Archive for September, 2009

I want to make my own beads instead of buying them in the stores. Originality is important to me and so is creativity.

I’m pretty sure your going to want a variance in colors, so you would have to take into account the cost of the different colors of glass rods…
(which by the way I’m guessing solid rods are used, not sure of the diameter and this is usually sold by the pound)

…and the cost for chemicals or substances that can be introduced into the flame with the glass to give it its various colors, copper and silicas are a few.
I’m also wondering what type of torch one would need that would be best suited for your purpose, I was suprised the first time I learned about all the different types of torches that are actually used to create specific flames in glass blowing.
Also different fuels are used depending on the temperature wanted. not sure about for beads but for glass in general furnaces and kilns are also used in the heating and cooling process,
I’m guessing you are not liking the mass produced avaliable beads and the higher premium one might would charge for some of the more unique looking beads. So it would be those factor to compare to whatever prices.
But do remember about the heat your going to generate,think about the place or space that this will take place and if you will want it cooled, if not be prepared to sweat, and you are prolly going to get a burn or two, it come with the territory, and this is why utensils and gloves will be needed for handling,

You mentioned originality and creativity in your question and through out my answer I keep wondering if you have ever introduced yourself to mosaics.

http://www.mosaicartsource.com/mosaicart/mosaic_art_resource/mosaic_interview_josef_norris_kidserve_mosaics.html

Hope this may help and sorry about the runon sentences,

here are a few links

(bottom right corner showed assorted slices)

http://store.allstainedglass.com/mr.html

http://www.glassdaddy.com/colors_pricing.htm

(a single ebay listing which could lead you to many more)

http://cgi.ebay.com/Variety-Glass-Rods-4-POUNDS_W0QQitemZ230090675072QQihZ013QQcategoryZ116646QQcmdZViewItem

http://www.caldroncrafts.com/hot_glass_supplies.htm

i have a really good friend and hes kinda like my brother i want to get a ring for him that says nikkies brother and he wants to give me a necklaces that says Bob’s sister you know.. how do you get that? where?

You can just buy any jewelery you like from anywhere, then bring it to a shop that engraves. Simple.

For example if the market value of a ring is $2000 because of the diamond and gold on it, how can a jewelry store sell it on sale for sale $1500?

Thinking about Kay Jewelers compared to a local jeweler. Kay Jewelers has an anniversary sale so I wonder if its a deal or is the Kay Jewelers stuff a lower quality?

Most jewelry in jewelry stores is marked up about 200%- or more. Therefore, they can take off quite a bit and still make a profit.

Diamonds are hard when it comes to pricing. The value has to do with the color, clarity, cut and carat weight. Unless you are an expert, it would be difficult to determine if one diamond is worth more than another. A one carat diamond could be less valuable than a 1/2 carat diamond of a much higher quality.

Then there is the price of gold. It has gone up recently so if the gold was purchased a few years ago, the jeweler paid a lot less than current price for it.

This is really a job for an expert – or a jeweler that you really trust.

Has anybody ever had their Tiffany jewellery altered? If yes, what did you get done and how much did it cost you?
I have a bead necklace and I need to get some of the beads taken out to make it shorter

It depends on what you are getting altered. Are you getting links added on to make something longer? Are you getting links taken off to make it shorter? Are you getting something cleaned? Do you want to hand/machine engrave something on an item you already have? It all varies. If you can elaborate, I can help you better.

**EDIT** Okay, if it’s the silver beaded necklace, then it is complimentary to make it shorter if it’s within 90 days of when you purchased it. If it’s after 90 days, then it would be $35 to have them taken out. This may or may not vary according to store locations. I’m pretty sure it does not though. Hope this helps! **END EDIT**

For my wedding rings, earrings and pendants….

I’m looking for home remedies. I’ve heard of one, like soaking in Vodka, but I’m still not sure.

Ammonia-based window cleaning liquid. But really, Walmart sells jars of liquid jewelry cleaner for about $4, you just soak the item for a minute or so, give it a little scrub with a tiny brush provided and rinse in water. They come up all sparkly. But be careful not to use it on things like opals/emeralds and pearls.
I haven’t tried but rubbing alcohol might also work.

How do you call those side bracelets? I tried to google bangle bracelets but those weren’t exactly the ones I was looking for. Lauren Conrad wears them often.
It’s not exactly a cuff. It’s kind of like a cuff except it closes all the way around.

Cuffs?

Ive seen necklaces that have no sign of crimp beads. Is there another way to make them without using crimp beads? or is there a way to hide them?

Dabs of crazy glue inside the bead! I’ve made several necklaces like this, especially delicate looking ones for brides and bridesmaids.

‘Cause i have some metal necklaces and i just want to know and when i get something thats metal the next 4 or week it’s damage and i HATE THAT
but is it good to put it in rubbing alcohol??

metal has to rust someday…but to prevent that from happening a longer time…first you should keep it in a closed thing when you’re not wearing it of course..put it in a box…and don’t put it in water or in the bathroom…or any were that is moisty..coz water rusts metals

hope i helped

I am trying to repair some jewelry, copper base, etc. very small "dab" is all that is needed. What type of solder do I need to use?, Do I need Flux, and how hot does my soldering gun need to be.

electrical wire solder has a flux core and any pencil type solder gun will heat it up enough to fix the two pieces. put the heat on the part not the solder, the solder will melt when the piece gets hot enough

I am trying to sell new jewellery on ebay with my 5 mega pix digital camera, they need to be close up and clear. So far they are too fuzzy on macro and normal mode, in fact they are so bad that it is difficult to make out what i’m selling. Please help me if you have the knowledge.

They should be OK in MACRO mode, that’s what it’s for. But try using zoom so you can get farther away from the subject. Then crop the shot in the computer.