for the tag issue regarding gems, can't you take 2 transparent colored Micheal's gems and glue the tag in the middle?
http://www.craftykits.co.uk/acatalog/gems1.jpg
Like the flat square gems in this picture. Put the gem tag on the flat side of one gem and super glue the other one so the 2 are back to back with the tag safely in between. They might even end up water proof.
http://www.craftykits.co.uk/acatalog/gems1.jpg
Like the flat square gems in this picture. Put the gem tag on the flat side of one gem and super glue the other one so the 2 are back to back with the tag safely in between. They might even end up water proof.