Cleaning Copper Findings

You can clean copper findings by using commercially prepared copper cleanings. It is important to note if the copper findings are finished, copper plated, or genuine untreated copper. If the copper findings are untreated, they may change color (Patina) if cleaned with chemicals such as ammonia. If they are genuine and you don't want them to change, you can brush them with clear nail polish.

A Tic Tac Box Makes a Great Bead Storage Container

If you're looking for a convenient and inexpensive bead storage container, try a Tic Tac box. Tic Tac containers make a perfect bead storage box. They are perfect for storing Seed Beads as well as other small jewerly findings. Just carefully pry the top off and fill the box with all of your beads. The flip top makes them easy to pour as well. After saving your Tic Tac containers, you can fit them neatly in a bead storage case for easy access and portability.

Caring for Your Pearl Beads

Once you create a design with pearl beads, you should know how to care for your precious gems. Chemicals and even body oils can eventually damage your pearls. Try to apply hair sprays and makeup before you don your pearl jewelry. After you wear them, wipe the jewels with a soft damp cloth to remove any residue. Every so often, it's a good idea to clean your pearls with a soft cloth and a mild soap. Don't use harsh cleansers on your pearls! Store them away from other jewelry in a soft bag or pouch and your pearl beads will last for years!

Choosing a Wholesale Bead Supplier

A good online wholesale bead supply store carries much more than wholesale beads. You can find wholesale jewelry making supplies such as tools, wire, chain, stringing cable, books and findings. Wholesale beads such as faceted gemstones, pearls, glass beads, gold beads and silver beads will also be sold at a quantity discount. You can also find pendants and beads made out of semi precious stones and crystals for resale.

"Poppy Seed" Pearls

It's not a good idea to sprinkle poppy seed pearls on your morning muffin, but they can create a hot set of earrings. Many people refer to the irregular form of the keishi pearl as a poppy seed pearl. That may be because the poppy seed packs a lot of punch into a small package, and the keishi pearl packs a lot of luster and sheen into an equally diminutive pearl. The keishi pearl is an abnormality, but because it's extraordinary and hard to find, you may become quite attached to these fine, cherished pearls.

Bohemian Glass Beads

You might wonder why some dealers carry Bohemian glass beads, while others carry Czech glass beads. Bohemian beads and Czech beads are really one in the same, with two different names. Bohemia is simply an archaic name for the Czech Republic. Glassmaking in Bohemia and Czechoslovakia is an ancient art. Most of these beads are molded glass, rather than hand blown or fired. In effect, these beads are molded or pressed in a large machine. Because they are machine made, they are one of the least expensive types of glass beads.