Blue Fire Beads

Frequently Asked Shopping Questions
(Also see Frequently Asked Jewelrymaking Questions below.)
How do I place an order?
To Place an order, call 815-462-4900.

May I order from or ship to anywhere outside the USA?
We are happy to fill orders placed from and shipped to the USA and the United Kingdom and Canada.

How do I receive a catalog?
We do not have a print catalog. You may, however, print out the pages of our web site. Be sure to check current availability and price, as these may have changed since your printing.

I would like to visit your store, what are the directions and store hours?
Our new location is 2534 E. Lincoln Hwy. New Lenox, IL. 60451
We're right on Rt. 30 (Lincoln Hwy.), 1-1/2 miles west of Wolf Rd., (just east of the new Lowe's/Target/Michael's, in front of Cardinal Fitness, 2 doors down from the new Starbuck's!)

Hours:
Monday thru Friday ~ 10 AM to 8 PM
Saturday ~ 10 AM to 5 PM
Sunday ~ Noon to 5 PM

2006 Holiday Hours at Blue Fire Beads:
CLOSED April 16 ~ Easter Sunday
OPEN May 14 ~ Mother's Day Noon - 5pm
CLOSED May 29 ~ Memorial Day
CLOSED July 4 ~ Independence Day
OPEN Sept 4 - Labor Day - Noon to 5:00 pm.
CLOSED November 23 ~ Thanksgiving
**December 24th, Christmas Eve, OPEN til 3 p.m.**
CLOSED December 25th ~ Christmas Day
**December 31st, New Year's Eve, OPEN til 3 p.m.**
CLOSED January 1 ~ Happy New Year!

Do you have any payment methods besides credit card?
We accept the following forms of payment:
Master Card
Visa
American Express
Discover Card
PayPal (use mmjfirst@aol.com as the PayPal i.d.)

We recommend that you do not send your credit card number through regular e-mail, as it is not encrypted and may be viewed by a third party as it travels the internet. All orders should be placed via phone, 815-462-4900 between 10AM to 8PM Central Mon thru Friday, 10AM - 5PM Saturday, and Noon - 5PM Sunday.

How do I return products I purchased from Blue Fire Beads?
Returns are only accepted with return authorization from Keith or Mari by calling 815-462-4900.

What method of shipping does Blue Fire Beads use?
We use the United States Post Office (USPS) for all of our shipping needs. Over the years we have tried various other forms of shipping and have found that the USPS is the best means for us. Packages are always mailed First Class and Insured.

How are shipping rates computed?
Shipping rates are computed using the approximate weight and size of your order.

Frequently Asked Jewelry Making Questions

What exactly is sterling silver jewelry (or 925 sterling silver)?
Silver, even that which has been fully work-hardened, gradually re-crystallizes and softens at room temperature. To maintain hardness, other metals are added to form alloys that are harder, stronger, and less susceptible to scratching. The best-known copper-silver alloy is sterling, which is 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent copper (hence the name 925 sterling silver).

What is gold filled jewelry (GF)?
Gold filled is a process of pressure bonding a thin layer of gold to a base metal core (usually brass). Gold filled (unlike gold plating) has an actual layer of gold, giving it more value and making it tarnish-resistant.

What is vermeil?
Vermeil or vermeille (pronounced either ver-meel' or ver-MAY') is produced by an electrolytic process. The inside core is sterling silver and the outside is a coating of gold. Gold plate does not adhere well to silver. Where the plating has not bonded, the silver will tarnish underneath the plating. On the gold-plated surface, this will appear as dark, blotchy spots. The gold-plate will darken over time, and will eventually wear off. On highly decorated surfaces such as Bali beads, the irregular darkening adds an antique effect to the piece. If you are mixing vermeil and gold-filled pieces together, remember that the vermeil will darken, but the gold-filled will not.

What is Mother-Of-Pearl (MOP)?
Mother-of-Pearl is the lining of a shell. It is usually the same color, composition and quality as the pearls that were produced by the particular mollusk. Mother-of-Pearl is often used in sterling silver jewelry because of its regal and sophisticated look.

What are Bali beads? What's the difference between Bali silver and sterling silver?
Strictly speaking, Bali beads are silver beads produced in Bali, Indonesia. These beads are handmade (not cast) with unique design and intricate detail. Because of its popularity, more countries are now producing this type of beads. Therefore, the term 'Bali beads' is now generally referring to 'Bali-style beads'. Bali Silver usually has less than 92.5% silver content, so it cannot be designated as sterling.

What is Swarovski Crystal "AB"? What is "AB 2X"?
Swarovski crystal offers a wide range of colors and special coatings. Special coatings are bonded chemically to the outer surface of the Swarovski crystals for a more brilliant effect. The special effect and special coating of the beads are permanent. Aurora Borealis, better known as "AB", is one of the more popular Swarovski crystal coatings that gives off a rainbow-like effect. Even more striking is the "AB 2X", which means the bead has 2 coats of the AB finish.

What gauge wire should I use for jewelrymaking?
Wire Gauges
28g – extremely fine – too small for most jewelry applications
26g – extra fine – for very small gemstones, & for wire crochet
24g – fine – for pearls & most gemstones – easy to work with
22g & 21 g – medium – fairly universal for glass beads, fits some pearls & gemstones
20g – medium heavy – great for earwires, clasps or larger beads
18g – heavy – often good for chainmaille or when you want a heavier look
16g – heavy – often used as a base to wrap finer wires around
14g – heavy – often used as a base to wrap finer wire around
12g – very heavy – hard to work with, 12g dead soft is generally used as the base for bangle bracelets.

Wire Terms
Wire Temper – Measures the amount of spring in the wire.
Soft or deadsoft – Has no spring when you bend it. Good for making wire beads.
Half-hard* - Has some spring, but is still malleable. Good for basic wirework. Hold its shape well.
Hard or full Hard – Very hard to bend, doesn’t work well in most jewelry applications.
Annealing – Heating the wire to soften it.
Work hardening – Hammering, drawing or rolling wire will make it harder.

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