Hello fellow jewelry makers! I just put together my first website and would love for any feedback from you. www.jewelrybydonna.com I tried to take a lot of pictures which turned out to take much longer than I expected but I hope represents my work.

I ran across this group by accident a while back and have bee lurking ever since. I find it absolutely fascinating. I enjoy jewelry and have bought a good bit over the years, mostly estate pieces or unusual items I have come across. I have learned a bit but am not really knowledgeable. On two...

I have a newbie question- I recently was given a very nice sapphire/diamond bracelet and I would like to determine its price. Are there any general recommendation for appraisals? I'm near Santa Fe, which has a lot of high-end jewelers, but, should I seek out one that specializes in...

I don't now if you can help me. I know this is for beads, but I am betting one of you will know. I am trying to make a velvet ribbon choker. I am trying to find the clasps that go on the end. All that I have seen use the "bar" looking clasp and then a little chain and clasp. I cannot find...

I am looking for the smooth, grey wheels that Swest used to carry prior to the Stuller buyout. These wheels were marketed as useful for polishing anything from metal to stone and are used on a flexshaft. I have found that nothing compares to them but can't find them anymore. Any clues? chris

Does anyone know of a good place to start for selling my daughters earrings? I don't want you to bid, just take a look at her stuff, she is just starting, so I can imagine what her future will be, but I don't want to get onto sites that are not aimed at selling...

I have wire-wrapped cabachons of about 24x18 mm size (w/ 21 ga wire), they are not hard. However, I have some nice 18x13 mm cabachons, and am trying to figure out a way to wire-wrap them. The two outer wires (of the eight that make up the bundle) become the "prongs" that are on top of the two...

I'm doing some experimenting with setting stones into wood. I drilled the smallest possible hole they would fit into and used Liquid Nails, and it seemed to work pretty well for a couple small garnets, one eighth inch diameter, and a couple quartz crystals, one quarter inch wide and...

I'd have a couple of questions regarding oksidized silver. 1. Since oksidized silver is already tarnished, does the part that isn't oksidized tarnish more easily, because it's surrounded with tarnished surfaces? 2. Is silver which is decoratively oksidized, harder to "clean" when tarnishing...

So here it is. The year is winding down. Did you all have fun? I want to wish you all a most happy holiday season. I want to thank you each and every one for the kind words and emails you sent me. As to those who have not yet written ... whatsa matta wid you? Tidbits resumes after the New Year ......

Hi, I have been searching the web for a refrence describing how to do lost wax casting of gold (in my case, I wish to cast a small ring for my wife). Google has failed me, and I cannot find a site that explains the lost wax process in a straightforward manner. Could anyone please refer me to a...

Hi all, Does anyone know how to make jeweler's wax? (machinable wax) thanks for any help, Peter L.

I cast two pieces , an orchid and a rose, in fine silver, since I enamel these silver flowers. Using centifugal casting, melting the metal with a torch --- they were cast separately, in two flasks. The rose metal looked normal, silver, while the orchid metal was dark, evenly black. I have...

All! Rio Grande, has generously offered a new J-2R Casting Machine (worth $6,000). We will raffle it for $40 per ticket with a limit of 200 tickets to be sold in total. The Raffle is organized by Sam Patania, Tucson. Raffle date will be February 6, 2004. Get a chance to win! Buy your Raffle...

I've posted a few times to this group from Australia. I've just moved to Christchurch, New Zealand. In AU we have a contemporary jeweller's group: Jewellers and Metalsmiths Group of Australia, affectionally known as 'jam jar' (JAMGA). Is there a similar group in NZ? Marisa

Hello friends, I want to get my wife something for her jewelry making hobby for Christmas. Can anyone recommend which optivisor magnification level is best for beading and jewelry making? Or...do you even like an optivisor? or would a flexible arm magnifier be better? Thanks to you all. Andy

If any of you want Tidbits emailed directly, let me know and I'll take care of it. Additionally, if you have friends who you think would enjoy Tidbits, please make them aware of us...and help me increase my circulation. URL (http://www.tyler-adam.com) ====================================== If...

Does anyone know of a supplier of silver settings for faceted stones?

I'm hearing differing opinions about how wear resilient titanium andosiing is. Specifically I've been asked to make a ring, with the anodising open and exposed as a wear surface (instead of recessed and protected) I'm finishing building my anodising rig this weekend, but would appreciate any...

I'm new to this group - so "hello" to all and apologies in advance if I make any horrendous faux pas! My question concerns pickling, I'm currently altering a bracelet with a large set amber stone into a pendant, I have a thermal insulating gel which should protect the stone whilst soldering -...