The only thing more over rated than mom's apple pie---is owning your own business

Has anyone out there found a cure for rings cracking at the sprue when using the De-ox sterling silver alloys. I found a piece of info on the United Metals website that suggested a "lighter" investment mix as it would be "not" as strong as the mud I usually mix. I like the de-ox for its anti...

Hey! I have been enjoying all the information about the jewelry business that I have been finding on this chat board. Anyway, I am kind of a novice in this industry and my boyfriend just put this website to help me cover the costs of my hobby. I was wondering if some of you wouldn't mind giving...

I'm working on a monograph / presentation on handling chemicals (especially acids) safely in the jewelry shop. One of the questions that I was asked to investigate is whether there are safer alternatives to aqua regia for etching gold. So far, my research has turned up a couple possibilities,...

I'm looking for some earrings with a gambling, specifically card-playing theme. The ideal would be very simple, perhaps a ruby heart stud for one ear and a ruby diamond for the other ear. But other card-related themes like that would be good also. I'm looking for something with decent quality,...

I have my first batch of PBRs (pretty beach rocks) from Lake Superior in the tumbler at the pre-polish stage. They have been there about a week. Most of them look great, but some of the flatter, more oblong ones look good on the flat sides, but kind of dull on the edges. I don't plan on putting a...

I have a Seiko watch on which some of the gold plating has worn off the metal link band. The band on one side of the watch face has lost some gold plating, while on the other side of the watch face the links are still 100% plated. Does anyone know if I can get this fixed please? If so, who...

My wife and I are looking for a good silversmithing course anywhere in the UK, which would provide any or all of the following facilities. Tutoring sessions with established silversmith(s) Workshop sessions Good assortment of tools available for use Adhering to health and safety regulations If...

Hi, I want to purchase gem identification equipment and would like to ask for some opinions. I notice that gem microscope prices vary considerably from ~$250 (ebay) upwards beyond $3000. I don't need a lot of the bells and whistles that the high-end scopes normally come with (gem clamps, tilting...

I would like some advice on electroforming. There is a lot of information available, to the point that I am suffering from info overload - I just want to keep it simple, and find a good technique (or a book to buy) and good proprietary solutions that will get the job done, and avoid hours...

once these are turned on do you hve to wait for the air in the system to be purged? i have a very old oxy hydorgen torch outfit with no manuals i am assuming since the physics and chemistry of these torches is identical i am asssuming that the use is identical any info really appreciated -- Using...

Can someone please tell me what this is and what is required for its upkeep? Thank you. With care...... Mary

My name is Richard Aubin and I'm new to this newsgroup, or any newsgroup for that matter. I'm looking to meet anyone that has access to or currently owns a laser engraving machine. Here' why... I have a website which sells laser engraved photo jewelry. I might be interested in using your...

I plan to sell a pearl pagoda, similar to the Mikimoto pearl pagoda. It is constructed of artificial pearls, approximately, 30 inches in height. Where might I find similar products being sold or interested buyers? If anyone is curious to see a photo, I can email it to you. -Ray M.

Hi folks, anyone know of any good beading software for PocketPC or Mac? Preferably FREE or at least trial version available? Nia:wen Thank you http://www.geocities.com/bearclanmohawk http://www.cafepress.com/ohkwari

On one site on the net, I've found informations about hardness of metals. And it says that 14 K gold is about 2,5 times harder than sterling silver. Does that mean that a 14 K gold, 5 gram chain has the same hardness (strenght), as 12-13 gram sterling silver one, of the same design and...

Hey Don, Could you email me as I would like to talk to you about having you make a custom item for me. Sorry about using this forum for this but I could thin of no other way. Thanks, Robert

What would you recommend if we're talking about a gold chain, not very light in weight (more than 10 grams), which would not be worn daily? 18 K is durable, more resistant to wear or scratching with all around better mechanical properties, and 22 has more value, a nicer, warm color (OK, that's a...

Hi, New to this group. We have a piece of silver which is quite clearly hallmarked. From the net, we have established that it is 92.5% silver, made in London in 1985. However, there doesn't appear to be a list of maker's marks on the Internet, and we don't have a book listing them - this is the...

I've been contemplating making my own 6" x 1/2" inch copper laps for gemstone faceting. I've found a bit of information on casting tin laps, see http://www.gearloose.com/casting.html, but none for copper. Does anyone have any suggustions for making copper laps? I'm interested in finding out what...