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Ask Any and All Jewelry Making Questions Here

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NEW! We've had so many questions that we've split them into categories, so if you can't find your question, look in the most likely category and you'll probably find it there.

If you are submitting a new question, please look to see if it's already been answered.  If it hasn't, please try to submit it under the proper category.  Don't stress though - I personally moderate and edit all the questions so I'll shift it if need be. :)

Here are the categories:

Home Jewelry Business Questions
For all your questions about pricing, selling, marketing, photography etc.

Knotting and Hemp Macrame Questions
For any and all knot related questions

Jewelry Finding and Tool Supplier Questions
For all those questions that start with, "Do you know where I can find..."

Wire Work Questions
Anything to do with wire, headpins, eyepins, and wire techniques

And for everything else, stay here, on this page.

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Questions That Others Have Asked

Click on the links below to see what others have asked. To answer a question, click on the "add comments" link and submit your answer.

Wire for Appetizer Picks?  starstarstarstarstar
I was thinking of making appetizer picks with beading on the top.

Someone told me that you can only use stainless steel wire because of the chemicals ...

Name Plates  starstarstarstarstar
Hello,

I live in San Diego CA, and I would like to start looking into making nameplates, necklaces, and also earrings.

Any help? Thanks so much.

Ceramic Beads with Large Holes  starstarstarstarstar
Dear Christine:

I have a bunch of very pretty hand painted ceramic beads from India, all with pretty large holes, ~1/8". I am trying to figure out ...

Jewelry Making Tools  starstarstarstarstar
Would you please send me a list of tools that I will need to learn and make beautiful jewelry?

Average Bracelet Sizes  starstarstarstarstar
Help for a first time jewelry maker!

I would like to start selling my bracelets. I also want to make many at one time. What size should I make them?...

How Do I Put a Hole in a Jewel?  starstarstarstarstar
hello, my name is Mary and I don't know how to make jewelry.

I am learning. I went and bought a lot of beads to start.

I'm looking at books and ...

Ending Off Loom Work  starstarstarstarstar
I just want to know how do you end off loom work?

I have a small loom and did some beadwork on it but I just knotted the strings and strung it back ...

Bracelet Sizer  starstarstarstarstar
I found your website through a video I watched on youtube about a bracelet sizer.

I'm sure the video said I could download the template on here. I ...

Protect photos from being copied  starstarstarstarstar
Is there an inexpensive way to protect photos of work from being copied?

How do I remove something I have soldered on crooked?  starstarstarstarstar
I am making a pendant approx 4.25" tall and 3.25 wide. It is going to have two stones on it.

I have already formed and soldered on my two bezels.

I ...

Repairing Silver Jewelry  starstarstarstarstar
I have a silver ring with a set stone, and the ring became bent.

What is a good way to straighten it without risking the setting?

Piercing Sterling Silver  starstarstarstarstar
I have this image of a design in my head but I'd really like to know how to transfer the idea in my head to a pierced piece of sterling silver.

I'd ...

How do you bead a bracelet frame?  starstarstarstarstar
I have been trying a few things but nothing seems to work.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! ~Cheryl

Connecting Stretch Magic Cord  starstarstarstarstar
I am making a bracelet which is double stranded so uses 2 pieces of the cord.

Knots do not work. I can pull them apart. How would using crimp tubes ...

Gemstone Chip Earrings  starstarstarstarstar
What are some methods and patterns for making earrings using gemstone chips and nuggets?

it won't stop curling.  starstarstarstarstar
I'm working on the friendship bracelet, the one with embroidery floss.

And this is maybe my 6th or 7th one.

And every time and every bracelet, no ...

Masculine Jewelry  starstarstarstarstar
What beads, clasp types and stringing materials are best suited to masculine jewelry. Most beads and beaded pieces feel feminine.






Answers-...

Making Stones Into Pendants  starstarstarstarstar
I ...

Canada Flag Bracelet  starstarstarstarstar
Hi,
Do you have a simple pattern for a bracelet with a Canada Flag theme that I could make with my teen daughters?

Thanks,
Brenda

How to Stop Pendant on Chain from Swiveling  starstarstarstarstar
I have been making pendants from sterling silver wire and am attaching them to a chain.

The pendant seems to always turn backwards when I'm wearing ...

Technique to Make a Twisted Bead Necklace.  starstarstarstarstar
How do you make a two (or more) strand bead necklace and keep them twisted? Mine just come untwisted.

I would love to hear from you.

Thanks, Judy
...

Soldering Sterling Silver  starstarstarstarstar
I took a class in jewelry making and I learned how to solder.

I set up my own equipment, but my problem is that the solder never seems to flow.

I ...

what is the solution for the metal chains that changes their color?  starstarstarstarstar
I am starting my new small business making women's handmade jewelry, but I am facing a small problem and it's affecting my satisfaction to the end result....

Engraving  starstarstarstarstar
Can the engraving be changed on an antique 14k signet ring?

Answers:

None yet.

Can you answer this question? Would you like to comment?...

Swarovski Crystal Cube Bead Bracelet Problem   starstarstarstarstar
I made a bracelet from 6 mm Swarovski crystal cubes and didn't use any spacers but the bracelet doesn't curve. Any suggestions?

(1) ss bead
(5) jet ...

Beads on Safety Pin Watches  starstarstarstarstar
Question:

Does anyone have the basic intructions for making watches with beaded safety pins strung on stretchy string?

Answers

Note about the ...

Ideas for Jewelry Made Using Broken Chinaware?  starstarstarstarstar
Do you have any ideas for jewelry made using broken chinaware patterned pieces?

I have recently been combing an antique dumpsite and found many pounds ...

How To String Beads Tightly Using Tigertail and a Magnetic Barrel-Type Clasp   starstarstarstarstar
Question:

How do I draw beads up tight using tigertail and a magnetic barrel-type clasp?

I have no problem using co-polymer cording and melting ...

Looking for bracelet instructions  starstarstarstarstar
My girlfriend's favourite bracelet was given to her by her ex-fiance so she doesn't wear it anymore because of the negative memories.

She gave it to ...

How to Cover a Bangle Bracelet with Resin?  starstarstarstarstar
I purchased a bangle bracelet that was covered with silk thread. I took it off and under was just a plastic bracelet. I want to know if I can take it ...

Attaching Silk Cord to Semi-Precious Stones  starstarstarstarstar
Question:

I want to attach small briolette pear shaped beads to a black silk cord. How do I do it??

Answer:

Briolettes are beautiful aren'...

What is The Best Way to Letter Stamp Silver Charms?

  starstarstarstarstar
Question

I am trying to letter stamp silver charms without them looking too messy and without the imprint of the letter coming through on the other ...

Finishing a Five String Bracelet  starstarstarstarstar
Question

I have strung a bracelet with 5 strings through the gemstones.

How do I end it, as it won't go back through? I know you use cones, but ...

Anti-Tarnish Silver  starstarstarstarstar
Question: Where can I buy sterling silver and silver plated findings and chain that will not tarnish?

I'm tired of my silver turning yellow in a ...

Working With Craft Glue  starstarstarstarstar
Question: How do you protect yourself when making jewelry and using craft glue?

When I use craft glue it upsets my stomach and I might get a slight ...

How Do I Finish a Bracelet?  starstarstarstarstar
I'm having trouble in my visual design class. We are making jewelry and I am making a beach-themed bracelet. I don't know how to tie the bracelet to finish ...

Question: Length of Strands for a Four Strand Necklace   starstarstarstarstar
My new project is a four strand necklace with four strand clasp (see picture).

According to the bead sizes the length appears to be approximately ...

Resin Jewelry Without a Mold?  starstarstarstarstar
If you want to use resin as a protective barrier to a piece of jewelry, how do you do it? Can it be painted on?

Answer:

If I get what you're saying,...

Swarovski Crystal Beads in the Phillipines?  starstarstarstar
hello there, could anyone help me do rings and designs...

am actually using a ten carat gold wire...

also please send me list of where to buy Swarovski ...

Ideas for stringing Tear Drop beads  starstar
I have some tear drop beads and am having trouble stringing them where they look good and professional.

Would welcome any help and suggestions.

How to Finish a Necklace  star
How do you tie a clasp to finish a necklace on stretch cord without the string showing?

How to Create a beaded leather wrap bracelet  Not rated yet
Hello!

I am looking for help creating a bead on leather wrap bracelet!

I've recently been seeing this design for a bracelet but the prices are way ...

Adjustable Necklace  Not rated yet
How do you make an adjustable length cord necklace?



Connectors - Square Wire  Not rated yet
Where can I find instructions on how to make square wire connectors/links?



Turquoise 45mm disc necklace  Not rated yet
I am making a necklace using 18 45mm turquoise discs. The necklace lays flat on the neck with the hole in the disc and the cord linking them together ...

Sterling silver chains on display a short time showing black marks  Not rated yet
Why are sterling chains showing black marks here and there(on display a short time)?

And why when cleaning with a steam or ultra sonic cleaner or even ...

Resin Ring Mold  Not rated yet
I attempted to make a solid resin ring with a polymer clay center, but it did not work out.

I can't get the mold right.

Can you please advise how ...

memory bracelet  Not rated yet
My son-in-law just passed away on 8-11-08. I would like to do a memory bracelet for my daughter. Bill (her husband) was only 24 years old. He died of a ...

Crown Setting Fabrication  Not rated yet
I am trying to set a 7mm sapphire but don't know how to do the geometry to make the cone.

Is there a formula for the mathematically challenged?

How to Make Rings?  Not rated yet
I just wanted to know how to make rings out of 10k gold wire?

The Knotted Band  Not rated yet
How do you make The Knotted Band ?

Answers:

None yet.

Can you answer this question? Would you like to comment? Share your thoughts by ...

Tumble Polishing  Not rated yet
Hi -- I looked at your blog, which explained oxidizing with liver of sulphur, and I was looking for the follow-up article you mentioned about tumble polishing....


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