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Hi All, I need some advice , I want to get into stone polishing, but I am having problems finding a source for , chains, jump rings bell caps key rings with bell caps . I want to make jewellery, for a little stall I am setting up in Whitby over the summer. Can anyone help? T I.A

For those new to this group, or wishing to advertise, herein is the info you need to understand what's going on with this moderated newsgroup, and what's allowed as to advertising. Although I've titled this post "FAQ", I've not actually written it in the traditional FAQ format. I do hope no one's...

South sea pearls and pearls from south Asia is the same pearls, right? I found one 12-13 MM gradually white strands with 37/Pcs. And also one 11 MM black pearls pandant from south Asia. He is asking the white strand $1850 and the tear drop pandant $600. They are nicly formed, alomost round with...

I've just had a brainstorm that you good people may be able to help me with. 8D It occurred to me that since sparex turns into a copper plating solution when iron is added to it, that I could use that to give a coppery color to pieces of a knife, such as a stainless steel blade, bolsters and...

When I was placing an order at Rio Grande, I saw lots of wonderful-looking instructional videos for sale. Unfortunately, the budget does not allow for it :( Part of the reason that I always want to take the "easy" way and come here and ask everyone's advice, is that I am pretty severely...

Are there on the internet some illustrations available, which would show exactly how bezel setting of a coin works? I'm no jewellery maker, so don't know how the whole thing works, except how it looks when it's done. I heard someone say that it's practically a locket without the front and back...

I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask but maybe someone can help me anyway. My friend has a ring with the number 297 engraved on the inside. Is this a Hallmark stating the percentage of gold? If so what does it mean? If not then what does it signify? Thank you Peter

Well, it's mostly all gone and here is how it was spent: Smith Little Torch, tips, regulators, etc. Acetylene/Oxygen tanks (full) Hoses etc. Just the above was almost 500.00 :( Also purchased:

What is mabe pearls? Thanks. Rip

"Lucy in the sky a diamond" A 4,000km-wide diamond has been discovered by astronomers. The 10 billion trillion trillion carat diamond (10 followed by 34 zeroes) is roughly the size of the U.S. and lies in the Australian sky near the Southern Cross about 50 light years from Earth. Astronomers...

We are looking to purchase new and/or used platinum crucibles. Any amount will do small or large. we will pay $10 to $14 per gram depending on purity. email me at

I am interested in finding out how one would convert regular ounces to troy ounces. Thanx for any help, uzzer

I am just getting into hand engraving and I am having a bit of trouble understanding how to grind the blank. At first I was simply grinding a 45 to 60 degree face on a square blank, and the graver tended to gouge and dive rather than carve a nice shallow chip. Then I started experimenting with...

I just purchased some gemstones (various smallish lab created/synthetic stones) and I would like to make some jewlery from them. How do I measure the stones so I can purchase the correct settings for them?

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...

Hi, Does anybody know what I can use to remove the bezel on my datejust? I bought an aftermarket bezel, but watchmakers around here are scared to touch it. They fear I might sue them if they mess it up. Thanks.

Hi, I'm starting out and need to buy a torch for general metal work (I'm considering a primus Propane torch with swappable tips) Ideally I'd like to be able to use the torch for soldering and work in basic jewellery as well as my own engineering tasks like annealing and tempering. I've seen the...

Years ago I purchased a large amber pendant called "fluorescent amber". It was called this because when you put the piece in sunlight or under fluorescent lights, it would take on a bluish cast like opalescent glass does. However, over the years it has lost some of its fluorescent quality. My...

A co-worker of mine is looking for information (history/background) on a ring she purchased. The ring is silver, looks like a single length of metal spiraled into a "screw like" pattern forming 4 bands. Both at the beginning and end of this spiraled length of metal are small rings with three...