Jewelry Making Resources | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

Ask the Experts Beading Q&A

Q: I am working with stainless steel wire, knitting a necklace and bracelet. I notice the wire is really dark. What can I do to clean stainless steel wire and make it brighter and more shiny?

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Ask the Experts Accu-Flex® Beading Wire Q&A

Q: Which gauge of Accu-Flex beading wire is smallest? Does Accu-Flex beading wire fray?

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Ask the Experts Cleaning Q&A

Q: When a natural pearl starts to discolor, does that mean it is "sick"?

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Annealing Metal

With these instructions, you will master the art of annealing, a process that softens metal, allowing you to shape it according to your creative vision.

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Ask the Experts Seed Beads Q&A

Q: Which gauge wire can be used with size 11/0 seed beads?

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Ask the Experts Matching Pearls Q&A

Q: How can I match pearls easily?

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Ask the Experts Gemstones Q&A

Q: How do I explain to my customers what jasper is? It goes by so many names. I want to feel comfortable in what I say. I just got some banded jasper and I need something to say about it. Thanks for great products and services.

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Ask the Experts Chain Q&A

Q: Are Omega chains stiffer than regular chains?

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Ask the Experts Apoxie Sculpt Q&A

Q: Can Apoxie Sculpt be used with polymer? Ex: If I make say a bezel type pendant and want to inlay it with a cab gemstone can I use the Apoxie Sculpt if I choose?

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Ask the Experts Tarnish Removal Q&A

Q: I have quite a collection of Hill Tribe Silver beads. I have been keeping them in clear hard plastic stackable screw together storage containers. I have noticed that they are beginning to tarnish. It will be quite a job to shine them up again. Could you recommend the best way to store them (for the future) and what would be the best way for me to clean these intricate beads. Many thanks for your help.

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How to Use Loop Lock™ Flat Round Findings

Loop Lock™ findings are ideal for connecting links, loops and lengths of chain with a secure "locking" closure. See how to use these findings in this illustrated tutorial.

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Ask the Experts Sterling Silver-Filled Q&A

Q: Can your new dead soft silver-filled wire be work-hardened?

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Torch Enameling by Dipping Into the Enamel

Learn how to quickly create enameled jewelry components by dipping heated metal into enamel. Follow these simple steps for vibrant, colorful designs.

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Ask the Experts Wire Gauge Q&A

Q: What is the best gauge wire for making ear wires?

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Ask the Experts Mounting Faceted Gemstones Q&A

Q: I'm trying to make an ankle bracelet and I want to use some faceted round gemstones, like a 4mm London blue topaz and a heart shaped 4x4mm ruby. How do I go about setting these and other stones so I can hang them from the bracelet?

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Ask the Experts Pendants Q&A

Q: If the half-drilled pendant findings or screw eyes are too large, what is a good substitute?

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How to Use the Artistic Wire® CONETASTIC™ Mandrel

Follow these instructions for the Artistic Wire® CONETASTIC™ tool to create custom coiled wire cones. Developed by metalsmith Sandra Lupo, this tool set includes three sizes of cones mandrels.

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Ask the Experts Commission Q&A

Q: I met with a gallery owner recently who wanted a huge commission to sell my jewelry. I was completely turned off and left without making a deal with her. Now I am re-thinking my decision. Should I go back and see if her commission is negotiable?

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Ask the Experts Product Warning Labels Q&A

Q: I am thinking about selling the jewelry I make. What are my obligations as far as describing the materials that my jewelry is made from? It can be so confusing!

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Ask the Experts Loomwork Q&A

Q: What kind or size of thread do I use on the beading loom?

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Ask the Experts Selling Q&A

Q: I'm fine selling my jewelry face to face, right up to the point where I have to ask for the money. Then I get nervous. How common is that, and what can I do about it?

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Ask the Experts Art Show Q&A

Q: I just had a bad experience selling at a local show. It was well-attended, but there were mostly ''bargain-hunters'' there who complained about my prices. What can I do to make sure I don't wind up at another ''flea market''?

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Ask the Experts Seed Bead Fringe Q&A

Q: How do I correct a tension problem in my seed bead fringe?

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Ask the Experts Flat Back Crystal Application Q&A

Q: I am fairly new to beading. How do I attach flat-backed crystals to a T-shirt or blouse?

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