AntoniaP wrote: Hi, I'm having a confusing time setting up my Orca torch - I don't think it should be this hard!! I used this design of torch in my silversmithing classes and never had any troubles... The handle attaches into the hose by a screw setting. I have screwed this in as...

I'm thinking about using some copper and/or brass as part of some of my silver jewellery. (I know this gives hallmarking problems here in the UK but I'm not concerned with that in this posting.) It has occurred to me that there may well be problems with discolouring skin on contact and also tarnish...

14k vs. 18k? Palladium vs. nickel? Which brings the best white color? Thanks!

I'd looking to buy some rolex or breitling copy wrist watches for Christmas presents. Anyone know who a good vendor for these is? Thanks for replying here.

rec.crafts.pottery, rec.crafts.jewelry, sci.materials.ceramics pigment for porcelain Any suggestions on a pigment to give an off-white or slightly brownish tint to a porcelain (about 1200 degf) that uses titanium oxide for white? A source for small quantities would be helpful too. Hul

I have recently updated a website I've set up for my wife's handmade jewellery and for ease of access it is now available through http://www.scotlandsilver.com and http://www.jewelryscotland.com Also, to save on bandwidth I'm using Flickr to host the new images of sterling silver...

Good morning everyone. I have used a great many drawplates in my time and have recently acquired one that draws down to an extremely fine diameter. I need a loupe to see the last few holes in the plate. Are there any tricks to draw down wire this thin? I will be using 22k-24k gold and fine...

Good morning, after reading the very useful reply about grinding options, I'm asking for help deciding how to tackle the rocks I've been picking up around my yard and neighbourhood, here in the north of St. Lucia, West Indies. They are, I believe, mostly red-yellow jasper, chalcedony or...

William Black wrote: Abrasha wrote: Dude, it's time you educate yourself and stop with your inane ramblings, and feigned interest in a variety of subjects. He's operating in India, an environment where the only formal training available is in jewellery design, and the...

I have a necklace that I want to put a charm onto. The necklace has no clasp; it is a 1-piece, continuous "rope" (braid) type with a solder joint on it that I can feel. How does one go about soldering such a necklace after it is "unsoldered" and the charm put on? Web references? Step-by-step...

Greetings, Does anyone know of a commercial source for ready-to-use niello? I'd take a shot at making my own but, considering the aroma it's apt to generate, I'm not sure it would be a neighborly thing to do in a suburban setting. Also, does the old rec.crafts.jewelry faq still exist...

I have a gold bracelet that I want to sell on ebay. It weights 12grams and has "375" and "Italy" imprinted on it. there are other markings on it that appear hallmark ish that I can not make out even when I view them thru my magnifier. The gold appears to be a very reddish gold. Can anyone...

Hi, I am a do-it-yourselfer type person, and I refuse to pay a jewelry store $15 to change my watch battery for waht is basically a really simple task. I have a cheap watch, bought at Wal-Mart for $20, similar to an LA Gear watch. Can anyone tell me: How do I get the back of my watch off, so I...

I have just found out about metal clay and was wondering if anyone knew of a supplier in Australia? Thanks

Hello, I'm a mewbe to the group. I am hoping for a little help. I ran across an ad that has a Tavolite ring and necklace. The stone looked nice so I thought I would see what it was. Well Google gives me back only 4 or 5 hits! Meta and Dog pile are no help either.

Do some jewelers have machines that can engrave on a ring whatever font that is typed into it? I got a 14K gold ring and I also found tengwar cursive fonts on the net that are suppose to be the closest to the inscription on Lord of the Rings ring. I have figured out what type on a keyboard to make...

Hey There- My wife and I gave each other matching 14K gold bands with satin finishes at our wedding last January (http://www.billbarnes.com/photos/273419-Angle1.jpg). It's been just over a year now, and that satin finish which gave the rings such a striking look has long since worn off. Is there...

Where in Canada, does one order from, to purchase square wire to practice making jewelry with? The price of gold even silver square wire is to high to "practice" with. Thanks in advance

I heard that a gem hematite can be magnetized using a "complex heating procedure", and as such used for clasping, for example. But, from another source I heard that hematite cannot be magnetized, but that his simulated version, called hematine, can indeed be magnetized. Which of these statements is...

....... a ring like this? http://tinyurl.com/fonr Remade perhaps or resold? Seems a shame to break it up but I've been told remaking is the more common path.... what do you think? Les -- _ _