Hi, Wow, has it been a long time since I've posted to this NG. My wife and I are currently cutting a few topaz stones for a client and these topaz are unlike anything we've ever seen. They are taking a polish in a most difficult manner and this is forcing us to consider some alternative...

I'm thinking of buy this ring from this online jeweler (with ruby) for $699. I've checked some reviews on the folks, seem on the level--of course a couple of disgruntled customers (mainly stones falling out) but I guess that's expected. Most customers seem pleased. What do you think of the ring...

Hi, I would really appreciate some advice on how to fix my great- grandmother's ring :) My mother replaced two stones with something the local jeweler could find ("granat"? I think... ) when they fell out some years ago, and now I am wearing the ring and... well, another stone just fell out :( I...

Ahoy there Halebobb! Helen here, long time no hear! I have followed your advice not to stir the said boric acid/alcohol flux but have found that I don't get enough flux action from the boric acid that's in solution in the alcohol and so have to either stir it or dip the piece into the boric acid...

Hi, I just joined the group. I am so interested in making sterling silver jewelry and would like to know if anyone knows a school/ organization on Long Island, NY that teaches metalsmithing. I would like perhaps an adult education course or a low cost part time/1Xweek program. I would really...

I make a lot of jewelry with sterling silver and pearls, turquoise, and soft stones. When not being displayed for purchase, I usually keep my jewelry in zip-loc bags which helps to keep the tarnishing at a minimum. Over time, these jewelry pieces do become tarnished and I have to clean them - but...

Hello again, folks. Well, My first cast took two tries, so I will describe the first try first. I filled a one-tablespoon stainless steel measuring spoon about half way full with zinc nuggets, and then I heated the spoon with a propane torch. The torch made a red spot on the side of the spoon,...

I have a little 22k testing solution in a dish because I was told that it was a suitable silver etchant. (It actually did not etch my silver, but perhaps I did not leave it in long enough or my image was too thin.) In any case, I need to dispose of it because it can't go back into the little...

It's a lot easier to talk about a new project than to actually get started. However, talking about it can provide the motivation to actually get started. Sort of putting my money where my mouth is. I never got any farther with my wine glass than the 3 oz martini glass. The challenges of a...

Greetings, I've been trolling about the group for a while now and the thought occurred that maybe I should ask for some advice. I have been running my own business making chain mail jewelry and other fun metal things. I have fount that the hardest part of running my online business was getting...

Hi I am wondering if anyone can help me. I would love to know to make earwires by hand. I recently purchased a wigjig Delphi and it's fabulous! I am creating wires in exactly the shape I require. However, it has taken much experimentation (and money!) with wire gauges and different types (half...

Hey, Does anyone have experience attaching silver things to red tree coral. I have some nice coral I bought at a show and I'd like to attach a casting to it. I imagine glue won't stick and heat will destroy it, so mechanical attachmnets are the norm. PW

Hello, been posting some at RCM but figured this would be a more appropriate group. After four attempts I have my first successful cast in sterling and am looking for advice on finishing the piece. It's an eagle shaped pendant, about 1/3 ozt. There's enough detail and shape to it that files...

Hi there... new to the group... new to making Jewellery... I am trying to make a silver pendant for my girlfriend's birthday and am having some success.. I have created the body of it.. and all that is needed now is to solder a hoop on for the chain to go through... I have bought a hoop from a...

I need a free or almost free gem,stone/semi- precious chart something that I could print out on good glossy paper and use as a personal reference. Any ideas ?

Hi, I was given 18kt gold cufflinks bought in an upmarket gem factory in Bankok...the place was fully iso registered, and Thai gov endorsed. The cufflinks came with a cert of authenticity from the gov . I would like to get them hallmarked in the UK.....can anyone point me in the right...

Hope you can advise me! I took my opal triplet ring to a jeweler to have resized. When I got it back, there was a white mark across the stone; damage had been done during the process. The store owner looked at it and said he would either repair or replace it. I called them about a week after to ask...

I've been making some Byzantine bracelets (here's a close-up of a section: http://www.thebeads.com/images/byzantine.jpg) and have been tumbling the rings and finished bracelets in mixed stainless steel shot with water and a squeeze of Ivory dishwashing detergent. Apparently one time I didn't add...

I am making 14 KT wire-wrap rings. It requires flat-nosed pliers that are very small, and and need to have a soft material on the tips like nylon. I got one from an internet jewelry supply that is the right size....4.5 mm wide by 1 mm thick tips. Problem is, I have to wrap the tips...

I need to sell my diamond ring( with certificate) original price was 1000$, never wore this ring Any advice where to sell it and how? I dont want to sell it for 20$ thats obvious M Seattle