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Q: Do I need to use a bead stringing needle for threading beads?

A: You will find a bead stringing needle indispensable for many types of threads, making threading beads quick and easy. However bead stringing needles will not be necessary with all threads such as Soft Flex, Soft Touch wire and Silkon thread, as they are stiff enough to thread through beads easily without bending. Our multi braided synthetic thread (LS50 and LS51) can be stiffened at the end with superglue instead of using a needle. The natural silk thread, supplied on a card, already has a needle attached, which is handy and good for using with beads where you would not have enough room in the holes of the beads to double up the thread using a separate needle.

Q: Do faceted stones have flat backs?

A: Faceted stones do NOT have flat backs, the flat side of the stone is the front of the stone and the pointed side of the stone with the facets on goes at the back and reflects the light through the stone making it sparkle. However a rose cut stone has the facets on the top of the stone and does have a flat back, this cut is not available in many stones and is set in the same way as a cabochon.

Q: What is a cabochon stone?

A: A cabochon is a polished stone with flat back and a smooth domed top surface.

Q: Are the cabochons and faceted stones drilled with holes for threading?

A: No, cabochons and faceted stones are not drilled. They are for setting in mounts - see the findings and mounts section for suitable settings such as earrings, pendants or loose settings.

Q: Are all the beads drilled?

A: Yes, all the beads are drilled through for stringing, we also have a range of half drilled beads for earring or pendant mounts.

Q: What is the difference between top drilled and head drilled beads?

A: Top drilled beads have a small hole drilled down the top of the bead so that you can glue in a peg to hang as a pendant or earring drop. Head drilled beads are drilled through, but off centre, so they hang below the thread. See the diagrams below.



Q: How can I enlarge the holes in my beads?

>A: A bead reamer is the perfect tool for this - it has diamond coated tips which will smooth, neaten and enlarge the holes in your gemstone beads. It is very easy to use - just gently rotate back and forth in the hole. Remember to always use water as a lubricant.

Q: The beads I’ve bought won’t fit on the wire I am using, what should I do?

A: Most of our gemstone beads are drilled to be strung on thread, so some of the small beads and particularly pearls may not have holes big enough to thread on to certain wires. You have two options to get around this - use a bead reamer to simply enlarge the holes a little, until they fit, or select an alternative wire - the non-tarnish beading wire is available in only 0.3mm diameter which makes it ideal for threading beads onto, or for necklaces the Soft Touch wire is ideal (only 0.25mm diameter) which is flexible and will drape well when used as a necklace.

Q: How can I stop the beads wearing against the thread?

A: If any of your beads have slightly rough edges around the holes, you can use a bead reamer with the 45 degree diamond tip to smooth and neaten the holes.

Q: How can I stop the thread wearing against the clasp?

A: Using gimp wire (also called French wire) to cover the thread as it goes through the clasp will prevent it wearing and give your necklace or bracelet a tidy finish. This is available in both silver plated or gilt colour.

Q: How do I use gimp wire?

A: Gimp wire is used to cover the thread as it passes through the loop on the clasp, this will stop the thread wearing against the metal and give a neat tidy finish to your beaded necklace or bracelet. When you have finished threading your beads, add a crimp, then slip a short length of gimp wire onto the thread. Thread through the loop on the clasp, then back through the crimp and then squeeze firmly with pliers.

Q: Will Sterling Silver tarnish?

A: Sterling Silver will start to tarnish from the reaction of silver and sulfides in the air. This is a natural process.

Q: How can I keep my Sterling Silver shiny and sparkly?

A: There are several things that you can do to avoid your Sterling Silver jewellery from tarnishing. Regularly wearing your silver is the best way to prevent tarnish from building up, and cleaning with a jewellery cloth (we sell these) will keep it bright and sparkling. Tarnish is most easily removed when it first becomes visible so clean regularly to prevent build up.

Q: Why would I need to use a safety chain?

A: If for example you have a precious pendant on a necklet you might choose to have a safety chain attached as a security measure, in case the necklet should break, then it will not simply fall of and get lost. Safety chains are available for both necklets and bracelets in 9ct Gold and Sterling Silver. A safety chain may also be a good idea for using with magnetic clasps on bracelets to prevent them from attaching themselves to other metal items and getting lost.

Q: I am using a magnetic clasp on a bracelet, do I need a safety chain?

A: A safety chain is a good idea if using magnetic clasps on bracelets are they are more likely to come into contact with other metal items and come undone than on a necklace - for example shopping trolleys, filing cabinets, car doors etc! So having a safety chain will prevent your bracelet from getting lost.

Q: I’ve lost the stone from an old ring, can you set it with a new stone for me?

A: Unfortunately we are not able to set any rings that are not bought from us (or rings bought previously that are not current stock in our catalogue) as should any damage be caused to your ring during the setting process we would be unable to replace your ring. Your local jeweller may be able to help with repairs.