Jewelry Making Resources | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

Ask the Experts Seed Bead Weaving Q&A

Q: I love working in all kinds of bead weaving stitches. However, no matter what stitch I use the bracelet always stretches or "grows". I use Fire line. I tie knots often. What else can I do to retain size? Thanks in advance.

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Ask the Experts Agreement Q&A

Q: I have a formula for pricing my work, but I'm moving into almost exclusively custom work, and I really need to come up with a template contract for clients to read over so they know what they're getting. Is there some place that I can find a generic contract that I could then personalize? Or any ideas as to wording and layout of a contract?

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Ask the Experts Designing Q&A

Q: How do you hold the large hole beads on an omega chain bracelet?

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Ask the Experts Online Q&A

Q: I've sold some of my handmade jewelry online in the past while I was in high school, but I'm now in college, and I'd like to start again. I'm an Information Systems major, so I've got the skills and am planning to build my own website (though I'll also be attempting to sell some on Etsy). I've also been thinking about doing home parties, but some of my friends who are in different states were interested in hosting parties, which obviously won't really work. Do you have any ideas/tips for doing online jewelry parties so my friends can still host?

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Ask the Experts Thread Q&A

Q: What is the best type of seed bead and thread to sew beads onto satin doll clothes?

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Ask the Experts Button Converters Q&A

Q: I have some beautiful old glass buttons. How do I make them into pendants? Which size wire and the technique? I just need a picture of the back. Thanks

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Ask the Experts Niobium Q&A

Q: Does the color wear off of the niobium jump rings?

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Ask the Experts Metal Clay Q&A

Q: I have many large uncalibrated stones. I would like to create my own mounts with Artclay. Will the prongs bend and not be too brittle for setting the stones after firing?

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Ask the Experts Forming Q&A

Q: Can I make earwires from niobium? Can I melt a ball on the end of this wire with a torch?

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Ask the Experts Zebra Q&A

Q: Is Zebra Wire tempered as Full/Hard, Half/Hard or Dead Soft? Is Zebra Wire suitable for projects that need to be bent and will it stay wrapped?

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Ask the Experts Tools Q&A

Q: It has been suggested that I obtain a rock tumbler with steel shot to clean my pieces as I am making them. I have been reading about ultrasonic wave tanks used to clean, and I wonder how they compare to the tumbler in the end result.

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Ask the Experts Tumbler Q&A

Q: I'm new to the jewelry scene and was wondering about the tumblers that are available. Does a tumbler work for all metals, including precious metal? What is the difference between a jewelry tumbler and a rock tumbler?

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Ask the Experts Zebra Q&A

Q: Can Zebra wire be polished?

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Ask the Experts Tools Q&A

Q: How do you remove the protective coating from non-tarnish copper wire? I made a viking knit bracelet from said wire that did not indicate that it was non tarnish. I want to dip it in Liver of sulfur to antique it. Can this coating be removed in some sort of solution? I look forward to your reply.

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Ask the Experts Disinfecting Jewelry Q&A

Q: Is there a way to disinfect jewelry when we are selling at our community market that won't damage stones or wire? Customers like to try on pieces to see how they fit, but if they don't buy them, the necklaces/rings/bracelets need to be disinfected before someone else tries them on? How??

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Bracelet

The classically knotted pearl bracelet exudes timeless elegance with its delicate intertwining of lustrous pearls, showcasing a blend of sophistication and charm.

Design Idea PH2N

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Ask the Experts Attaching Clasps to Bulk Chain Q&A

Q: What findings are used for attaching clasps to sterling silver or gold-filled chain sold by the yard? What is the best technique for it?

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Ask the Experts Rough Edges Q&A

Q: I use a lot of acrylic beads in my designs, especially "pony" beads. I notice that a lot of them have excess plastic and rough edges left over from the manufacturing process. I was wondering what is the fastest and most effective way to file down these rough spots. Is it possible to use a rock tumbler for greater speed?

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Ask the Experts Design Q&A

Q: I have many pairs of cuff links from my father who has passed away. I would like to make earrings out of them for myself and my sisters. Many of them can probably be made into post style earrings and some can be attached to ear wires. I don't have any idea how to go about doing this; any help/ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

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Ask the Experts Online Q&A

Q: I was thinking of starting to sell jewelry online but I am not sure if I would have to have a business license or any other legal documents to sell? Should I do it myself or go thru a site like Etsy.com? Also are there any other sites besides Etsy that I could try? Thanks!!

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Ask the Experts Bead Glass Q&A

Q: Can I use the rock tumbler to make beach glass?

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Ask the Experts Remove Foil Back Q&A

Q: How can I remove the foil back from rhinestones?

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Ask the Experts Cleaning Q&A

Q: I bought some lovely white agate nugget beads. However, many of them look like their edges are dirty. Can you tell me the best way to clean these beads?

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Ask the Experts Cleaning Q&A

Q: How do you safely clean bone beads and antique ivory jewelry?

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