Ask the Experts Sizing Q&A
Q: Can sterling silver rings be sized up?
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Ask the Experts
about Jewelry Making
Ask the Experts Soldering Q&A
Q: I'm trying to solder Argentium Silver wire. Everything I have read says that I don't need flux, but when I soldered the wire, it went black—like sterling—and didn't melt. Can you suggest a good flux and give some direction on how to solder?
Ask the Experts Restringing Q&A
Q: I have just restrung a coral necklace my father had given my sister. It was on silk thread and the ends of the thread were glued into the clasp's round bead ends. How do I finish it now that I have all the coral strung on silk? How do I get the clasp on, and what type of clasp can I use on silk thread?
Ask the Experts Bezel Q&A
Q: Which bail do I buy to attach to a sterling silver bezel cup, and how do I go about this? I want to make pendants.
Ask the Experts Stringing Q&A
Q: Hi, I am new at jewelry-making. Do I have to use a beading needle with the Accu-Flex® wire? Will it speed up the process? Thanks!
Ask the Experts Design Q&A
Q: What is the best way to make a simple loop at the top of a headpin that will keep multiple beads on the headpin from twirling around (so that they stay stable and facing forward)?
Ask the Experts Finishing Q&A
Q: I bought some flex wire and am not sure how to tie the knot when I'm finished. What is the best way to tie the knot so that it stays tied?
Ask the Experts Magnetic Q&A
Q: When using a magnetic clasp, I always have trouble keeping the clasp from attaching itself magnetically to my crimping pliers. This makes crimping difficult. Do you have any suggestions for keeping the magnet away from the pliers?
Ask the Experts Paua Q&A
Q: What's the difference between a paua shell and an abalone shell?
Ask the Experts Measurement Q&A
Q: A customer recently complained that I described the measurements of a bead incorrectly. If I say a bead is 10mm, does that mean wide on the string (perpendicular to string), or thickness hole to hole (parallel to string)?
Ask the Experts Caprice Q&A
Q: Please can you tell me what size snake chain is best to use for Pandora beads. If I buy the chain in lengths without clasps how do I fix the clasp to the chain?
Ask the Experts Necklace Q&A
Q: I have started making personalized, metal-stamped, sterling necklace charms. I am having a hard time figuring out what type of "necklace" material to use. I love the look of a chain but cannot seem to find spacer beads to fit over the clasps on either end to go between the silver discs. (I do not want to use crimp beads, as I like the movement and changeability of the charms, and this would inhibit it.) Thank you SO much for your time and help!!
Ask the Experts Wire Q&A
Q: When making wrapped wired drop earrings, how can I be sure they will be the same length? Thank You.
Ask the Experts Metal Clay Q&A
Q: Can you mix the different Art Clays, the slow drying and the regular? Or do they need to be used seperately because of different working times?
Ask the Experts Memory Wire Q&A
Q: I want to make a necklace by memory wire, but the diameter of the necklace memory wire is smaller than the diameter of the necklace that I want to make. How can I make the wire open a little bit bigger than its memory diameter?
Ask the Experts Metals Q&A
Q: Is nickel used in the making of copper wire for jewelry?
Ask the Experts Beading Q&A
Q: How do I enlarge the hole in plastic beads? I am making a craft that requires running a 1.5 inch ribbon through the bead. What tool can I use to enlarge the hole? I bought the diamond reamer but it does not work on plastic!!!
Ask the Experts Design Q&A
Q: How do you keep top-drilled beads going in an alternating pattern on a necklace or bracelet? I have some small pearls that I would love to use.
Ask the Experts Organizing Q&A
Q: I need tips, please, on how to organize a large inventory of beads and findings. Not the physical components—trays, bags, etc.—but the logical organization.
Do the experts find it most useful to organize by color? By size? By material? By shape? Which are the main categories, and how are items sorted within the main categories?
For example, beads might be organized first by main color (pink, yellow, black), then by big category of material (gemstone, glass), then specific material (calcite, mookaite, crystal, crackle glass, lampwork). Then within material by size or shape.
What logical organization works best for you to help you find what you need quickly? Do different people organize different ways? How do you organize strands that have mixed colors or materials?
Ask the Experts Art Clay® Q&A
Q: I recently made a ring out of Art Clay silver, and can't get it off the mandrel! I've found a lot of suggestions for preventing Art Clay from sticking in the future, but none that help me fix what's already been done. How do I get my ring free without breaking it or having to start over?
Ask the Experts Earwires Q&A
Q: I want to make my own ear wires. My "affordable" jewelry is made with sterling silver plated wire that has a clear tarnish resistant coating. Is this kind of wire "safe" to use as ear wires?
Ask the Experts Bead Reamer Q&A
Q: I was given a battery operated bead reamer as a gift, but am hesitant to try it. I was watching your bead reamer video and didn't even see a powered version mentioned as an option. It seems to me the hand versions offer more control. Do you have any recommendations?
Ask the Experts Wind Chime Q&A
Q: I'm making a wind chime from some old stained glass pieces. I bought some memory wire from you a while back, but haven't tried it yet for this purpose. Will it hang straight when used or do you have another idea for connecting my pieces. Thanks!
Ask the Experts Findings Q&A
Q: I would like to make findings using wires. How can I make these? What kind of wire should I use and how can I make a secure finding so that the stone or gem I want to attach will be secure?