Ask the Experts

Q: I've come across the terms "lentil beads" and "melon beads." What are they? How do you describe them?

Q: I am looking for the Crystal Passions® bead colors for all the different cancers. I have breast cancer and want to make bracelets for the nurses at the oncology department at my hospital. I know there are names for them, but they do not match the beads. Can you help?

Q: I think your how-to videos are a wonderful addition to your site. I was watching the bead tip and French wire videos in particular. My question/suggestion is that I don't have a problem with finishing my jewelry on the first end but after the stringing is complete it is the second end which gives me trouble, when you have to tighten the string so that there are no loose beads. French wire is very difficult to use, but doubly so when you are finishing the second end. For example: when I pull the loop, the wire tends to spread and becomes useless. Can you include the second half of the how-to as well as the first?

Q: How do you avoid leaving fingerprints on your polymer clay beads?

Q: What kind of dye can I use on bone beads?

Q: Can crimp beads be used with thread?

Q: What is the difference between side clamp-on, standard and bottom clamp-on bead tips?

Q: Is it better to put a smaller stone in a larger setting, or a larger stone in a smaller setting?

Q: What does "gold-filled" mean?

Q: How do I choose the size stretch cord to make bracelets?

Q: Can any size bead be used for tubular peyote, or is it confined to the smaller beads? What shape bead works best?

Q: I am new to loom working and would like to know how to attach my project to a steel bracelet blank.

Q: I have several strands of tiny 2.5mm diamond beads and am in a quandary as to the best way to string them. I've tried fishing line and extra fine beading wire, but I'm not satisfied with the results. I've also tried stringing them onto jump rings I made with 18K 30-gauge wire, but it made them look too spread out. Any suggestions?

Q: What is the difference between regular sterling silver 2x2mm cut crimp tubes and lightweight sterling silver 2x2mm cut crimp tubes? Under what circumstances would I choose to use one over the other?

Q: What size silk cord or thread is needed to make tassels?

Q: How can Thread Magic® help my seed beading?

Q: A gallery that recently bought some of my jewelry asked me not to sell similar designs through my own website, at shows or to other galleries. I'm not sure how to respond to their request? It feels too restrictive. Any advice would be appreciated.

Q: What is the difference between saltwater and freshwater pearls?

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.

Q: I am wondering how to drill small holes in certain pieces to accommodate certain designs. How would I drill holes in sterling silver or brass components? Also, how would I drill an extra hole in a pendant made of howlite? HELP!

Q: My children tangled my memory wire--is there an easy way to untangle it for use? Thank you!!

Q: How do you take out a bead from earrings and replace with new ones? The bead is glued in.

Q: Hello, I am making lots of sterling silver and gemstone pieces (mostly earrings). How should I care for the pieces? Can I use a silver polish when the pieces have bead components? Thanks for your advice.

Q: I've used toothpaste to clean my silver necklace for about the last 4-5 years. I was just wondering if I was ok in using it, or am I hurting my necklace?