Ask the Experts | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

Ask the Experts Findings Q&A

Q: When ordering silver-toned O rings, how can you get the bright silver tone versus the darker silver tone, without buying sterling silver? I have bought many silver-toned O rings, and the majority of them are kind of gray. Thank you.

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Tools Q&A

Q: I have split-ring pliers. They work fine for keyring size, but when you get down to 4mm or 5mm rings, the pliers only open the ring a little, and I can't keep them open wide enough to insert my focal. I've tried sliding the ring up the shaft of the pliers to open it farther, but then the beginning of the ring closes down, and I can't slip my focal in. Any ideas?

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Jump Rings Q&A

Q: If I have jump rings that say they're made of "iron alloy," can they be soldered?

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Adhesive Q&A

Q: Sure hope you can help me. I'm making a necklace and my pendant is a lampwork bead, sort of rondelle shaped. I want to use a large jump ring, 17mm, but I am having trouble as it does not seem secure on the necklace. Is there something I can use or some technique to keep this ring securely closed? I really don't want to invest in or learn soldering. Thank you so much.

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Oval Jump Rings Q&A

Q: I am making earrings and a necklace using 2-3 links. Should I use a round jump ring or an oval jump ring to attach the links?

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Jump Rings Q&A

Q: I've seen Chainmaille sites online and thought, "Wow, that looks cool! I want to make it!" How can I cut the wire to make jump rings, without it flattening the end of the cut part? I know I can buy machine made jumprings that are perfectly shaped and cut, but I want to make my own, so I can fabricate the entire piece. I've been using regular wire cutters, and am looking for a cutter that won't flatten the jumpring ends. Thanks

Read the Answer

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.

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Bead Holding Tools Q&A

Q: I was born with only one hand, but LOVE making jewelry. It's my most favorite thing to do. I was hoping that you could suggest some gadgets that would help me when I need to hold two tools in my hand. The hardest things to do are closing jump rings and holding earring backs while attaching drops. Any suggestions? Thanks so much!!

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Most Secure Charm Attachment Q&A

Q: What is the most secure way to attach a charm or bead to chain?

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Keeping Jump Rings Closed Q&A

Q: When I close my jump rings, they won't close enough to keep from letting the other jump ring slide out and have the piece come apart. The space is very small, only enough for my fingernail. I use the tool I purchased from you that looks like a ring and fits on the finger.

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Attaching a Center-Drilled Pendant Q&A

Q: What is the best way to attach a center drilled pendant to a necklace?

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Chainmaille Q&A

Q: I have discovered the joys (and tribulations) of working with jumprings in making chainmaille jewelry. Besides soldering the rings closed, is there a special glue that can be used? I love working with jumprings of all sizes and would like to know that the jewelry I make will stay together. Thank you!!

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Scale to Design Q&A

Q: How do I know what size split ring, jump ring and wire to use on a project?

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Soldering Q&A

Q: How do you use liquid solder? Do you have to use a torch? I am an amateur but need to know how to close silver jump rings.

Read the Answer

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?

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Soldering Jump Rings onto Jewelry Q&A

Q: Hello, I'm a very beginner at jewelry making. I want to learn how to solder jump rings. I'm using gold-plated brass jump rings and wanted to know the best way to proceed. The jump rings that I'm using are very small and I'm wondering how to solder such small jump rings without heating the rest of the jewelry? Are there any alternative ways to do this?

Read the Answer

Categories

Tags