Ask the Experts Wire-Wrapping Q&A
Q: Which precious metal wire forms the best, and does it hold its shape?
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Ask the Experts Wire Q&A
Q: I want to string some beads for outdoors. What wire could I use that would not rust? Thanks
Ask the Experts Beading Wire Q&A
Q: What is the difference between "tigertail" wire and regular beading wire? Which is the strongest for lanyards and badge holders? Thanks
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.
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?
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?
Ask the Experts Wire Jig Q&A
Q: I'm just learning to work with wire. I'm ordering a jig, but have no idea what wire type, gauge, hardness, etc., to use. Can you give me some guidelines please?
Ask the Experts Non-Tarnish Silver Wire Q&A
Q: What is the best silver wire to use that will not tarnish over the years? I am going to be decorating some hair combs for a wedding.
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!
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.
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?
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!
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?
Ask the Experts Wire for Heavy Beads Q&A
Q: I am creating a necklace with rather heavy beads and am thinking about using 22 ga wire but have no idea how to finish it. I don’t think there’s a crimp big enough...HELP!
Ask the Experts Beading Wire for Waist Beads Q&A
Q: Is Tigertail good for making waist beads? And if so, which strand is best?