Q: Can I use Silver solder with Mokume Gane?
A: Yes this will be suitable, as silver solder can be used with both Sterling Silver and Copper which are the metals in the Mokume Gane we stock.
Q: I am new to silversmithing and want to buy a piercing saw to cut metal. Which of the saw
blades would be best for me to use?
A: All grades of blades will cut any thickness of metal, but the amount of metal removed will be more when using the coarse blade. Fine blades are more liable to break, so we would recommend beginners use the medium blades.
Q: What glue should I use to set my stones?
A: If you are going to use glue to set your stones, you will need to use Devcon 5 Minute Epoxy glue, which dries clear. Do not use superglue as it is not suitable and will not hold your stone in place.
Q: What is rolled gold?
A: Rolled Gold (also known as gold filled) is a surface ‘veneer’ of precious metal bonded to a base
metal alloy. Rolled gold items are more hard wearing than gold plated.
Q: Why is turquoise stabilised?
A: Turquoise is usually very chalky, porous and soft. It would not be usable in jewelry without
undergoing treatment, usually stabilisation, which will prevent it from changing colour and allow it to be cut
and polished to hold a lustre.
Q: What is the difference between stabilised and reconstituted?
A: Stones that have been stabilised are submerged into a stabilizing compound, most likely an
epoxy resin. The naturally porous stone will absorb this throughout the stone making it stronger, harder
and less changeable over time. Reconstituted stones have been pulverised into a powder and bonded
back together using binders.
Q: What is the best wire to use to make my own jump rings?
A: It depends on your personal preference and how big you want to make the jump rings. 0.6mm
or 0.8mm wires such as A6 or A7 should be suitable for a most medium sized jump rings.
Q: What is the best wire to make my own earwires with?
A: In our experience we have found that the most popular wire to make earwires is the 0.8mm
round Sterling Silver wire (A7).
Q: I am sensitive to wearing plated metals what will be suitable for me to wear?
A: Where necessary all items we sell comply with EC Nickel Regulations. Either 9ct Gold or Sterling
Silver are less likely to cause a reaction than plated metals, however people who are most intolerant to
metals have found that Surgical Steel or Titanium are most suitable.
|
Q: What thread should I use for threading pearls?
A: Pearls are often drilled with very small holes, so you will need a very fine thread, such as natural
silk thread or for extra strength the Soft Touch wire, which is strong, flexible and unlike silk will not need
restringing with time. If you are planning on knotting between each bead however, Soft Touch wire will not
be suitable as the strand would not lie flat.
Q: Why will beads threaded on silk need restringing?
A: Pearls or beads threaded on silk thread will need restringing periodically as the silk will deteriorate
with time. Restringing silk strung items is recommended every year or two, depending on the frequency of
wear and how you care for them. As a guideline if the silk between the beads is still bright white and clean
they will not need restringing yet, if however it is discoloured or you can see dirt accumulation it is probably
time to restring them.
Q: How should I care for my pearls?
A: To look after your pearls and keep them looking their best there are a few guidelines that you
should follow. Avoid contact with perspiration, moisturiser, make-up, hair spray or perfume - your pearls
should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off. Take off pearls before showering or
swimming so you don’t get the silk thread wet. Never use detergents, bleaches or anything acidic or
abrasive to clean them - gently wipe with a warm, damp cloth before putting away. Remember that pearls
are natural and are softer than most gemstones so need a little more care, by looking after them like this
you will be able to enjoy your pearls for much longer.
Q: What thread is suitable for heavy beads?
A: For large, heavy beads you will want a thread that will not stretch or break - one of the most
popular threads we stock is the Soft Flex wire. This is very strong (made from 49 strands of stainless steel
coated in nylon) yet still flexible and can be knotted and crimped. Alternatively, if the holes in the beads are
big enough, you could use leather thonging or cotton cord.
Q: Do you sell Tigertail?
A: No. We sell Soft Flex wire which is similar to Tigertail but is stronger due to having many more
strands of stainless steel and is still flexible and can be crimped. If you are looking for a finer version, we
stock Soft Touch wire which is made in the same way but is much finer.
Q: I’m making a necklace with leather thong, how can I attach a clasp?
A: There are three types of findings that we sell to finish the ends of thonging, either using Sterling
Silver or plated metal. One of the easiest ways is with Silver plated box style necklet end (J32) all you need
to do is simply fold the ends over the thong with a pair of pliers, then you can attach a catch and jump ring
to the loops on the necklet end. We also sell a Sterling Silver crimp with loop which will take thonging or
cord up to 1.5mm diameter, these simply need squeezing in the centre with pliers. Alternatively you could
use a very neat Sterling Silver end cap, to glue the ends of the thong into using epoxy glue.
|