Jewelry Making Resources | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

Ask the Experts Cabochons Q&A

Q: Several cabochon gemstones and paua shells do not exactly fit the settings I purchased for their size. How do I shave down the edges to make them fit?

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Ask the Experts Paper Beads Q&A

Q: I am winding paper that is sparkly on one side and smooth on the other and when I go to glue it I can't get it to adhere and the bead becomes unwound. Help!

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Ask the Experts Design Q&A

Q: Is there a way to make quick-release drop earrings? In other words, can I buy one pair of earring findings and have a quick way of switching out one drop for another? Kind of like when you buy a watch face with several different colors/styles of bands?

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Ask the Experts Plating Q&A

Q: I have silver tone fashion jewelry that with only a few times of wearing it, the silver tone begins to rub off. I know they will not last a lifetime, but I can only wear them a few times before they look old and faded. I know this happens because of the oils on my skin and products I use. My question is the following, is there any type of silver tone or even sterling silver finish liquid or spray or even paint that you can brush on to "refinish" these pieces and make them look new again? Thank you!

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Ask the Experts Spacer Bars Q&A

Q: Hi, I am very new to beading and have run into a problem. I made a three strand bracelet and put 3 strand spacer bars (8995MB) into it. The back of the spacer bars look so lonely with the little strands of wire. Is there something I can use for that? Thank You.

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Ask the Experts Glue Removal Q&A

Q: I have dried glue on some of my tools. I'd like to know what to use to safely remove it. I'm also ordering your 'stuff' for dipping the tips for wireworking. When I have the tips coated, is that going to interfere with using them for future projects? If so, should I purchase a separate set?

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Ask the Experts Steel Wire Q&A

Q: I was surfing through a tool catalog and saw some rust- and corrosion-resistant 20 gauge x 25 foot mechanics wire with a 40 lb. maximum load capacity. It is Zinc-plated steel wire. I suppose the best question is..is it usable for jewelry and, if so, what about allergies. Thanks so much for your help.

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Ask the Experts Wire Q&A

Q: What is the difference between German Craft Wire and Artistic Craft Wire and which is better?

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Ask the Experts Metal Clay Q&A

Q: After firing metal clay earrings, I decided to try to bend a corner of one of them, and it snapped off! Was it not fired long enough? Is there any way to make a new piece and fire it on the existing earring?

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Ask the Experts Clay Q&A

Q: During a recent shopping trip I bought three containers of what was grouped with the metal clay supplies in a local hobby and craft store. The product brand is Pardo, and the company website gives the product as the metal listed combined with beeswax to help hold shape until firing. Firing is supposed to be done in a home or convection oven at 266 degrees Fahrenheit (130 degrees Celsius) for 30 minutes per 1/4-inch thickness. I bought one jar of gold, one jar of silver and one jar of bronze. My questions: How does this product match up to the other metal clay products on the market? Could this product be fired using a torch instead of an oven? And how might this product stand up long-term in items crafted with any of the clays purchased? Thank you.

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Ask the Experts Wire Twister Q&A

Q: My wire keeps breaking when I am using my wire twister tool. Sometimes the wire breaks off in the twister and other times the folded end will break in the vice. This can happen after only a few twists. How can I keep my wire from breaking?

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Ask the Experts Design Q&A

Q: Hello, I am having a hard time getting my earrings to hang straight. They want to turn either to the right or left. Is it because I'm hand drilling the center of my brass? Thank you.

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Ask the Experts Kumihimo Q&A

Q: I'm trying to learn Kumihimo, but I'm not sure what kind of thread I should use. Do you have any suggestions for me?

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Earrings

Add a touch of holiday spirit to your look with our Christmas earrings featuring jolly Santa Claus charms, intricate lampworked glass beads, Crystal Passions®-enhanced lustrous Pearls, and dazzling elements.

Design Idea PG3M

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Ask the Experts Replacing Glued Rhinestones Q&A

Q: I have some pieces that have some rhinestones in them that don't look so good. I want to remove and replace them without damaging the metals, but it seems they are glued in. Is it possible to remove them?

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Ask the Experts Polymer Clay Q&A

Q: Can you put sand into polymer clay and bake it? I have someone who wants beads from a Florida trip made with sand.

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Ask the Experts Chain Measuring Q&A

Q: Chain tassels and fringe are really popular. I like to create them, but it is a serious pain to count links or measure multiple lengths of chain all the same length, especially tiny chain. Do you have a tip to simplify tassels and fringe?

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Ask the Experts Business Q&A

Q: What is a juried craft show?

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Ask the Experts Business Q&A

Q: I am fairly new to jewelry making (3 yrs.). I have been learning by making items from magazines and books. These items were gifts for friends and family. I recently started creating my own items. In a recent trip to a bead store, the shop owner liked my bangle bracelet. When I told them it was my own creation, they wanted to buy my instructions and teach it at their shop. Should I do that? If I do, how do I put a value on instructions? What am I giving up by doing that? I don't have a business. I eagerly await your reply. Thanks.

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Ask the Experts Resin Q&A

Q: What can be used to color resin? Also, what can be added to resin? What can be added to resin to give it a pearlized effect? Thanks.

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Ask the Experts Gemstones Q&A

Q: Are the value and quality of your gemstones comparable to that in jewelry stores that sell finished products?

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Ask the Experts Shows Q&A

Q: A friend of mine is a jewelry maker whose style is very different from mine. We both want to sell at the same local arts event, and she suggested we split a booth and sell together to save money. I'm not sure if I should take her up on this offer because of any hard feelings if one of us sells more than the other.

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Ask the Experts Solder Q&A

Q: First, how can I solder silver-filled pieces onto copper or brass without the alloys in the silver-filled showing? And for this reason, I'm assuming silver-filled CANNOT be annealed? Second, do some metals take longer to anneal than others? I'm new to jewelry making and will be working with copper, brass and sterling silver. Thank you for your time.

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Ask the Experts Jewelry Repair Q&A

Q: Is there a way to remove a crimp bead cover from a finished necklace? I used a 4mm crimp bead cover at the very end of my necklace. But I feel my necklace has little flexibility, and the toggle bar of my clasp does not move freely. I think removing the cover and replacing it with a smaller crimp bead cover might take care of the problem. Any other ideas what I could do without pulling my necklace apart?

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Ask the Experts Metal Sheets Q&A

Q: Thank you so much for providing answers to my many questions. I hadn't realized this was an option. I've been fascinated with Argentium, but I can't find much in the way of instructional materials. I have several questions for you, and I thank you in advance for taking time to answer.

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Bracelet

There are hearts a-plenty in this romantic charm bracelet. Even the sterling silver base chain has heart-shaped links for the ultimate love-themed accessory!

Design Idea PG3K

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Ask the Experts Testimonials Q&A

Q: A customer wrote me a very nice thank-you note recently. When I asked her if I could use it as a testimonial on my website, she said I could, but she only wanted me to use her initials. When I see a testimonial without a full name, it looks fake, but I'd like to post hers with just her initials because it's so positive. What do you suggest?

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Ask the Experts Tools Q&A

Q: I understand that tools such as pliers, etc. should be conditioned before use. How do I do this?

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Earrings

These dazzling Crystal Passions® beads and drops allow this beautiful earring set to fully capture the light and reflect a dazzling array of colors.

Design Idea PH33

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Ask the Experts Pearls Q&A

Q: How do I string pearls with silk thread, what size thread do I use and how do I attach a clasp? Also, what type of finding should be used? Thank you.

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Ask the Experts Wire Cutting Pliers Q&A

Q: Hi, Wire Cutters—Can you explain the difference between end cutter and flush cutter? Which cutter should I use to cut memory wire? Thank You.

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Ask the Experts Polymer Clay Q&A

Q: Can foil leaf be used on raw polyclay and then baked? If so, should it be covered with a thin sheet of translucent clay or glazed after baking? Can it be used in the mokume-gane technique?

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Single-Strand Necklace and Earring Set

Chunky chain combines with Crystal Passions® mystic black beads and electric pink cabochons for style that exudes punk vibes and sophistication alike.

Design Idea PH35

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Ask the Experts Settings Q&A

Q: I want to put a star sapphire into a ring setting. What needs to be done so that the back won't scratch during wearing?

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Single-Strand Necklace, Bracelet and Earring Set

Stay fashion-fresh with amazonite! This necklace, earring and bracelet set is designed around the contrast between the warm golden tones of the findings and the cool minty blue-green of the gemstone.

Design Idea QC25

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Ask the Experts Bending Q&A

Q: I would like to know the best method for bending silver tubing. Plumbers and jewelers must have a secret method. What is it?

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Earrings

Whether it's your Big Day or your bestie's, these glittering Czech crystal earrings are the perfect accessory to add sparkle and shine to the day's events.

Design Idea QD24

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Ask the Experts Stonesetting Q&A

Q: What tools should I use to stretch the Sterling silver bezel for a cabochon that has fallen out of it's setting? Which tool do I use to get the bezel down around the stone again?

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Ask the Experts Oxidizing Wire Q&A

Q: I would like to wirewrap gemstone rondelles and link them together to form a gemstone chain. I would like to use liver of sulfur to oxidize the chain. Is it safer to oxidize the wire before or after wirewrapping the gemstones beads into the chain?

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Ask the Experts Wire Q&A

Q: I like to make my own earwires and findings from sterling wire. I've heard of tumbling them to harden them, but is this necessary? If so, how do I go about doing that? What equipment do I need to strengthen sterling findings (without changing their texture)? Thank you!

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Ask the Experts Metal Stamping Q&A

Q: I just started metal stamping and am having some difficulties ... the stamps don't seem to be going through well enough to leave a good impression. If I hit it harder, though, it is bending the metal. Is the problem with the stamping blanks I am using, or are they all about the same?

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Ask the Experts Work Harden Q&A

Q: I am trying to use argentium wire for wire wrapping--I cannot straighten it--it has a mind of its own--should I anneal it?

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Ask the Experts Wire Q&A

Q: We make silverware jewelry. We like to use gemstones in the center of our bracelets. After wearing for awhile, the wire breaks. I have tried different wire, etc. but have not solved the problem. We use the half hard 24-gauge sterling. Another jeweler suggested we try using virgin silver wire and then tumbling our pieces to work-harden. How do you tumble the finished product without damaging the stones? I cannot figure out a way to tumble the piece without the stone set. Is there a product to cover and protect the stones, etc while polishing? Also, I have tried a few different methods trying to get a gloss on polished gemstones when they are not premium grade. Is there a product that we can use on a Ruby to add luster which will harden and not damage the stone? The last one I tried I thought was the answer, however, after a few weeks the surface seem to soften. Thanks.

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Ask the Experts Cutting Wire Q&A

Q: How do I cut soft aluminum wire (16 ga) to get a crisp cut? When I use my wire cutters, the ends get that squashed look, like when I cut cookie dough.

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Ask the Experts Cleaning and Polishing Gemstones Q&A

Q: Is there a simple way that I can increase the polished look of the commercial grade stone beads like the sodalite?

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Ask the Experts Power Cord Q&A

Q: I made a couple of gemstone chip bracelets on Power cord, but I don't like the way they turned out. The knot area, with a small dab of glue on it, is stiff and brittle. The cord seems to have "warped" and appears to be stretched out of shape. The chips slid on the cord easily so that would not seem to be the reason for this distortion of the cord. Help!

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Ask the Experts Cupchain Q&A

Q: I recently purchased "The Bosses Bag." In it was a long chain with crystals in the links. I think it might be called a cup chain. I would love to make tennis bracelets with the chain but I cannot find anything on your site that tells me how to add a clasp to the ends. Please help.

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Ask the Experts Two-Part Epoxy Q&A

Q: I use Devcon's two part epoxy 30-min. for my metal jewelry projects. I have had a few customers contact me because their jewelry came apart--esp. during the winter. Does it become brittle? How do I fix this problem?

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Ask the Experts Metal Clay Polishing Q&A

Q: I work in bronze clay and I find that after firing the metal is dull even after polishing. I even changed the carbon recently. Can you tell me a solution to this problem?

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Ask the Experts Hair Combs Q&A

Q: I'm interested in making some decorative hair combs, but I would actually like to make my own hair comb out of wire. I've been looking everywhere for instructions, and can't seem to find any. Do you know of a pattern that is available for making the actual comb?

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Screw-Tite Crimps™

A type of crimp finding featuring a screw inside the barrel that securely holds beading wire when tightened, for easy adjustability.

Ask the Experts Cloisonne Q&A

Q: I have purchased several cloisonne pendant sets from you. The package states that cloisonne contains lead enamel glaze. I made a choker out of one of the pendants that rests against my bare neck, but today I read an article that says wearing cloisonne next to the skin is radioactive and dangerous. Is this true?

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Ask the Experts Plated and Precious Metal Clasps Q&A

Q: I am trying to understand the difference of quality and longevity when using gold plated or gold filled clasps; also silver, or nickel. I think there must be many versions of gold plated as some tend to wear off immediately and others last. I am not making expensive pieces yet but I would like to use good quality clasps that last. What do you recommend and how do I recognize good from bad. I live in China and feel very unsure even when they tell me its good; price is not always the indicator!

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Ask the Experts Mother-of-Pearl Q&A

Q: I have a mother of pearl disc set in a sterling rim. The disc has become warped. How can I flatten it out without cracking the mother of pearl?

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Ask the Experts Solder Q&A

Q: I want to "trim" the edge of a seashell with silver. I definitely do not want to just glue metal on. Is there some way to attach metal to a shell? Could I perhaps even use metal clay?

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Ask the Experts Pearl Removal Q&A

Q: I want to remove saltwater pearls from an old setting. How is that accomplished without harming the pearls?

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Ask the Experts Bone Beads Q&A

Q: This may sound silly, but where does the bone come from in all of the bone beads? Just curious! Thanks!

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Ask the Experts Bezels Q&A

Q: I want to create a thin metal setting to go around a variety of different stones and crystals ... to make them shape specific in a gold plate or copper color. Do I need to use bronze/copper clay for that or buy a thin sheet of metal and cut it to the stone? If I go with the second idea, will I need a kiln to fire it or can it be glued to seal? Thank you!

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Ask the Experts Knotting Q&A

Q: I used silk thread to wrap around a metal triangle with an open center that I want to use as my focal component in a necklace design. The wrapping turned out really nice, but I don't know how to cleanly finish it without a knot showing. Any ideas? Thanks.

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Ask the Experts Bead Holes Q&A

Q: If a bead or stone has a drilled hole in the wrong place for your idea, is there a way you can fill the hole and redrill a new one? How difficult will it be to drill a new hole?

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Ask the Experts Rosaries Q&A

Q: I read in a book that Silamide (using a double strand) is one of the best stringing materials for prayer beads/rosaries. The rosaries will be made of olive wood beads and glass seed beads. Some will be especially long and have active use. Can you tell me if this is a good choice? Thank you for your help.

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Ask the Experts Crystals Q&A

Q: Can Crystal Passions be stored in an unheated building without bursting?

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Ask the Experts Protecting Seed Beads Q&A

Q: I see that an artist's fixative is recommended for use on metallic seed beads. I assume this is for use on a finished piece--otherwise wouldn't the fixative plug the holes? Is it best to use a paintbrush to apply the fixative, to keep it from getting on other parts of the piece? And to apply it on one side, let it dry, and then apply on the other? Also, I once applied a fixative to larger beads, and found the next morning that it had become thick and dried on the bottom. What position do you recommend leaving them in for drying? Thanks.

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Ask the Experts Tool Sharpening Q&A

Q: Some of my wire cutting tools are getting indentations and the wire I use does not seem to be that hard. What would be the best way to sharpen them? Thank you.

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Ask the Experts Sculptural Seed Beads Q&A

Q: I would like to know how to create the 3-D seed beaded items I have seen here. The animals that I have seen here are incredible. But I don't know how to begin; or using a cow skull to cover with seed beads. Any resource would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

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Ask the Experts Displaying Your Work in a Gallery Q&A

Q: What's the best way to get space for my jewelry in a gallery? I thought of sending a letter to the gallery owner with some photos of my work ... is that a good way to start?

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Ask the Experts Jewelry Displays Q&A

Q: I have been selling hand-made jewelry for about 12 years at shows and festivals. I am looking to get some new display items. I was wondering given the fact that half of my shows are outside and in the mountains, if the leatherette displays hold up better than the velvet ones? Going hand in hand what would be the best color to display brass or other mixed metal jewelry on, White or Black? I mainly have black velvet ones and they seem to collect dust and dead plant bits, which show up like there is no tomorrow when I am doing an inside show. Thoughts?

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Ask the Experts Removing Crimps Q&A

Q: I just finished crimping the end of a necklace and now I found that I left a bead out. How can I remove the crimp without destroying the end of the wire? I have not trimmed the wire yet.

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Ask the Experts Glue Removal Q&A

Q: I am needing information on how to remove a glue-on bail from a square clear glass (approx. 1 1/2 inches by 1 1/2 inches) that also has an initial in this clear glass piece. (This customer wants to turn this into a pin, instead of a necklace.) Help!!

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Ask the Experts Oxidizing Wire Q&A

Q: Can the Wrap-it® Wire in jeweler's bronze be oxidized? Since its mainly copper, will liver of sulfur work to give it a patina?

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Ask the Experts Refining and Recycling Scrap Q&A

Q: I do wire work with mostly sterling silver and 14k gold-filled wire. My silver scraps I send to a local artist who works with silver but what can I do with my gold-filled scraps?

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Ask the Experts Beading Wire Q&A

Q: Hello! Could you tell me if the Accu-Flex beading wires are water resistant? I bought another brand (foolish of me!) to make bracelets and they all got rusty after a few days when in contact with water. The ones that were not in the water, but in a place quite humid, eventually got rusty as well ... I don't want to go through that again! Thank you for your advice!

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Ask the Experts Holiday Gift Planning Q&A

Q: When preparing for the holidays, how far out should I be presenting holiday designs? Thanks for your help.

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Ask the Experts Custom Orders Q&A

Q: Occasionally, someone will contact me about a piece they want to buy from my website, but say they don't like the color of one of the stones, or they want a different kind of clasp. Should I tell them the piece is "as is," or should I offer to customize it? I don't want to take things apart I already made, but I don't want to lose a sale, either!

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Ask the Experts Credit Card Payments Q&A

Q: I have started a home party business. I want to be able to take credit cards, how would I go about this? Someone suggested Pay Pal, I don't understand how. Need better suggestions. Thank you for your time.

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Ask the Experts Metal Clay Q&A

Q: I had some left over Art Clay and wrapped it back into the original packaging. When I went to work with it again a few weeks later, it crumbled. I added some water and put it back in the packaging but it is still in pieces. Can you suggest another way of reconstituting it?

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Ask the Experts Seed Beads Weaving Q&A

Q: What is Apache weave?

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Ask the Experts Wire Crochet Q&A

Q: How should I finish off a crocheted wire necklace with 3 strands or more? I have seen instructions to glue the wires, but I have more than 3 wires so it is heavy. Please let me know what to do and what to use.

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Ask the Experts Metalsmithing Q&A

Q: I have seen coins (buffalo nickels) bent to make buttons or jewelry. How is this done?

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Ask the Experts Rings Q&A

Q: I have some beautiful flatwear that I have found at estate auctions but not sure of process. How do I make spoon rings and what tools are needed?

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Ask the Experts Gluing Settings Q&A

Q: When I glue a crystal fancy stone into the setting, the glue oozes out the sides and makes a mess. What am I doing wrong, and what is the best way to clean off the extra glue without damaging the setting? Thanks.

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Ask the Experts Memory Wire Q&A

Q: What does one use memory wire for? I bought some thinking that it would stay the way I bent it, and found that it was impossible. Now what do I use it for?

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Ask the Experts Polishing Jewelry Q&A

Q: What are the pros and cons of using a jewelry tumbler for polishing jewelry as opposed to a hand held rotary tool?

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Ask the Experts Selling Jewelry Q&A

Q: I'm a new jewelry designer and I was wondering about different ways to promote and sell my one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces, do you have any suggestions?

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Ask the Experts Measuring Q&A

Q: How do you measure beads?

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Ask the Experts Jumprings Q&A

Q: How do I determine the OD of a jumpring when all I have is the ID and the gauge?

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Ask the Experts Organizers Q&A

Q: What do you recommend for a work table surface for beading?

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Ask the Experts Resin Q&A

Q: How can I preserve flowers to be used in resin pendants?

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Ask the Experts Cleaning Pewter Beads Q&A

Q: How do you clean pewter beads?

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Ask the Experts Earcuffs Q&A

Q: I am trying to imitate ear cuffs I have previously purchased. One end of the ear cuff is sealed by a bead glued to it. The other end of the ear cut is left raw. How do I soften the cut raw end of the ear cuff so that it doesn't scratch the ear cartilage?

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Ask the Experts Selling Finished Jewelry Q&A

Q: I'd like to know if it would be practical to promote/sell pieces on more than one website--I suppose I'd also have to split the pieces between sites instead of showing them all on all sites--yes?

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Ask the Experts Metal Finish Q&A

Q: What does oxidated and anodized mean?

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Ask the Experts Fringe Q&A

Q: I want to make a seed bead fringe necklace, how does the seed bead stay on the bottom of the fringe, and how do I attach the seed bead onto the chain, and what type of wire or thread do I use to create the fringe. Fringe hangs 10" long by 7 1/2" wide. How is the bottom seed of the fringe secured? Thank you.

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Ask the Experts Freeform Seed Beads Q&A

Q: What is free form beading?

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Ask the Experts Right-Angle Weave Q&A

Q: I am new to the right-angle weave. I have watched the video several times. My thread is showing really bad and is loose in some spots. I am using round beads on FireLine thread. What am I doing wrong and also how do I finish it off? Thanks.

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Ask the Experts Finishing Q&A

Q: When finishing a piece, I don't have a problem with crimping or threading the wire back through the finished beads but I have to pull on it a little too tight for comfort to make sure that the piece doesn't have too much slack in it...and be ruined. Some pieces cannot abide a crimp cover and the crimp will be hidden well but still, is there a secret to achieving the aforementioned task without using a winch?

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