Store them in air-tight containers such as Zip-Loc Bags or Tupperware with anti-tarnish carbon strips and keep them away from anything acidic or sulfuric. A rubber band, for example, will turn silver black. Paper and cardboard will also tarnish silver, unless it is acid-free.

If you are using jewelry wire to string your project, you can crimp the wire directly onto the loop at the end of the barrel clasp. If you are using chain, you can use an open jump ring to attach your chain to the loop on the clasp.

The 2493 Chessboard Flatbacks come in several sizes- 8mm, 10mm, 12mm and 30mm (Crystal and Jet only). You find additional rhinestone shapes by following these links:

http://www.artbeads.com/loose-rhinestones1.html

http://www.artbeads.com/flnoho.html