Here a few questions we’ve had recently and wanted to share.   Feel free to submit questions in the comments below.

What our your gunmetal beads?  (what is the base metal under the plate):

Our gunmetal beads are actually electro-plated brass.  They are nickel free and meet the California level 2 lead classification which means they may contain small traces of lead but are suitable for selling (both as beads and in finished jewelry pieces).

How can I create an illusion necklace using beading chain and finish the piece using beading chain:
 
To crimp the ends of this chain, you want to use Sterling Silver Crimp End Cap, 0.7 mm.  If you are creating an illusion style necklace and want crimp beads and crimp covers to hold the beads in place, I would use the following: Crimp Beads, 2 x 2mm and Sterling Silver Open Bead Crimp Cover, 3.2 mm.

I don’t have a good idea of “mm”  Can you relate that in inches?

Understanding mm sizing is a very important when learning to bead.  The best thing to understand is that 24mm = 1 inch.  So 12mm = 1/2 an inch, etc.

How many 18mm beads should I buy to make a 7.5” bracelet?

About 9 beads if you don’t use any spacers and are leaving about an inch for the toggle, crimp beads, and other items needed for closure.  This goes back to the above question involving mm sizing.  If 18mm = 3/4 of an inch, then you simply divide 7 inches by 3/4 inch and viola!