps? I would like to have info about the pros/cons of the two. Thank you.

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Ask the Experts Straightening Q&A

Q: Could you please tell me the best way to straighten wire for wrapping, as coiled wire is still curved? Thanks

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Ask the Experts Rotary Tumbler Q&A

Q: I recently bought a Lortone Rotary Tumbler and would like to tumble metal in it. How do I do this? The instruction booklet doesn't address this. Thank you.

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Ask the Experts Twisting Q&A

Q: Could you please do a video on twisting wire using a pin vise—I have a pin vise from Fire Mountain and do not know how to use it. The wooden knob swivels, but the wire does not twist. Thank you

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Ask the Experts Stones Q&A

Q: I'm interested in embedding very tiny CZ's in a PMC pendant. The stones are too small to use pliers to pick up, so I'm not sure how to do this.

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Ask the Experts Sizing Q&A

Q: Can sterling silver rings be sized up?

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Ask the Experts Soldering Q&A

Q: I'm trying to solder Argentium Silver wire. Everything I have read says that I don't need flux, but when I soldered the wire, it went black—like sterling—and didn't melt. Can you suggest a good flux and give some direction on how to solder?

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Ask the Experts Restringing Q&A

Q: I have just restrung a coral necklace my father had given my sister. It was on silk thread and the ends of the thread were glued into the clasp's round bead ends. How do I finish it now that I have all the coral strung on silk? How do I get the clasp on, and what type of clasp can I use on silk thread?

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Ask the Experts Bezel Q&A

Q: Which bail do I buy to attach to a sterling silver bezel cup, and how do I go about this? I want to make pendants.

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Ask the Experts Stringing Q&A

Q: Hi, I am new at jewelry-making. Do I have to use a beading needle with the Accu-Flex® wire? Will it speed up the process? Thanks!

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Ask the Experts Design Q&A

Q: What is the best way to make a simple loop at the top of a headpin that will keep multiple beads on the headpin from twirling around (so that they stay stable and facing forward)?

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Ask the Experts Finishing Q&A

Q: I bought some flex wire and am not sure how to tie the knot when I'm finished. What is the best way to tie the knot so that it stays tied?

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Ask the Experts Magnetic Q&A

Q: When using a magnetic clasp, I always have trouble keeping the clasp from attaching itself magnetically to my crimping pliers. This makes crimping difficult. Do you have any suggestions for keeping the magnet away from the pliers?

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Ask the Experts Paua Q&A

Q: What's the difference between a paua shell and an abalone shell?

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Ask the Experts Measurement Q&A

Q: A customer recently complained that I described the measurements of a bead incorrectly. If I say a bead is 10mm, does that mean wide on the string (perpendicular to string), or thickness hole to hole (parallel to string)?

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Ask the Experts Caprice Q&A

Q: Please can you tell me what size snake chain is best to use for Pandora beads. If I buy the chain in lengths without clasps how do I fix the clasp to the chain?

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Ask the Experts Necklace Q&A

Q: I have started making personalized, metal-stamped, sterling necklace charms. I am having a hard time figuring out what type of "necklace" material to use. I love the look of a chain but cannot seem to find spacer beads to fit over the clasps on either end to go between the silver discs. (I do not want to use crimp beads, as I like the movement and changeability of the charms, and this would inhibit it.) Thank you SO much for your time and help!!

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Ask the Experts Wire Q&A

Q: When making wrapped wired drop earrings, how can I be sure they will be the same length? Thank You.

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Ask the Experts Metal Clay Q&A

Q: Can you mix the different Art Clays, the slow drying and the regular? Or do they need to be used seperately because of different working times?

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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 Metals Q&A

Q: Is nickel used in the making of copper wire for jewelry?

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Ask the Experts Beading Q&A

Q: How do I enlarge the hole in plastic beads? I am making a craft that requires running a 1.5 inch ribbon through the bead. What tool can I use to enlarge the hole? I bought the diamond reamer but it does not work on plastic!!!

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Ask the Experts Design Q&A

Q: How do you keep top-drilled beads going in an alternating pattern on a necklace or bracelet? I have some small pearls that I would love to use.

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Ask the Experts Organizing Q&A

Q: I need tips, please, on how to organize a large inventory of beads and findings. Not the physical components—trays, bags, etc.—but the logical organization. Do the experts find it most useful to organize by color? By size? By material? By shape? Which are the main categories, and how are items sorted within the main categories? For example, beads might be organized first by main color (pink, yellow, black), then by big category of material (gemstone, glass), then specific material (calcite, mookaite, crystal, crackle glass, lampwork). Then within material by size or shape. What logical organization works best for you to help you find what you need quickly? Do different people organize different ways? How do you organize strands that have mixed colors or materials?

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Ask the Experts Art Clay® Q&A

Q: I recently made a ring out of Art Clay silver, and can't get it off the mandrel! I've found a lot of suggestions for preventing Art Clay from sticking in the future, but none that help me fix what's already been done. How do I get my ring free without breaking it or having to start over?

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Ask the Experts Earwires Q&A

Q: I want to make my own ear wires. My "affordable" jewelry is made with sterling silver plated wire that has a clear tarnish resistant coating. Is this kind of wire "safe" to use as ear wires?

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Ask the Experts Bead Reamer Q&A

Q: I was given a battery operated bead reamer as a gift, but am hesitant to try it. I was watching your bead reamer video and didn't even see a powered version mentioned as an option. It seems to me the hand versions offer more control. Do you have any recommendations?

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Ask the Experts Wind Chime Q&A

Q: I'm making a wind chime from some old stained glass pieces. I bought some memory wire from you a while back, but haven't tried it yet for this purpose. Will it hang straight when used or do you have another idea for connecting my pieces. Thanks!

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Ask the Experts Findings Q&A

Q: I would like to make findings using wires. How can I make these? What kind of wire should I use and how can I make a secure finding so that the stone or gem I want to attach will be secure?

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Ask the Experts Reaming Beads Q&A

Q: Why does the glass bead split when I ream out all the white powder? Will the powder wear away eventually if I don't ream it out? Thank you

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Ask the Experts Metal Clay Q&A

Q: Can I use different metal clays on the same piece, e.g. bronze, copper, and or silver?

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Ask the Experts Head Pins Q&A

Q: What is the best way to straighten badly bent head and eye pins?

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Ask the Experts Earrings Q&A

Q: I purchased clip-on earring, silver-plated, 18x8mm perforated hoop. What is the best way to attach beads to this item? I have tried several ways and none are satisfactory. Glue? Thread? wire?

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Ask the Experts Headpins Q&A

Q: How do you make your own headpins?

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Ask the Experts Toggle Q&A

Q: What's the trick to using a toggle clasp on a bracelet? Every time I use a toggle clasp on a bracelet, it is almost impossible to get the toggle through the loop to connect. What am I doing wrong?

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Ask the Experts Cording Q&A

Q: Help! I'm trying to find cording that will knot well, is sturdy and visually appealing (like macrame) as much as the beads. I am making a Shekere, which is a percussion type instrument made from gourds. I will also need to know what size beads will fit with the diameter of the cord you recommend.Thank you so much!

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Ask the Experts Thread Q&A

Q: Should you use heavy Silkon for bracelets with large gemstones or Acculon? I had a bracelet break using Acculon and crimps and didn't know if Silkon would be better or stronger.

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Ask the Experts Wire Q&A

Q: I want to string some beads for outdoors. What wire could I use that would not rust? Thanks

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Ask the Experts Personalizing Jewelry Q&A

Q: I was at SeaWorld and saw a vendor bending wire into people's names to wear as a necklace. Are there instructions on the method used to twist wire into names? And how do they stay intact and not stretch out of shape after wearing for a time? Thank you for your time.

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Ask the Experts Peyote Q&A

Q: I am beading a bracelet that is odd count flat peyote (Delica size 11 beads). I am beading it by holding it in my fingers, but when I set it down flat on the table top, it is wavy on the edges. If I flatten the top, the bottom becomes wavy. If I flatten the bottom, the top becomes wavy. Doesn't matter if I use single needle or two needle. What am I doing wrong and can I fix it or should I take it all apart and start over and be careful not to do what?

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Ask the Experts Shells Q&A

Q: I have collected lots of abalone shells. What is the best way to drill holes in the shells, shine, polish, etc., to make jewelry?

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Ask the Experts Beading Q&A

Q: I'm just starting out in beading. My interest is in beaded bracelets and necklaces. I'm starting with bracelets first. To prevent waste, how long do I need to make the beading wire before I cut it? How much extra do I leave? 1 - 2 inches? Thank you

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Ask the Experts Oxidized Q&A

Q: I have read that both copper and sterling silver can be oxidized using Liver of Sulfur or ammonia. During the oxidizing process, both metals will go through a range of color changes before getting to the antique-look. My question is: are you supposed to use some kind of sealant on all pieces that have been oxidized BUT not to the point of the antique-look. For example, oxidizing copper until it turns blue. None of the articles that I've read mention use of sealants. Thanks very much!

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Ask the Experts Wire-Wrapping Q&A

Q: What type of half-round wire do you recommend for wire wrapping jewelry?

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Ask the Experts Thread Q&A

Q: How do I thread silk thread through a needle so that there is not two layers of thread that makes it too thick to go through the beads?

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Ask the Experts Needle Q&A

Q: What type of needle is used for beading with Power Cord? Thank You

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Ask the Experts Beading Wire Q&A

Q: What is the difference between "tigertail" wire and regular beading wire? Which is the strongest for lanyards and badge holders? Thanks

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Ask the Experts Wire Gauges Q&A

Q: What is the best gauge wire to use with the wire jig? The best gauge to make jump rings?

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Ask the Experts Wire Q&A

Q: What kind of wire do you use to make a hoop earring?

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Ask the Experts Storage Q&A

Q: I have read that you cannot store polymer clay in certain plastic containers as it leaches some of the binding chemicals. Is it okay to store the clay in the bottles that prescription medicines come in as I save them to store beads, etc in? Thank you for your wonderful site and jewelry making components.

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Ask the Experts Finishing Q&A

Q: I've made a necklace using wire and thread (Accu-flex wire around the circumference with Fireline thread creating loops that vary in length), but I don't know how to finish it. Is it OK to crimp FireLine and soft Illusion cord?

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Ask the Experts Metal Allergies Q&A

Q: Which wire is best for people who have allergies to nickel? Also, which wires hold up the best with wear and tear?

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Ask the Experts Wire Wrapping Q&A

Q: Is there an easy way to hold wires together when wire-wrapping? Could I use large crimp beads as a holder?

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Ask the Experts Jump Rings Q&A

Q: I've seen Chainmaille sites online and thought, "Wow, that looks cool! I want to make it!" How can I cut the wire to make jump rings, without it flattening the end of the cut part? I know I can buy machine made jumprings that are perfectly shaped and cut, but I want to make my own, so I can fabricate the entire piece. I've been using regular wire cutters, and am looking for a cutter that won't flatten the jumpring ends. Thanks

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Ask the Experts Solder Q&A

Q: How do I solder gold-filled wire?

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Ask the Experts Seed Beads Q&A

Q: What is the difference between a round-hole seed bead and a square-hole seed bead? Are the two interchangeable?

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Ask the Experts Seed Beads Q&A

Q: I have a woven seed bead necklace that someone wants me to make earrings for. It consists of regular pink seed beads accented with matte gold seeds. The customer wants to clean the necklace. How do you clean this necklace without removing the color from the beads?

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Ask the Experts Patina Q&A

Q: Can copper colored aluminum wire be patinated?

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Earrings

Mermaid style with plenty of swing! Druzy teardrops bring opal-like colorplay to this pair of long dangle earrings.

Design Idea QB2A

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Bracelet and Earring Set

Translucent pastels bring the understated glitter of ice flake quartz into a springtime look, while antiqued finishes on silver beads and findings add a vintage vibe.

Design Idea PH2A

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Ask the Experts Memory Wire Q&A

Q: Can you explain how to properly use a mandrel when bending memory wire?

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Bracelet and Earring Set

Elevate your style with our exquisite earrings and bracelet featuring stunning lilac stone and yellow calcite beads, accented with silver-plated brass for a touch of elegance.

Design Idea PH26

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Ask the Experts Metal Clay Q&A

Q: How can you prevent open, unused silver clay from turning moldy? We have the unused silver wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, sealed with masking tape to keep the plastic wrap from coming loose. Then we place the silver in an air tight rubber maid container with a sponge that is wet. Does it just turn moldy over time or is there something different we should be doing?

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Ask the Experts Dichroic Q&A

Q: I am firing Dichro glass. I would like to put some silver wire loops in between the glass to hang the pieces with--what kind of silver flat and round wire can I use that can be fired in a kiln?

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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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Ask the Experts Knots Q&A

Q: How do you stop the fishing line type cord from unraveling when knotted at the end of my project? Thank you.

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Ask the Experts Teaching Q&A

Q: How do I charge for teaching how to make jewelry? I'll be carrying the products myself (beads, etc.). There isn't anyone here who teaches at all in my area. I know in Houston they do but its 2 hrs away.

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Ask the Experts Selling Q&A

Q: With selling jewelry in mind, should I focus my designs into a theme or collection?

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Ask the Experts Metal Clay Q&A

Q: Can I cross the gold precious metal clay with some of the copper to successfully have rosegold precious metal clay?

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Ask the Experts Stretching Q&A

Q: I've been making beaded jewelry for some time now. The wire/cord of some of my pieces has stretched over time so that there are spaces near the clasp of my necklaces. I am using Beadalon/Accu-Flex type wire. I've heard of prestretching your wire. Do I need to do this to prevent them from stretching out? Do you have any other suggestions to prevent this from happening? Thanks.

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Ask the Experts Wire Gauge for a Wire-Wrapped Ring Q&A

Q: I recently purchased a bead ring from a street vendor. The ring's band is made with a smooth silver wire with two loops, then a bead is attached using a thinner wire which is threaded through the ring's loops and twisted to secure. What kind and gauge of hypo-allergenic wire can be used to make a similar ring for my family and friends?

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Ask the Experts Finding the Largest Lobster Claw Clasp Q&A

Q: Lobster Claw clasps: if a large one is needed, do I order a higher mm or lower one? What is your largest size lobster claw clasp?

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Ask the Experts Stringing Materials Q&A

Q: What kind of wire or string should be used when making a necklace where the beads go all the way around the neck so it will lie flat?

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Ask the Experts Bead Size Charts Q&A

Q: I am new to beading and struggle with understanding bead sizes—especially as I look at websites like Fire Mountain and see beads I like. I haven't been able to find a good size chart to use. Can you recommend one?

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How to Make a Sterling Silver Pendant Setting

Create a custom cabochon setting using these step-by-step instructions. This project tutorial explores bench jeweler metal fabrication techniques such as sawing, soldering, filing and polishing.

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Ask the Experts Proper Gauge Wire for Wrapped Loops Q&A

Q: What gauge wire is recommended for making wrapped loops? I've tried the 22 and 24. They are too soft, for me, to work with. Would a lower gauge wire work best? I'm a newbie at this. Also, what would be the equivalent gauge size of a wire diameter of, say, .014 or .015"? I've seen only diameters of wires given, and I have no idea how to determine what the gauge would be.

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