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Ask the Experts Findings Q&A

Q: I have 3 cookie tins of screwback earrings from my mother’s jewelry collection. There are so many beautiful ones, but I don’t know how to change from screw or clip to pierced.

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Ask the Experts Cleaning & Polishing Q&A

Q: What is the best way to clean tarnished silver chain that has semi-precious stones included without harming the stones?

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Ask the Experts Polymer Clay Q&A

Q: Can polymer clay be painted on with water-based paints? Before or after baking? And what kind of sealer do you use on the finished product?

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Ask the Experts Zebra Wire Q&A

Q: I used gold-colored Zebra copper wire 20 gauge and in less than a week my son’s necklace has faded to grey. I'm kind of shocked. I tried cleaning it and polishing to no avail. I'm hoping this doesn't happen to any of the pieces I have sold. Very upsetting.

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Ask the Experts Gemstone Beads Q&A

Q: Hi, I have been working with Agate Druzy stones lately and I'm finding that the stones lose the bright color after they have been worn in jewelry up against the skin. Is there a sealant that I can use to keep this from happening? I appreciate any insight you may have! =)

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Ask the Experts Wire Q&A

Q: Wire gauge size 6 and 8 in inches.

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Ask the Experts Beading Material Q&A

Q: How can I ensure that the longer necklaces I design using heavy beads (porcelain, marble, glass, etc.) will not come apart from the weight. I am using AccuFlex 0.019 49-strand wire. On these longer necklaces, I sometimes use a clasp and other times I do not use a clasp. Would extra crimps work? Would they work at the back where the clasp would be or would it be better to work them into the design of the necklace so they could be spaced throughout the length of the piece? Other ideas?

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Ask the Experts Thread Q&A

Q: What type of thread is used to make the tassel on a graduation cap?

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Ask the Experts Seed Beads Q&A

Q: When using beads and E6000 to glue a cabochon to ultra suede or Lacy's Stiff Stuff, is one row of beads around the base sufficient? Some instructions say to add several rows of progressively smaller beads, some don't. This is for a stationary object not jewelry. Thank you for your help.

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Ask the Experts Wirework Q&A

Q: I am playing around with wire to make earrings. I need to flatten the ends. Which type of hammer would do the best job. I just purchased a chasing hammer with a flat other end. Is there something better?

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Ask the Experts Crimp Ends Q&A

Q: I am using 0.5mm leather cording and am not sure what size crimp cap ends to use with this size cording? Thank you.

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Ask the Experts Seed Beads Q&A

Q: Hi I use Miyuki Delica seed beads, is there anything I can use i.e., (glue) to give them an extra bit of security of not breaking? Thanks.

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Ask the Experts Metal Work Q&A

Q: How should I store liver of sulfur for safety? How long does a liver of sulfur solution last?

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Ask the Experts Shell Beads Q&A

Q: I’m looking for a dye to color capiz shells. I’ve tried food coloring but it didn't work very well. Can you advise me. Thanks.

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Ask the Experts Stringing Material Q&A

Q: What type of stringing material do you recommend I use for mala necklaces?

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Ask the Experts Beading Q&A

Q: I’m having trouble with my seed bead fringe earrings. I’m always having an issue with curling. How do you keep them soft and flowy? I’m using Fireline 4lbs. Also it’s hard to find a balance between pulling them a little bit on the tighter side or having too much of a gap. Could it be the thread? What is the trick ?

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Ask the Experts Crimps Q&A

Q: What are the advantages in a crimp with a heavier wall? Or disadvantages? I have been using a number 3 in sterling on the heavier necklaces I make and wonder if heavier wall would be stronger? Thank you.

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Ask the Experts Large-Hole Bead Q&A

Q: I have purchased plenty of very large hole beads but can't find things to keep them from moving all together on a bracelet and necklace. What can I do to keep them spread out? They move around and stack together. I want to do something with this large investment in all kinds of large hole beads and shapes. Please help!

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Ask the Experts Cord Q&A

Q: I do leather wrap bracelets. I intend to do an even sequence of 4mm crystal rounds and bicones. What thread should I use, strong enough for crystal and soft that will not damage a 1.5mm leather cord? Should I go with Fireline, Griffin Silk, Hana or Accu-Flex?

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Ask the Experts Mounting Q&A

Q: Should foil backed crystals be mounted in closed back settings or is an open back setting okay? If a closed back setting is advised, what type of glue is recommended?

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Ask the Experts Beading Q&A

Q: Newbie here. I understand the peyote stitch can be odd or even count. Can you tell me why I would choose one over the other? And I am having a hard time finding patterns for even count, plenty of odd count though.

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Ask the Experts Chain Q&A

Q: I want to add some links to a chain with wire, what gauge should I use?

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Ask the Experts Stringing Q&A

Q: I want to string heavy gemstones and chips with flowing knotted cording the way that pearls are knotted. I'm afraid the weight and sharp edges of the stones will wear out and tear ordinary silk. Will it? What else can I knot that is strong and won't fray? Will nylon cord work?

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Ask the Experts Glues/Adhesives Q&A

Q: I'm making jewelry and keychains using glass cabochons and to stainless steel bases. What is the best type of glue to use? Will E6000 mess up the picture or words on the cabochon? Thank you.

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