| Subject | Date Asked |
|
| soldering with onyx or jet | 9/17/2009 |
Q: I have a quick question regarding soldering a ring with onyx and/or jet. Is vigor heat shield ...
A: I love Vigor's heat shield and yes, it should be adequate. Water is not necessary as it can wash ...
|
| fire assay of gold | 9/11/2009 |
Q: can you explain the term "surcharge" concern with fire assay of gold.
A: The surcharge is an extra fee the company is trying to assess in refining the sample you are ...
|
| jewelry making | 9/10/2009 |
Q: I would like to make a spiritual piece for a necklace. I have a friend who is in the recycling ...
A: Yo u caught me on vacation! If you are still interested in the cuttlefish casting kits write me ...
|
| 3m anti tarnish strips | 9/9/2009 |
Q: you answered a question on 5/30/09 in which you mention the Sunshine polishing cloth also the 3M ...
A: I apologize for the delay I was on vacation from AllExperts when your question came in! Rio Grande ...
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| jewellery marks | 9/5/2009 |
Q: I mean such as a solution that would highlight raised areas thankyou for your time kind regards ...
A: quickly there are 2 options. rub some graphite powder ( available at hardware stores) into the ...
|
| Coating Rings | 9/2/2009 |
Q: Is There something that can be painted on cheap rings so that they don't turn your finger green?
A: Yes, you can use marine varnish, regular nail polish ( clear) or an acrylic based varnish ...
|
| heating silverware in a kiln | 9/1/2009 |
Q: in a previous article about what type of flux to use when heating silverware to make jewelry. You ...
A: I'm guessing you want to know about annealing silverware for making fork bracelets, etc. I ...
|
| rescuing glued in stones | 8/29/2009 |
Q: I have some watch bracelets inset with glued in small swarovski crystals. Is there any way I can get ...
A: Try MEK available at paint, hardware and home centers.Methyl Ethyl Ketone is an organic solvent ...
|
| silverplate | 8/27/2009 |
Q: after being torched and made into a nice bracelet the silverplate turned bronze looking is there a ...
A: yes, you can try to remove it with 1) hydrogen peroxide , 3 tbsp. in a pint of hot water- dip it ...
|
| pickel | 8/23/2009 |
Q: Isn't it sodium bisulfate used for a pickel? Not sodium bisulfite as stated in your article?
A: they are essentially the same thing.pH down in pool stores is spelled, bisulfite, in sparex brand ...
|
| Solder Pastes | 8/23/2009 |
Q: I work with solder pastes for the majority of my work. These being silver and gold paste's. I am ...
A: A respirator will help, Ask jewelers how many actually wear one religiously! Do get one with ...
|
| Pickling solution container | 8/23/2009 |
Q: I was wondering I just purchased a Professional Wax Heater to heat and store my pickling solution ...
A: If you are attempting to use what i am thinking of, smallish shallow aluminum bottom with a ...
|
| Torch Recommendation and Safety | 8/16/2009 |
Q: My metalsmithing teacher recommended that I get an acetylene/air presto-lite torch, while admitting ...
A: I am writing again as I believe the first response was lost days ago.I apologize. Let me say I am ...
|
| Old Ring? | 8/15/2009 |
Q: I recieved an old ring as a Christmas gift from my ex-father in law. I had taken it to a few ...
A: You have a 10 karat gold step cut modified diamond shaped almandine garnet ring made by JCM- ...
|
| Makers mark | 8/14/2009 |
Q: Hope I'm asking the right people This mark is on a silver dragon figure. Its about 21/2" tall and 4" ...
A: In the case of your piece, I have looked through my entire database of Chinese export and ...
|
| finnish blue chalcedony ring - estate | 8/13/2009 |
Q: I need help in identifying some of the hallmarks in a Finnish ring 1) the makers mark is PRO in a ...
A: i AGREE WITH THE 1970 R7 mark,GIVEN THE OTHER MARKINGS THAT i CAN DISCERN FROM THE PHOTOGRAPH ...
|
| painting silver jewelry | 8/12/2009 |
Q: I would like to know what types of paints will adhere to silver jewelry pieces. I am now using ...
A: Testors is best left to model making! Once you have cleaned your silver well and dipped it into ...
|
| Safety Pickle/Pickle Solutions | 8/12/2009 |
Q: I have a jewellery studio in my house and where possible am trying to use environmentaly safe and ...
A: 1) TO DISPOSE OF PICKLE ONE SIMPLY NEUTRALISES IT WITH SODA CRYSTALS ( SODIUM BICARBONATE OR BAKING ...
|
| wedding band maker and approx. age | 8/11/2009 |
Q: I recently received a wedding band from my grandmother who says she thinks it may have been her ...
A: I have researched the ring markings further and am afraid that given what resources I have there ...
|
| resin coating flowers | 8/9/2009 |
Q: I saw your prior advice on how to resin coat flowers. My problem is the flowers fade and stay ...
A: It sounds like your catalyst is mixed in incorrect proportions or it is old. You may be using ...
|
| wedding band maker and approx. age | 8/9/2009 |
Q: I recently received a wedding band from my grandmother who says she thinks it may have been her ...
A: What you have is a 14kt. ring- the 14k indicates karat, as would an 18k, 22k,etc. I'm afraid ...
|
| Fabulustre Polishing Cloths | 8/8/2009 |
Q: I'm pretty sure that Grobet is the main distributer of these cloths but who actually manufactures ...
A: Grobet certainly does make the cloths and the compound of the same name and in New Jersey ...
|
| Identify gold marks on medal | 8/3/2009 |
Q: can you please identify the gold marks on an old medal i have. On the front it says "Presented by ...
A: A few questions- what exactly does the animal look like- I have seen lions, gryphons and hares ...
|
| Resin Flowers | 7/30/2009 |
Q: Roark, I've read a few of your articles regarding coating fresh flowers (specifically orchids) with ...
A: Erica, Hello.First it would help if I knew the flower species you were using. One thought is that ...
|
| Starting A Fire Assay Business | 7/5/2009 |
Q: I am looking for some advice. I have knowledge and experience in the fire assay of gold, platinum, ...
A: I do quite a bit of consulting in start-up businesses in the jewelry trade, so my information is ...
|
| Silver losing its shine after soldering | 7/5/2009 |
Q: I use silver solder paste to solder jump rings to the ends of chains. I finish by dipping the end of ...
A: First of all ordinary paste solders are low temperature solders that contain tin and lead,and ...
|
| european gold bracelet | 6/30/2009 |
Q: I have a gold bracelet, it is european, my grandmother left me, it is marked with the # 750 can you ...
A: What your grandmother left you is an 18 karat gold bracelet.18kt gold is 75% pure gold the balance ...
|
| stamp on a pair of my diamond earings | 6/28/2009 |
Q: I have a pair of diamond earings stamped with only PPC, yet on the back/fastner its stamped 1/20 14K ...
A: It seems you have real gold filled earring backs at least. The" PPC" is the manufacturers mark and ...
|
| Polishing metal after using liver of sulfur | 6/27/2009 |
Q: I've used liver of sulfur for the first time. My chain and wire is a dark matte gray. Now, what is ...
A: try sealing the oxidized parts with micro-crystalline wax,carnauba wax, or beeswax.then use a 3M ...
|
| snap tite setting for loose stones | 6/27/2009 |
Q: I followed your answer regarding the snap set and went to the suggested sources but no one seems to ...
A: tell me what exactly it is you want and perhaps I can give you a better answer. I know one of the ...
|
| wooden earrings | 6/26/2009 |
Q: i've recently began making wooden earrings and have NO IDEA what to use to seal them or protect ...
A: If the wood is molding that fast it is too wet to use, place it in a hot car with the windows rolled ...
|
| putting gemstones into pickling solution and supersonic | 6/25/2009 |
Q: I am attaching gemstone beads using wire and torch and would like to know how you recommend ...
A: The one thing I can say is set the emeralds last- they can't take heat, ultrasonics or ...
|
| Gold plate | 6/24/2009 |
Q: I purchased a lot of earrings at auction and they are listed as 14k E/R gold. Can you tell me what ...
A: Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. The "E/R" stands for electroplated/rolled gold. That ...
|
| Borax | 6/24/2009 |
Q: I'm just learning: Can I us 20 mule team and does it need to be diluted or in power form! ANSWER: ...
A: Lisa, The borax if applied properly is supposed to make "globs". You must pre- heat the crucible ...
|
| repairing silver jewelry | 6/23/2009 |
Q: I have Sterling silver bracelet with stress cracks on the band. Can I repair these with PMC silver ...
A: PMC and art clay are fine silver they will not be as strong as the sterling , as it is an alloy ( ...
|
| putting gemstones into pickling solution and supersonic | 6/23/2009 |
Q: I am attaching gemstone beads using wire and torch and would like to know how you recommend ...
A: First make the component then pickle then attach the gemstones by looping the wire, etc. That way ...
|
| Borax | 6/21/2009 |
Q: I'm just learning: Can I us 20 mule team and does it need to be diluted or in power form!
A: Yes 20 mule team is ok, but better to buy pure borax from a jewelry supply house in cone form, or ...
|
| silver leaf | 6/18/2009 |
Q: I have learn how to use silver clay how can I use it to make a silver leaf with all the little ...
A: Either paint on clay slip and let it dry, then fire it or press the leaf into a sheet of the paper ...
|
| a silver leaf | 6/17/2009 |
Q: ) I have learn how to use silver clay how can I use it to make agold/ silver leaf with all the ...
A: First I want to advise you to learn actual silversmithing instead of metal clay jewelry making as ...
|
| To Repair Gold Filled Jewelry? | 6/15/2009 |
Q: I have an old gold filled jewelry that shows the brass(?) base metal on some parts due to its age. ...
A: Yes have it plated,, tell them you want a heavy plating, with the same purity of gold ( unless ...
|
| cutting thin metal | 6/14/2009 |
Q: Dr. Ari, I wondered if you could recommend a suitable type of metal-cutting scissors or light tin ...
A: I would advise some Joyce Chen kitchen scissors- many seem to like them and they outlast the ...
|
| How do you dry flowers after dipping them in resin? | 6/13/2009 |
Q: I'm really excited to try dipping orchids in resin after reading some of your earlier answers. I ...
A: hang up a sturdy line over a waxed paper, parchment or newsprint lined surface. Using bulldog ...
|
| To Repair Gold Filled Jewelry? | 6/12/2009 |
Q: I have an old gold filled jewelry that shows the brass(?) base metal on some parts due to its age. ...
A: Yes gold filled is 1/20th pure gold, gold plated is a mocro film of gold electrically bound to a ...
|
| casting silver | 6/11/2009 |
Q: I'm a miniature furniture maker and want to cast my own silver mounts. I don't want to spend to ...
A: 100% is your potential success rate! Clean(smooth) the wax well, coat with alcohol as a ...
|
| hallmark | 6/7/2009 |
Q: I have a very unique custom made white gold, diamond ring, which i believe was made between 1960 and ...
A: I thought I answered this already. It does in fact indicate 18 karat gold.You may want to remove ...
|
| annealing | 6/5/2009 |
Q: I am trying to make a pendant out of a piece of silver plated silverware...a fork/spoon handle and I ...
A: Yes a firecoat is needed to anneal as silver is notorious for fire staining. All you need do is ...
|
| gemstone bead attachment | 6/3/2009 |
Q: I am a jewelry designer who creates pieces using gold wire and gemstone beads using wire wrapping ...
A: Michelle, First nothing is too intricate for steam casting: if you can make the model, or master, ...
|
| making beaded jewelry from roses | 6/1/2009 |
Q: Ari, My mother passed away recently and a frend of my sister made some necklaces for a few of my ...
A: AH! people like that drive me insane! It is a commonly practised art. All you need is some gum ...
|
| gemstone bead attachment | 5/31/2009 |
Q: I am a jewelry designer who creates pieces using gold wire and gemstone beads using wire wrapping ...
A: First let me answer the gemstone beadmost gemstone beads, particularly those sold through Fire ...
|
| Silver metal reaction | 5/30/2009 |
Q: Some of my silver pieces (rings, coins, etc.) with a blue-black color (oxidation) were being kept ...
A: Sounds like a zinc chloride reaction to me.This could be from a half-baked jewelry repair using a ...
|
| Pendant Markings | 5/30/2009 |
Q: I'm hoping you can help me identify some marks on the back of a pendant I just bought. It is round ...
A: I would in fact like to see an image or drawing of the markings, sounds like exported to Britain ...
|
| Sliver turning yellow, orange/brown and dark brown. | 5/30/2009 |
Q: Ari, I have a few questions about my jewelry turning colors. I have lots of jewelry for many ...
A: Sorry about your dilemma! Sounds like you are doing two things rather incorrectly : Storage, and ...
|
| antique wedding band | 5/27/2009 |
Q: My grandma gave me her aunts wedding band. On the inside there are several "stamps".ACC9, a crown, ...
A: I can help but I will need a day or so to look up the marks- what you have that I am certain of is ...
|
| Making a custom coin | 5/26/2009 |
Q: We are trying to do a custom coin for Cerro Gordo Mines. We have silver but the lead content ...
A: Yes getting a mould made is cheaper than having your raw materials cast for you if you can melt ...
|
| refining | 5/23/2009 |
Q: my company is manufacturing cnc make gold bangles and rings we are having lot of scrap in form of ...
A: Though this question is very detailed I will try to help however i cannot answer it in the small ...
|
| carats | 5/18/2009 |
Q: Is there a difference between 18K and 18ct?
A: Well its a common mistake that people make: 18 karat is the correct way to express the fineness of ...
|
| Soldering info: | 5/17/2009 |
Q: I recently wanted to repair a metal tubing that had broken off at the a joint section. A attached ...
A: Happy to hear from you again William, As for the yellow ochre, it is not an exacting science but ...
|
| metal to put prints on etc | 5/16/2009 |
Q: I would like to start making solid silver pendants etc where I can put finger prints, foot prints ...
A: Well as for a market, there are many already being sold so depending on the venue you plan to ...
|
| Soldering info: | 5/16/2009 |
Q: I recently wanted to repair a metal tubing that had broken off at the a joint section. A attached ...
A: First you'll need some yelow ochre, or " stop-flow" to stop the tube from further de-soldering ...
|
| Sizing ring down 1 1/2 sizes w/ baguettes | 5/15/2009 |
Q: I have a 14K White Gold ring with baguette diamonds along the side of the main tanzanite stone. ...
A: The jeweler for some unknown reason did not tell you the truth. Resizing is done , quite easily from ...
|
| Melting Platinum | 5/13/2009 |
Q: Good Morning! I hope you are doing well! I have a platinum engagement ring and for my 20th wedding ...
A: I wonder if your ring should be melted down at all..It is always better If I can see the piece but ...
|
| Watches & hallmarks. | 5/12/2009 |
Q: I have a sterling silver Rotary watch which is hallmarked on the back of the face. The strap looks ...
A: Without examining it my best guess is that the hallmark is for both the watch and band ...
|
| 9ct white gold necklace | 5/12/2009 |
Q: I have a 9ct white gold necklace with 7 diamonds in, i was thinking of melting it down to make a ...
A: Yes absolutely. All you need is a torch with a basic oxygen / fuel set up ( MAPP and O2 or Oxy ...
|
| Chinese Trade Silver | 4/28/2009 |
Q: I have recently purchased what I believe is a Chinese Trade Silver teapot that is unusually heavily ...
A: Oddly it sounds like a teapot I bought on eBay o! Look under eBay's collectibles and then do a ...
|
| making of black gold from pure gold | 4/23/2009 |
Q: I have viewed your all previous answers and i really like the way u have answered and explained.My ...
A: Is it that you wish to make Niello- a mercury containing black inlay material that is packed ...
|
| GEMSTONE AND SETTING POPULARITY | 4/21/2009 |
Q: I am just starting out making simple gemstone jewelery and am interested in learning more about the ...
A: Tim, Hello- this is one of those questions I need about two hours to answer! Not that I mind its ...
|
| Ph Down or "Green" pickle? | 4/21/2009 |
Q: I was reading your answers about using PhDown as a substitute for Sparex. Will it work for metals ...
A: First pH down is for non-ferrous metals, golds, silvers and platinum group metals, brass and ...
|
| paint on metal jewelry | 4/20/2009 |
Q: I purchased a vintage necklace/earring set that is an antique-looking silver with "stones" inset ...
A: Sounds like you bought a piece with stones that have a vapour deposited coating- very popularized ...
|
| Another resin question. I think. | 4/20/2009 |
Q: I'm a complete novice still in conceptual stage here. I have found a seashell that I'd liketo ...
A: I would perhaps consider making a mould of the shell. Dipping in resin would just capture it and ...
|
| repairs to macasite ring | 4/19/2009 |
Q: Dr Roark, I have a 925 silver ring set with macasite stones. It is an old ring and the shank has ...
A: I think Technoflux is an Otto Frei product for fixturing- it will probably work, though I prefer ...
|
| poly resin flowers | 4/12/2009 |
Q: Is it better to coat your dried flowers with a acrylic spray before you coat them in poly resin? or ...
A: I think that a coat of acrylic could interfere with some resins and cloud them. I would contact ...
|
| stamp on gold ring | 4/8/2009 |
Q: I have an older (1950-1960's) 10k gold ring with a genuine cat eye stone. inside the band it is ...
A: the "wb" is most probably the maker's initials, the 10kt is for 10 karat gold.if it were white gold ...
|
| Marking on old sterling ring | 4/8/2009 |
Q: I recently purchased a sterling silver ring from an antique mall. The design of the ring is like ...
A: The .925 is for sterling the other marks denote the year and makers mark.If you will draw it as it ...
|
| Making Jewlelry from nuggets | 4/7/2009 |
Q: I have a fair number of nuggets and flakes that I panned up here in Alaska, and I was wondering if I ...
A: if you have flakes and nuggets, all you need is the crucible,tongs, and a torch, some borax, fine ...
|
| type of mould | 4/7/2009 |
Q: to prevent air bubbles when pouring molten silver into the mould which type of mould can be used?
A: the only moulds you can direct pour into are cuttlefish, Tuffa stone, plaster (investment), or ...
|
| swage block | 4/6/2009 |
Q: I saw an item in Jewelry Artist mag. about making a hardwood swage block but when I went to the web ...
A: Well it all depends on what size pieces you make as to the dimensions you want in a swage block. ...
|
| oxidizing | 4/2/2009 |
Q: I have seen all sorts of metals that are oxidized (copper, silver, etc...) but I haven't a clue how ...
A: the oxidizer most used on silver is liver of sulfur- available at any jewelry supply or online ...
|
| jewelers tin snips | 4/2/2009 |
Q: What is the best kind of tin snips to use and where would one purchase it. I will be starting to ...
A: First tin snips are not the best choice for jewelry- metal sculpture perhaps, or heavy sheet ( 14 ...
|
| You make Gauges | 3/29/2009 |
Q: I need to where to get cheap gauges for my business I'm starting up. I'm also very interested in ...
A: I think you should try harbor freight tools.Either on line or locally.they have the cheapest ...
|
| Jewelry making with 925 silver | 3/28/2009 |
Q: What is the difference between "Dead soft," "hard," and "half hard" when buying raw sheet silver? I ...
A: actually the terms refer to temper of the metal and the amount or rqather the degree of compaction ...
|
| Ring Making | 3/28/2009 |
Q: I bought a fire opal at the Tucson Gem and Mineral show for $50, about half the size of my ...
A: I wish I knew where you lived! that would make the task of recommending someone easier.I presume ...
|
| Re-Size a Silver Clay Ring | 3/27/2009 |
Q: I have made a wide band textured Art Clay Silver Ring. Unfortunately the person I made it ofr says ...
A: No need to send it out particularly as most jewelers won't touch a metal clay piece (purely ...
|
| hallmark | 3/27/2009 |
Q: I recently purchased an antique gold band ring, and I have searched everywhere trying to find out ...
A: Nicole Hello, I didn't want you to think I had forgotten you! I am still looking for info for you- ...
|
| Silver recovery | 3/25/2009 |
Q: I have a pile of old silver utensils and jewelery, I know that most silver items are actually ...
A: Separating the .999 silver from the copper it is not a simple process. You would do better as far ...
|
| jewelry | 3/24/2009 |
Q: I took a piece of jewelry back to the store i got it from. When it came back it had a sticker on it ...
A: Unfortunately I have no idea what that sticker is for. There are no standard stickers in the trade ...
|
| mark on necklace | 3/17/2009 |
Q: ..im sorry to bother you but i found a necklace at a resale shop...i expect its just a costume piece ...
A: As with all inquries about makers marks. Without seeing the piece and examining it I can only ...
|
| Gold Fob Watch | 3/15/2009 |
Q: I would like some information on a 14 ct gold fob watch which has cuivrf on back and serial number ...
A: I did a search utilising a number of resources on gold makers marks. without more information and ...
|
| Gold Refining | 3/10/2009 |
Q: awhile back you answered a question regarding refining gold from ore (nugget) using a melting ...
A: right, the unwanted trash is removed in simple melting. If you were to then take your refined ...
|
| Making Copper Black | 3/9/2009 |
Q: I have seen pieces of copper jewellery which have sections/patterns that are completely black. I ...
A: there are many formulas for patination of copper and other non-precious metals.Some are cold ...
|
| homemade plug/gauge coatings | 3/7/2009 |
Q: I am currently making homemade plugs and am interested in safe coatings for them so not to cause ...
A: Presuming you are referring to ear plugs I can tell you this- if you use fine silver and high ...
|
| Polishing Mat- Silver Jewellery | 3/7/2009 |
Q: I would like to know the best way to polish and clean Mat silver jewellery when they become yellow ...
A: Matte finishes should be deep enough on the jewelry so that any polishing cloth should not remove ...
|
| 15 Carat Gold Ring | 3/6/2009 |
Q: I recently inherited a gold ring with dark and light green stones from my Grandmother, and when I ...
A: One more question- would you say the stones are banded? if so they may be fluorite and ...
|
| mixing PH down for pickle | 3/6/2009 |
Q: how much ph down do i need to mix for my pickle?
A: Ph down can be used much like Sparex brand, but the benefit is that it is without the filler the ...
|
| Svarovski crystal | 3/4/2009 |
Q: My wife has several pieces that were broken while moving. Can they be repaired? If so where would I ...
A: Provided they are jewelry and are broken , yes; Repairing them and replacing stones is easy and ...
|
| Gold Refining | 3/3/2009 |
Q: awhile back you answered a question regarding refining gold from ore (nugget) using a melting ...
A: The main thing to remember in refining or reclaiming gold from scrap is to remove any traces of ...
|
| silver smelting for making a ring | 3/2/2009 |
Q: When i pour melted sterling silver in my ring mould, there are bubbles which form under the surface. ...
A: first use a debubblizer on your wax that alone will prevent bubbles.alcohol works to some degree ...
|
| soldering | 3/1/2009 |
Q: I'm sorry if this question is rather redundant I'm just having trouble with this. I've self taught ...
A: Wow..a lot of questions It would take me hours to answer them all. First I will say you solder in ...
|
| attatching settings to rings | 2/28/2009 |
Q: I am just starting out (hobby to start) making jewelry. I am interested in attatching gold pieces to ...
A: What you need to learn then is soldering and cold connections- those two methods will allow you to ...
|
| Diamond rings | 2/26/2009 |
Q: Would it incur a lot of cost to take the diamonds from an engagement and eternity ring and make one ...
A: Well given the market price of gold, and the choice of jeweler that does the job, that is a ...
|
| Adding accents to an existing ring | 2/26/2009 |
Q: I have a platinum engagement ring with a .85 carat diamond. Its design is very plain with no ...
A: Quite right! AVOID CHAIN STORES! My best advice is to seek out the independant goldsmith or ...
|
| 15 Carat Gold Ring | 2/25/2009 |
Q: I recently inherited a gold ring with dark and light green stones from my Grandmother, and when I ...
A: Fascinating! 15 Kt gold is highly unusual to modern rings and does indicate some age.the 625 ...
|
| old gold markings | 2/24/2009 |
Q: i have an old gold ring, it has a horseshoe design with 9 tiny stones around the horseshoe...it also ...
A: I am highly interested in your ring. Can you tell me if you have any other details about the ...
|
| Silver Ring | 2/22/2009 |
Q: I have a silver ring that I bought from the mensa boutique website. It has the M with a globe logo ...
A: The "ster" mark is for sterling, quite obvious as you say- the "L" however, indicates a sterling ...
|
| blackening gold | 2/19/2009 |
Q: I am a jeweller and I am trying to blacken a 9kt yellow gold ring using a torch, however it is not ...
A: though the torch and the high copper content of 9Kt gold would make one think it would be easy ...
|
| Old ring marking | 2/17/2009 |
Q: I have an old ring from my grandmother. It has an A* engraved inside of it. Is there any ...
A: Ah! the stamping in the box is telling. I will look up what I can and get back to you with what I ...
|
| Old ring marking | 2/17/2009 |
Q: I have an old ring from my grandmother. It has an A* engraved inside of it. Is there any ...
A: Not knowing if the ring is gold , silver or anything else, it sounds like you have an engraved ...
|
| jewelry | 2/15/2009 |
Q: I recently was honored when my husbands aunt left me a ring her husband bought her in the 1940's ...
A: I thought I sent you a detailed answer, if you did not receive it please allow me to reply again. I ...
|
| heat treated copper | 2/14/2009 |
Q: I heat treated a piece of copper and got a great pink and purple color. however when i sealed the ...
A: The best thing to do with copper is to make some test tiles.The trick is noting the flame size ...
|
| Resin dipped roses | 2/13/2009 |
Q: sorry for the silly question but I found a few questions you answered involving dipping flowers in ...
A: A recent discussion on ganoksin.com's Orchid forum would perhaps be worth investigating. As for ...
|
| silver refining and cleaning | 2/10/2009 |
Q: I would like to ask how to refine a silver with HNO3 and Copper. My question is the quality n ...
A: First and foremost - DO NOT USE ALUMINUM in any process involving silver excepting the cleaning kits ...
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| Is sheet silver right for my job? | 2/3/2009 |
Q: I have a ring (see attached image) that I would like to duplicate, meaning I want to make rings and ...
A: Yes gonzo torch melting is the incorrect approach no matter how attractive it may seem! What you ...
|
| diamonds..millimeters versus carat weight | 2/1/2009 |
Q: Noone seems to be able to answer this simple question. What does 2mm diamond equal to in carat ...
A: It depends on the cut and quality of the stone.If it has inclusions it will weigh more than if it ...
|
| Melting 9ct Gold Scrap Bar | 1/31/2009 |
Q: I recently melted together a bunch of 9ct gold scrap into a bar. I sent the drilling sample of the ...
A: the answer is perhaps the copper alloy..if you have 9ct gold it is less than 50% fine and as such ...
|
| pickling solutions for sterling silver | 1/27/2009 |
Q: i was told you could use vinegar and salt heated on your stove to clean your sterling silver ...
A: yes it works, but is a mediocre mixture. Citric acid is far better and even that is just OK..I use ...
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| working with gold | 1/25/2009 |
Q: I've worked with most metals apart from Gold and I love the liquid gold look I've seen on jewelery ...
A: That is formed from an oval sheet of metal, and the peas are balled up metal.There are ...
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| silverware jewelry | 1/25/2009 |
Q: Do you know if there are instruction books on making jewelry out of silverware. If there is can you ...
A: I hate to recommend one publisher over another but...currently there is an article on it in I ...
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| resin to stones | 1/24/2009 |
Q: Dr Roark, i am seeking a process that would convert resin into a stone-like material, making it ...
A: GLENN, If you check the GANOKSIN.COM/ORCHID archives I believe you'll find some threads on resin ...
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| soldering wedding bands | 1/20/2009 |
Q: A customer has asked me to solder their wedding rings together. Do I have to remove the diamonds ...
A: If you don't feel comfortable enough removing and resetting the stones - don't accept the job. It ...
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| silver mark ID | 1/18/2009 |
Q: I recently bought a collection of supposed 18th or early 19th century indian trade silver from a ...
A: Gary, sorry for the delay. I have been at a show all week. I will look into the attachment and ...
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| silver mark ID | 1/12/2009 |
Q: I recently bought a collection of supposed 18th or early 19th century indian trade silver from a ...
A: It does sound like you have Indian British trade objects. The "k" is the hallmark representing the ...
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| black gold | 1/12/2009 |
Q: yes i meant black color of gold. in the same way that is purple or green gold. are there any alloys ...
A: Bhupesh, there is a process that is widely used in India that is called Niello, it is a mercury ...
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| smelting | 1/12/2009 |
Q: We are gathering gold and silver at my church for a new Paschal Candle holder. The artist that we ...
A: Sean, First i understand the sentiment attached with desiring the metals collected to be used ...
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| Commemorative spoon, Australasian Federation League, 1899 | 1/10/2009 |
Q: Sir, I have got a Commemorative spoon, Australasian Federation League, 1899 which was stamped on ...
A: Walker and Hall is indeed the maker- the red spoon seems more valuable as it is less available from ...
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| making rings | 1/8/2009 |
Q: I want to learn how to make simple 14K white gold channel set band rings for myself, because I ...
A: the easiest way to fabricate one, without buying a pre-cast setting from Stuller, CGM, ...
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| black gold | 1/8/2009 |
Q: do you have any idea about black gold? how does one procure black gold? how is it made? are there ...
A: can you tell me what you mean by black gold- are you seeking an alloy formula for a coloured karated ...
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| sterling silver ring making | 1/6/2009 |
Q: I am trying to make a silver ring with a gem to top it. Can you provide me with some detailed ...
A: you should read Tim McCreight's the Complete Metalsmith- what you are asking is a four hour long ...
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| Commemorative spoon, Australasian Federation League, 1899 | 1/6/2009 |
Q: Sir, I have got a Commemorative spoon, Australasian Federation League, 1899 which was stamped on ...
A: { have been trying to find out the maker,the federations classes, etc and thus far nothing- which ...
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| source for sterling fishbone chain | 1/5/2009 |
Q: i have fallen in love with a type of chain called fishbone chain(i can't find a photo online) and ...
A: CGM findings has a wide assortment of chain types including some new ones that i'm afraid you have ...
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| snap tite | 1/3/2009 |
Q: I am looking for snap tite settings for loose stones, no back for earrings or bezel for pendants, ...
A: Rio Grande , sells them, also fire mountain gems and beads and an ebay seller Erika M. sells them ...
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| Repairing elephant hair gold ring | 1/3/2009 |
Q: I have a gold ring that has elephant hair set into the band. the elephant hair is set into a ...
A: wow, it is a tricky fix, particularly not knowing the karat..I would use some wet wadded newspaper ...
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| removing solder from brass | 12/30/2008 |
Q: Dr. Roark, This question is not dealing with jewelry but i think it may be in your area of ...
A: Removing it is as easy as heating it and applying some desoldering braid - radio shacks sell it in a ...
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| Where can I get this necklace type? | 12/29/2008 |
Q: I saw a picture of someone wearing this necklace, and I wanted to get it for this girl, but I can't ...
A: It looks like a cast piece that I think you can find at Rio Grande's website under ...
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| Casting a Watch | 12/29/2008 |
Q: Just recently got into this - casting and making jewelry that is. I'm in architecture, and the idea ...
A: Well Josh what an undertaking! casting the case should be easy and you can buy the action but as ...
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| Jewelry Marking | 11/20/2008 |
Q: I have a Marquise Diamond ring with the markings as follows: "14K 1 and then a copyright sign ...
A: the 14 K is for 14 karat gold. I have no idea what the "1' is for unless it's an old ring of ...
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| Jewelry making with use of soldering and silversmithing | 11/18/2008 |
Q: Roarp, my question pertains as to where and how to find the metal needed to manipulate into ...
A: Hands down , I recommend Hoover and Strong as a supplier. I have used them for many years and they ...
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| stone setting | 11/18/2008 |
Q: I have made a silver casing pendant to hold 10 tiny turquoise stones. I have never done this ...
A: You are correct, this is common to level the stones if necessary. Make sure the wood sawdust is ...
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| Making a Ring | 11/16/2008 |
Q: I wanted to make my girlfriend a ring for Christmas. I was going to buy a colombian emerald in the ...
A: The easiest and most effective bezel setting tool or prong closer- other than buying specialty ...
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| filling holes | 11/13/2008 |
Q: I'm a novice silversmith who has recently begun doing some casting with sterling silver.One of the ...
A: the problem is probably not the silver purity unless you used scrap and there was some solder left ...
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| R mark on scarf pin | 11/11/2008 |
Q: I purchased a scarf pin at a retirement home sale.The pin has the letter R marked on the rear of it. ...
A: I'm sorry to have delayed in answering but I had no computer while mine was in the shop last week! ...
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| wedding ring | 10/14/2008 |
Q: a)method of filing a half round from a flat band? b)Is there a large half round draw block for ...
A: I think you are looking for a way to make half round using a draw block. If so on Ganoksin, the ...
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| How to keep color in resin coated flowers | 10/14/2008 |
Q: I was just wondering, how do you keep such vibrant colors on your flowers if they have to dried ...
A: I want to be sure I understand: You are going to dip undried flowers in resin? If yes then: Simply ...
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| Can you add a stone to a ring that is already made? | 10/12/2008 |
Q: I am trying to have a ring made for my husband for our 5 year anniversary and I am having a terrible ...
A: Bonnie Did you get my first email?, if not I will resend it . I gave quite a bit of information on ...
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| Can you add a stone to an already made ring? | 10/12/2008 |
Q: I am trying to have a ring made for my husband for our 5 year anniversary and I am having a terrible ...
A: Yes it seems that depending on where you are and that your wedding band is a standard colour and ...
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| plating biological items | 10/12/2008 |
Q: Good evening. I read through your past responses regarding the plating of leaves and feathers, and I ...
A: Bronwyn, I live with a Bronwyn and am hoping this is not a prank as we were just today discussing ...
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| Sterling Silver Ring left to me by deceased Mother | 10/9/2008 |
Q: Happy hello! My mother passed away and left me an antique Sterling Silver ring that I know is quite ...
A: Sorry for the delayed response.I had some computer problems over the weekend. Regarding the ring, ...
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| Copper work and copper shim work | 10/9/2008 |
Q: I am a high school teacher wanting to do a simple, safe but interesting finish to both copper and ...
A: I started an email yesterday - it was lengthy- and apparently this system doesn't save them! so to ...
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| Gold Crown/Best type of Gold To buy | 10/4/2008 |
Q: Roark, I have a gold crown that came off of a tooth long, long ago and was just wondering what it ...
A: Dental gold is an alloy so if it says it's 22 kt. gold it is an alloy using 22kt and probably a ...
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| Locket making | 10/4/2008 |
Q: I'm trying to make a special gift for my mother and my 2 sisters. I want to make a locket for each ...
A: First Do you know silversmithing?Presuming you do: decide on your shape, or buy stampings of the ...
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| setting a diamond in stone | 10/1/2008 |
Q: i would like to set a diamond that was given to me into a piece of Mexican fire opal. Where i would ...
A: Check our Joel Arthur Rosenthal's ( JAR's) on line amethyst and emerald ring. You'll see that it ...
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| 100 ounce bars of silver I own | 9/29/2008 |
Q: I bought five 100 ounce bars of silver at the high of $20. I thought I would try to recoup my ...
A: Well Nathan, Sorry to say you bought your silver at an all time- or close to it high! The problem ...
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| Marks on necklace | 9/26/2008 |
Q: I recently bought a Finnish silver necklace with a pendant of spectrolite. Above the pendant, the ...
A: glad you knew it was Finnish! that helped me narrow the field of possibilities down to a manageable ...
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| filling material | 9/23/2008 |
Q: My friend has a pair of Celtic knot style cufflinks that have a deep hole in the middle of each. He ...
A: Wendy, a quick question before answering further..could a frame of sorts be soldered into the ...
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| platinum plating | 9/19/2008 |
Q: I have a white gold engagement ring and wedding ring which are starting to discolour (again) I was ...
A: Your rings can most definitely be plated! Rhodium is what I would recommend for white gold. It ...
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| Dividing a silver bar | 9/19/2008 |
Q: I have a 15 kilogram fine silver bullion bar. I would like to make it into 10 100 oz silver bars. ...
A: I must say your dilemma is a nice one given that silver (Ag) is back on the upswing on the world ...
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| melting silver | 9/18/2008 |
Q: Useing a oxy. actelenye torch, how does one go about melting enough silver in a crucible to cast a ...
A: I would go with a standard rosebud tip ( a melting tip) if you have one for more than 3 rings of ...
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| filling material | 9/18/2008 |
Q: My friend has a pair of Celtic knot style cufflinks that have a deep hole in the middle of each. He ...
A: I want to give you a thorough instruction , but its really late (6am!) and I just got to your ...
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| Plain jane silver band ring | 9/16/2008 |
Q: I am interested in making a ring for a girlfriend/probable wife. She loves the very plain rough ...
A: It is amazingly easy to make a plain band ring of any metal with the exception of titanium, for a ...
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| melting silver | 9/15/2008 |
Q: Useing a oxy. actelenye torch, how does one go about melting enough silver in a crucible to cast a ...
A: After coating the crucible with plain borax- about 2 tablespoons for a small crucible and swirling ...
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| end cap | 9/11/2008 |
Q: I am making a buffalo hide bracelet about 1" in width. I want to put some sort of end cap at each ...
A: Hmmm..CGM findings and Metalifferous , both have the widest selections of findings readily ...
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| Sending items to refinery... | 8/29/2008 |
Q: could you tell me how refineries determine the weight of a gold item that also has small diamonds ...
A: ITEMS ARE entered into the system upon receipt. the stones are removed for a fee- so removing them ...
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| heating silver plate flatware | 8/26/2008 |
Q: I am intrigued by the jewelry made from silver plate flatware. I can not figure out how the artists ...
A: I presume you are talking about the rings and bracelets made from antique flatware. It's really ...
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| From Design to Finished Product | 8/25/2008 |
Q: I have a design for a silver pendant, can you recommend any online retailers that will provide molds ...
A: No you are certainly not over your head. And in fact in Richmond Virginia you'll find Hoover and ...
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| From Design to Finished Product | 8/24/2008 |
Q: I have a design for a silver pendant, can you recommend any online retailers that will provide molds ...
A: I will be happy to answer this, but can you give me some further details, like the kind of casting ...
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| 18K wedding ring causing rash, questions about cleaning | 8/24/2008 |
Q: I have now had my ring for 9 months and after about 3 months of wearing it I started getting a rash. ...
A: My guess is that you are allergic to the Nickel in the ring. I often tell my clients that ...
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| Gold ring mark | 8/21/2008 |
Q: I have an old gold ring that was my grandpa’s. The ring was his wedding band. The question is the ...
A: apologies for the time it has taken to get back to you. I was away last week and forgot to alert ...
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| burned jewelry, "old" gemstones | 8/21/2008 |
Q: 1-how do you clean jewelry that has been burned in a fire? 2-gemstones were found inside an old ...
A: As for cleaning jewelry burned in a fire- I'm presuming it hasn't melted..therefore, if silver: ...
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| Bracelet recently inherited | 8/21/2008 |
Q: I have recently obtained a bangle bracelet hallmarked JCM 10k. What does JCM 10K stand for? Is ...
A: 10K means 10 karat gold by international standards.JCM is the maker's mark. do youo know if there ...
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| jewelry making | 8/19/2008 |
Q: I would like to make a spiritual piece for a necklace. I have a friend who is in the recycling ...
A: If you can get a crucible, some borax,a torch ( a butane torch is all that you'll need),large ...
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| jewerly making | 8/17/2008 |
Q: I HAVE 2 24IN ROPE CHAINS 10K GOLD AND I WANT TO SEE HOW EXPENSIVE IT IS TO MELT BOTH DOWN AND MADE ...
A: You can using casting grain increase the karat of the gold to a more valuable and workable ...
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| casting of silver | 8/15/2008 |
Q: we have a new set up of silver jewelry manf.- after casting our silver jewelry turn in brown color ...
A: There is an impurity in your crucible or in the pickle. Please send me a detailed list of the ...
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| Gold Jewelry | 8/13/2008 |
Q: How can I find a reputable business/person to put a value on the gold I have? This is for insurance ...
A: Actually you can do it yourself! If it's strictly for the gold value that is. Simply go to ...
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| Coating Flowers with resin | 8/12/2008 |
Q: I have seen real flowers preserved in polyresin. I cannot find any info on how to do it. Is it ...
A: Actually it's a quite simple process provided you can find the polyresin locally. Most jeweler's ...
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| old gold ring | 8/12/2008 |
Q: My Mom has a gold band that belonged to her grandmother and all it has on the inside is " XXX" Do ...
A: I apologize as your question got lost in the list! Nonetheless, the 3 X's are probably indicating ...
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| hallmarks on my ring | 8/4/2008 |
Q: i have a gold ring with the following stamp in it firstly it as J.W.T then a crown follwed by the ...
A: Sorry it took so long in getting back to you. What you have is a British ring from: ,made in ...
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| silver over wax base | 8/2/2008 |
Q: Is there a product out there that will melt precious metals (like silver) in a gun or pen type ...
A: the Manufacturing Industry has metal extrusion equipment on a much larger scale than for a studio. ...
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| where to have platinum melted & re-worked into new rings | 8/1/2008 |
Q: My partner has pretty old Italian platinum wedding sets from his family and we want to have them ...
A: I would recommend having the Platinum refined by Hoover and Strong. Simply go to their website ...
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| How do i dip something in silver? | 7/31/2008 |
Q: is it possible to dip a feather or a leaf in silver? if so, do i coat it with any substance, will it ...
A: You may have seen leaves, and other things advertised as dipped in a precious metal. If you were ...
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| Hallmark in China | 7/31/2008 |
Q: Last week I went shopping in Shanghai and I bought a silver ring in a very nice looking shop. Today ...
A: Chinese export silver was hallmarked into the early 20th century as the marks were created to look ...
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| 3 crown marking on ss bracelet | 7/28/2008 |
Q: I have a ss bracelet,inside it has 3 crowns in a triangle form it has robert underneath right side ...
A: I apologize for the slow response but I have been at a gemstone and jewellery show this past ...
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| Colour change stones | 7/27/2008 |
Q: I come from afamily where almos everybody is an Artist. We carve/ engrave soapstones in back our ...
A: You are right, there are more than one variety of gemstone that changes colors. Alexandrites being ...
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| Exchange Rates and Buying Precious Metals | 7/25/2008 |
Q: I come from afamily where almos everybody is an Artist. We carve/ engrave soapstones in back our ...
A: In theory yes, it is cheaper to buy Silver from Indian Dealers than US dealers as some Indian ...
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| a mounting cut stones on silvber | 7/23/2008 |
Q: I come from afamily where almos everybody is an Artist. We carve/ engrave soapstones in back our ...
A: Sounds like you have access to quite a treasure as Tsavorite garnets command quite a high price ...
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| Sterling Silver Ring | 7/22/2008 |
Q: I have a heavy sterling ring that has the maker's mark CD with a lower case script f over the D ...
A: Sorry it has taken me so long to research your question's answer. Without physically seeing the ...
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| Gold Refining | 7/21/2008 |
Q: .. Good Day! I just want to ask about the process of refining gold. How can i turn an unpure gold ...
A: I don't usually presume, but this time I am taking the liberty to presume you have access to some ...
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