Jewelry Making Resources | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

Ask the Experts Cabochons Q&A

Q: I purchased a couple gorgeous cabochons online that are smaller than I expected (14x23mm). I’m not talented enough to wire-wrap something that small, and I can’t find a cabochon setting that will fit them. What should I do?

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Wire Heart Earring Holder

Fire-polished glass beads in silvery hues and smoky glass and silver beads adorn the edges of this decorative mesh heart for a look that’s sure to delight.

Design Idea RC3Q

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Chocolate Mousse Earrings

These charming earrings capture a whimsical, vintage-inspired elegance, featuring delicate polymer clay chocolate mousse accents for a playful yet sophisticated touch.

Design Idea RB2Y

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Ask the Experts Findings Q&A

Q: I noticed there are so many sizes of crimps. Sometimes when I use the crimp that is designated on the various types of wire I have they still pull off or where off and then the item breaks. Why does this happen I always double check it and give it a tug and figure it is fine. What is going wrong?

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Ask the Experts Wire-Working Q&A

Q: I would very much like to start making simple wire ring designs. What shape(s), gauge(s), and tools etc. do you recommend please. Thank you so very much for your time and help!

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Ask the Experts Findings Q&A

Q: I love your design ideas for earrings on fishhook ear wires. Is there a way to create the same designs on an earstud-type earring?

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Ask the Experts Stringing Q&A

Q: Will seed beads fit on necklace memory wire?

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Ask the Experts Freshwater Pearls Q&A

Q: I would like to make some fancy freshwater pearl necklaces and bracelets. However, I don’t know which wire to choose (22 gauge? 7 strands? 19 or 49?). Could you please help me out? What would be the best wire for freshwater pearls jewelry making? Many thanks in advance

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Ask the Experts Wire Q&A

Q: Which gauge wire can be used with size 6/0 seed beads?

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Tiara

Get Ren Faire ready or Castlecore comfy with this glorious tiara. Coated quartz crystal points add luminous color behind copper moon-phase medallions.

Design Idea RA2P

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Ring

A mesmerizing synthetic black opal shimmers against a backdrop of elegantly twisted silver wire in this stunning ring design.

Design Idea A92S

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Ask the Experts Glass Beads Q&A

Q: I am making a suncatcher to go outside, hanging on a tree. It will have seed beads (#11 the smallest) as well as large glass beads. What is the strongest wire to use that will go through these beads twice, and will not rust? Do I really need to run the wire through twice?

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Ask the Experts Soldering Q&A

Q: What flux do I need for soldering 14-gauge gold-filled wire? What solder do I need?

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Ask the Experts Beading Wire Q&A

Q: Hi! I am trying to make 20-gauge wire hoops but cannot really figure out what hole size beads will fit on the hoops. Do they have to be above 0.8mm in order to fit? Thanks.

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Ask the Experts Cleaners & Polishers 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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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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Two-Piece Midi Ring Set

Memory wire is perfect for creating delicate midi rings, like these two beauties adorned with Czech pearl-coated druk beads and a sparkling rhinestone.

Design Idea RA27

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Earrings

These shimmering Crystal Passions® teardrops are delicately suspended from sterling silver ice pick ear wires, offering a classic look for any season.

Design Idea RF2V

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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 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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Memory Wire Bracelet

Rich coils of gold-plated, ruby and green beads give this memory wire bracelet a festive flair, enhanced by jewel-tone bells for a little extra holiday cheer.

Design Idea RE27

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Bracelet and Ring Set

Create a graceful bracelet and ring set using wire jigs—perfect for showcasing silver- and 24Kt gold-plated seed beads alongside silver filigree accents.

Design Idea QM38

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Memory Wire Bracelet

Silver-plated tube beads bring substance to this sparkling memory wire Christmas bracelet, adorned with Celestial Crystal® and radiant gold accents.

Design Idea RE26

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