Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
July 13, 2010

Question:

Many of your gems are sized in mm. Is there a formula for determining the amount of carets a gem has?

-Rebecca in Erie, Colorado

Answer:

All gems are sized in millimeters (mm). Each gem has a different chemical structure and the weight of each gem is dependent on that chemical structure, therefore there is no formula that equates weight to size for different gems.

If you desire to sell your finished wire jewelry item by the carat weight, you could use a scale to weigh the stone after you purchase it and before you wrap it.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

Have a question? Submit your question here

Sign up to receive Daily Tips by email

Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
July 10, 2010

Question:

I’m a beginner. I made some leather/suede necklaces, and had a very hard time flattening or attaching the spring cord ends. I damaged two pliers and one cutter. Is there a technique on working on these?

I finally ended up with fold-over cord ends, but if possible, I would like to use the spring cord ends. Please advise. Thanks.

-Carmen in Stockton, California

Answer:

To attach a spring/coil end to a cord, place a tiny drop of glue at the very end of the cord, slide the cap/coil onto this end, and then use an old pair of either narrow flat nose or chain nose pliers to gently but firmly flatten the first two coils (those farthest from the end) tightly on the cord to hold the cap in place.

Let the glue dry thoroughly before adding the clasp. My mother likes to use watchmakers’ glue, you can find what works for you.

Although we do not stock the coil/spring type of end cap, you can view our selections of glues and findings here.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

Have a question? Submit your question here

Sign up to receive Daily Tips by email

Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
July 6, 2010

Question:

What’s the difference between the types of polishing cloths? And what’s the best way to remove any tarnish from Argentium wire?

-Kalyna in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Answer:

Well, back in January, I provided an easy way to remove a rare tarnish from Argentium–just use a lint-free cloth, such as tee shirt material. In my opinion, you don’t need to purchase a special polishing cloth to clean argentium, but if you wish to use one, any polishing cloth will work.

As far as the differences between polishing cloths, please click to see this video tip from Mary Bailey and Sherrie Lingerfelt, showing polishing cloths with and without powdered rouges.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

Have a question? Submit your question here

Sign up to receive Daily Tips by email

Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
July 1, 2010

Question:

I am fairly new to this whole wire and beading thing, and as I do not want to start ordering online yet, I was wondering where the best places to get good prices on wire would be.

I have tried Michaels, but they do not have the type of wire I would like to purchase. I am most interested in sterling silver, in round, half hard wire.

-Rachel in Salmon Arm, British Columbia

Answer:

As I am not familiar with the type of stock Canadian craft stores carry, and you wish to purchase sterling silver, my advice would be to find a local bead store. If they do not already carry what you’d like, most of them will be pleased to order it for you. As you mention you are new to jewelry making, you can find some great companionship, help, and classes at your local bead store, too. Nothing wrong with starting local to get your footing, and then looking online for bulk wire.

When you do feel comfortable ordering online, of course, Wire-Sculpture would be a great place to start. Wire-Sculpture has sterling silver wire in many gauges, shapes, and hardness, at extremely competitive prices. The ladies on the Customer Service line (1-877-636-0608) really know their stuff and will help you out with any product questions you have. The staff is currently working on getting our international shipping rates lower, there will be a big an announcement when that is finalized!

Happy Canada Day to our Canadian friends!

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

Have a question? Submit your question here

Sign up to receive Daily Tips by email

Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
June 26, 2010

Question:

I just watched your video where you made an adjustable ring using four wires. What kind of black tape did you use to temporarily hold your wire ends together?

-Dtya in Mankato, Minnesota

Answer:

Which tape to use for holding wire for wrapping is a question that comes up often from our customers.

I had to laugh when I read this particular question, because I actually didn’t have any tape with me! It’s been said that necessity is the mother of invention; we found some electrical tape in the studio and that is what I used for that particular video project.

I do have to mention that it is not my first choice! Electrical tape leaves a lot of residue, and being plastic. it stretches. A good stand-by tape is quilter’s tape or painter’s tape. I also have to admit that I have used pieces of fabric band-aids, duct tape, and whatever I could find when I had to. Most recently I have a new tape love – pin-stripe tape! Found at auto supply stores, this tape leaves very little sticky residue and with continuous reuse it has proven to be the longest-lasting tape I’ve used thus far.

Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong

Have a question? Submit your question here

Sign up to receive Daily Tips by email