Jewelry Making Resources | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

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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Ask the Experts Turquoise Q&A

Q: I need to identify and price turquoise I purchased in New Mexico 20 years ago. I do know that some pieces are Sleeping Beauty turquoise. What is the best approach to identifying this gemstone?

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Ask the Experts Alternative Donut Ideas Q&A

Q: How can I hang a gemstone donut on a length of cording without using a donut bail?

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Ask the Experts Seed Bead Stitches Q&A

Q: I am pretty new at beading and I am in love with seed beads. I am trying to do a two-row base for a necklace. I have tried peyote and square stitch. How do I get the tension right? I end up with it wiggly, or spiral, or twisty, anything but flat. Thanks.

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How to Add Color to Vitrium® Clay

Vitrium® clay—an air-dry resin clay—comes in transparent white or opaque white. Add color to either type using these two simple steps.

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Ask the Experts Hiding Knots Q&A

Q: I make wrap bracelets and I am having trouble tying off my thread so that my knots aren't so visible. Any suggestions? I love your website and I look through my catalog every day! Thank you!

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Ask the Experts Crystal Stringing Material Q&A

Q: What type of threads can I use for crystals? Can I use silk thread or only wire?

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Ask the Experts Bamboo Coral Q&A

Q: I have some bamboo rattle snake coral that I ordered elsewhere. It is long jagged pieces and I find it to be very ugly so I have put off working with it. Do you have any suggestions about using this product? What else would go with it? Thank you very much.

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Ask the Experts Using a Beading Needle Q&A

Q: How do you thread a beading needle? Do you use a double thread as in regular sewing or a single thread?

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Ask the Experts Smoothing Bead Edges Q&A

Q: I recently purchased packets and strings of gemstone beads. Some of them have jagged, rough edges. What can I use to smooth them?

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Ask the Experts Firing Q&A

Q: I just bought a new kiln and have tried the time and temperature listed, but my pieces are coming out not completely fired. How do I adjust the time and temperature without ruining more silver and copper clay?

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Ask the Experts Hammering Metals Q&A

Q: Please tell me what tool to use for a hammered look on metals like sterling silver and gold-filled?

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Ask the Experts Gold-filled Chain Q&A

Q: I recently bought gold-filled chains that I will resell to my customers. How do I explain gold-filled?

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Ask the Experts Pinch Bails on Briolettes Q&A

Q: When using a sterling silver pinch bail on a briolette, does pinching it together make a secure attachment, or should I be using some type of glue on the bail?

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Ask the Experts Pliers Q&A

Q: Please tell me the difference between "lap joint" and "box joint" pliers?

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