Jewelry Making Resources | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

Ask the Experts Gemstone Treatment Guide Q&A

Q: What do all the initials in parenthesis after the gemstones mean--example coral (IMIT). Thank you, is it listed in the catalog?

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Ask the Experts Jumprings Q&A

Q: I am a chain mail artist considering making my own sterling silver jump rings. Is the cost saving to buy sterling wire and make the rings myself worth the effort? My preferences for wire are 16 and 18 gauge half-hard wire.

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Ask the Experts Stretchy Q&A

Q: I have been seeing watch bands made with beads and safety pins and they just stretch. What would be a good choice of stringing material to use so the safety pin will not break it and it stretches.

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Ask the Experts Findings/Accu-Guard™ Wire Protectors Q&A

Q: Can I use the wire guardian as the hook for my clasp?

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Ask the Experts Briolettes Q&A

Q: I purchased a string of tourmaline briolettes with the holes cut at the top from Fire Mountain. I want to attach them to a gold filled chain (like a string of fish) for earrings. The problem is the holes are much too small to attach with head pins. I have the 26 gauge gold-filled wire from your catalog--but in a dilemma to get the half-hard or full-hard through to make the twisted loop attachment?

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Ask the Experts Firing Q&A

Q: I want to make a bracelet that is not a bangle but one that doesn't touch each side. What can I use to mold and fire on?

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Ask the Experts Cord ends Q&A

Q: My beaded design is strung on Accu-Flex® wire. I'd like to attach the wire end to several inches of leather or rubber cord before I attach the clasp. I know how to make the connection at the clasp, but what should I use to connect the wire to the cord? I've been looking at cord tips; some have holes, some have loops.

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Setting Up a Safe Torch Firing Area

Ensure your success and prioritize safety when firing enamel with a torch by following these comprehensive instructions. Craft stunning enamel jewelry with confidence and precision.

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Ask the Experts Stringing with FireLine® Q&A

Q: I've been using Accu-Flex® wire in my necklace and bracelet projects, but I'd like to explore other stringing materials. In particular, I'd like to know how to select the appropriate weight of FireLine® and how to finish off ends attractively and appropriately.

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Ask the Experts Ethics Q&A

Q: When I use a pattern found in a magazine, how do I get permission to sell or teach that pattern?

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Ask the Experts Beaded Q&A

Q: I am looking for a pattern or tutorial to make beaded beads with size 11 or 15 seed beads. Can you help? Thank you.

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Ask the Experts Stringing Glass Beads Q&A

Q: What type of string or cord should I use for glass beads? I have glass bunnies and other beads but don't know how to get started for a bracelet or necklace. Help!!

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Dry Sifted Enamel Techniques

Explore the art of dry sifting enamel. Learn how wet paper stenciling and sgraffito can create stunning, intricate designs with professional results.

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Ask the Experts Shortening a Necklace Q&A

Q: Is there a way to make a multi-strand necklace shorter without pulling it apart?

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How to Use an Alundum Stone

Smooth out the rough edges in your enamel designs with an alundum stone. Discover how with these straightforward instructions.

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Ask the Experts Arthritis Q&A

Q: Which tools do you recommend to buy when the person has arthritis?

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Ask the Experts Stick Pins Q&A

Q: Does crimping or gluing work best to hold beads on a stick pin?

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Dry Sifting Enamel

Explore the art of dry sifting enamel. Learn how wet paper stenciling and sgraffito can create stunning, intricate designs with professional results.

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Ask the Experts Briolette Repair Q&A

Q: While creating a wire wrap for a very large faceted lemon quartz briolette, I inadvertently caused chipping on each side of the top-drilled hole. I've decided not to use the stone as a briolette since the drill hole is no longer useful. Can I repair the damage and what then can I do with the stone?

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Ask the Experts Bead Tips Q&A

Q: Can bead tips be used with Accu-Flex® beading wire?

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Ask the Experts Molds Q&A

Q: I am interested in creating my own jewelry company. I have started out by making bracelets, however I need to separate my bracelets from other bracelet makers. I have many ideas of beads I want to design myself but am not sure how to go about getting them created. For example, some companies have their logos as pendants on a lot of their jewelry. I want to make a logo pendant for my bracelets but am not sure how to "create" it. Are there jewelry supply companies that can make my logo into a pendant or is this something I have to create on my own?

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How to Use a Sal Ammoniac Block to Maintain Your Soldering Iron

Discover the proper technique for maintaining your soldering iron with a sal ammoniac block.

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Ask the Experts Cloisonné BeadsQ&A

Q: How should I clean cloisonné beads?

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Ask the Experts Seed Beads Q&A

Q: If gluing seed beads to a flat surface, is there a spray or glue to put on top to make sure they stay smooth and secure to the object?

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