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Crafts/Expert Profile
Expertise
A lot of hobbyist are out there looking for answers, lapidary, jewelry making craft, etc. I can answer to many topics in those areas. I do not generally deal with costume jewelry but can give some advice regarding such. Note that I do not string pearls(or other bead work) or do twisted wire work jewelry. I can give info on gemstones and jewelry making tools and techniques.
Experience in the area
Experience: Over 25 years as a professional jeweler, working at the bench with the everyday problems of everyday people, plus good knnowledge on the do`s and dont`t, what to expect, what is unexpected, how to get beyond the simple into a rewarding hobby.
Clients: Owned and operated a "trade shop" servicing designers, retail jewelers, etc, and owned and operated a school for jewelers now gone by the wayside due to certain personal and economic conditions). I produced fine jewelry for one national opal company. Also lectured, demonstrated, and taught at the request of clubs, societies,etc.
What do you like about this subject?
I started my main life work from a hobby and craft work...from rocks to silver jewelry,and on...now a profession for over 25 years. Creative opportunities are the ice cream..that is what I really like.
What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?
I hope to simply "keep up" with the ever changing world of crafts related to my field. So many new products and techniques are available to the creative mind.
Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:
A slight touch of warmth will make clear epoxy cement flow into where you want it..making the cement almost invisible to the eye. Clean, clean, clean away any oils and fingerprints before using glue..if you want it to stay for a long time.
Something controversial or provocative about this subject
There is sometimes a fine line between crafs and arts. You might be an artist! JEWELRY question, try me at Jewelry, Gems & Minerals. Or here..
Average Ratings
Recent Reviews from Users
K = Knowledgeability C = Clarity of Response T = Timeliness P = Politeness| User | Date | K | C | T | P | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kan | 08/30/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thank you so much Thomas! You are ..... |
| Janet | 08/13/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thomas answered my question very quickly. His ..... |
| Ken | 08/09/08 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Great responses to my questions. I finally ..... |
| Michele Walker | 02/22/08 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thank you so muchTomas that's really helpful ..... |
| David | 01/05/08 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | WOW. What a complete and great response!! ..... |
Recent Answers from Thomas
2009-08-12 Cleaning mother-of-pearl beads:
Janet, I appreciate the question. I also appreciate nice mother-of-pearl and many of the affordable but quite lovely gems of nature, organic or mineral. This is not a cleaning but rather a polishing
2008-08-30 mother of pearl shells:
Charlene, I am back. Technically, mother-of-pearl is a certain type of shell created by an oyster or mussel, either of which are capable of producing pearls in the body of the creature. The shell is
2008-08-08 wax carving for jewelry:
Ken, actually I cannot tell you rpm for the tools. I use a flexshaft and foot petal and guessing rpm it might be about 300-400rpm max. Honestly, all has to do with the cut you are wanting to make and
2008-08-07 wax carving for jewelry:
Hello, Ken. I will try to give you a nudge in the right direction working with wax. Wax is generally hand worked in two ways: Heat is used to form and build up wax shapes and cutting tools are used
2007-09-28 Lapping of mother of pearl:
Dear Raj Kumar, I returned to home late last evening and could not answer your question until this morning. I believe I have the proper help for you. Mother-of-pearl laps and polishes rather easily
Answers by Expert:
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