Question #135:
What would be the absolute strongest, most durable clasp on the market? Say, so that the average woman could feed two bracelet onto a clothesline and hang from them by holding onto one with each hand…
Answer:
"Wow - that's a vivid mental picture. Obviously, Beadalon products are not recommended for dangerous action-movie stunts. Jewelry strength depends heavily on the construction of the piece. The strongest clasp would be one manufactured through machine-stamping instead of casting. Beadalon's 2-ring lobster clasps fit the bill - the rings are soldered and the body of the lobster is die-struck instead of cast. "
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Question #136:
How can I get a two strand necklace to twist and remain twisted?
Answer:
There are several ways to make twisted strands. It's generally easier to permanently twist three or more strands - you can kind of braid and twist the strands together before attaching a clasp. One way to make a double-strand twisted necklace is to make one long strand, twist it, fold it in half and allow the strands to naturally twist around each other. My favorite method is to use a magnetic clasp because you can twist the strands before you clasp it, then they stay twisted when you wear the necklace. It doesn't matter how many strands you use for this method.
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Question #137:
I would like to make a necklace with a magnetic tube clasp - so much easier to fasten! Where do I start?
Answer:
There are two types of magnetic tube clasps on the market. Beadalon carries one with a loop on each end. To attach it, string a crimp bead and half of the clasp onto the wire, then loop it back through the crimp bead. Another type of clasp comes with a hole on each end: string the clasp onto the necklace end and then crimp or knot it inside the clasp.
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Question #138:
I recently purchased a package of ring-sized memory wire, but the circumference is too large for even my thumb. I tried pulling the wire tighter, but it lost that perfect round shape. Any suggestions?
Answer:
One of the attributes of memory wire is that it always keeps its shape - this is good news if you want to make a design without a clasp, but it also means that you can't force the wire to become any smaller. Using larger beads will help shrink the size but it sounds like the wire you have is larger than it ought to be.
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Question #139:
I'm making a necklace with silver plated memory wire but the coil is just slightly too small. How can I reshape/bend it so that it opens up slightly and keeps its shape?
Answer:
Because memory wire hardened to keep its shape, sadly, you can't bend the wire to adjust the size of the coils. However, using larger beads can help make the coils larger.
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Question #140:
I am about to use memory wire for the first time and read a warning on the package about "proposition 65." What specific chemicals are in memory wire and Beadalon jewelry wire. Should I be concerned about handling it with bare hands or making jewelry for children?
Answer:
The proposition 65 disclaimer is on our old packaging, compliant with California state law. Recently, the law has been modified to exclude jewelry, so the warning has been removed. The law was designed to protect consumers from products containing lead or nickel, which can be harmful if ingested. We have made sure our manufacturing processes create safe products and the amount of nickel present in the tools and wires is far too insignificant to cause any harm by touching or wearing it. You can be assured that your memory wire is entirely safe to use. For more information on California's Proposition 65, visit their website, www.prop65news.com.
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Question #141:
I recently got into memory wire bracelets and necklaces. Only the wire will not go into pearls and drilled gemstones/chips. I've been using 24 gauge and sometimes 26 gauge sterling wire. Can you suggest any other wires? I love the look of the silver plated, but it can be pricey. Please help.
Answer:
"I like using memory wire, too. You can use it with pearls and gemstones but you'll need to use a bead reamer to make the bead holes larger. Bead reamers are a round file that fits down inside the hole.
Artistic Wire is another wire product that you may be interested in. It is enamel-coated copper wire that is permanently colored. It does come in silver in a variety of diameters. It is far less expensive than sterling and may be appropriate for some of your wire-wrapping projects. Beadalon wires are flexible beading wires that you use with crimp beads and crimp tubes. The higher the number of wires in the strand, the more flexible the wire. Choose the diameter based on the bead hole size. Other companies sell a similar product but Beadalon is the only company that actually manufactures its own wire, which means we offer more options in terms of color, size and flexibility. I prefer to use this type of wire for most of my stringing projects because it combines the strength of stainless steel with the softness of thread, making a durable piece that has a nice drape. It's especially useful for heavier glass and gemstone beads - I use it with pearls as well. "
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Question #142:
I've just discovered Remembrance Memory wire. Is it possible to use a crimp tool with crimp tubes with memory wire? Which size?
Answer:
I love the memory wire, too. We don't recommend using crimp tubes with it, but we have special memory wire end caps that you can glue onto the end of the wire. The end caps come in gold or silver plate and in several different shapes. Use BeadFix to glue them onto the wire.
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Question #143:
I purchased some ring-sized memory wire online, and I was so excited when it arrived. But it’s too big for my fingers. What can I do?
Answer:
Memory wire is tempered to hold its shape, so there really isn't a way to rebend it into a smaller loop. But don't lose hope! One way to minimize the size would be to use larger beads. This will make the ring fit more snugly. Additionally, you can make a loop on each end of the wire, then join them together with a charm to make a fitted ring. Along that same line, try cutting the wire to fit, then glue the ends inside a bead.
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Question #144:
New beader just starting to experiment with memory wire. If I make a necklace what is the best way to make a "clasp?" I have seen some necklaces that have a bead end stuck on to the tips - is this secure enough? What are my other options?
Answer:
Memory wire is great for making neat cuffs and chokers that would be difficult to make otherwise. You’re right, you can glue memory wire end caps onto the ends instead of using a clasp. They come in different shapes and add a nice professional finish to the ends. Or, just useround nose pliers to loop the ends. I usually use 1 1/2 loops of memory wire for a necklace; the ends overlap when you’re wearing it which prevents the necklace from coming off. You could also make loops on the ends and attach a clasp, but this isn’t usually necessary unless your beads are very, very heavy.
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Question #145:
What is the best way to secure occasional beads on memory wire - glue or crimp beads?
Answer:
I would recommend gluing beads in place on the wire. Use a super glue-type glue like Bead Fix. Crimp beads aren’t very secure on memory wire because it's so hard; the crimp doesn't bite into the wire like it would on flexible beading wire.
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Question #146:
I just completed a necklace on memory wire, cutting just over 1 1/2 coils. When I wore the necklace, I found it was a little tight. If I cut the wire so that there's less overlap, will it be more comfortable?
Answer:
The wire is tempered to hold its shape, so cutting a smaller length will probably not affect how it fits around your neck. You could try using larger beads; that will make the necklace stand out further from your neck and may give you a more comfortable fit. The necklace memory wire does come in two sizes, regular necklace and large necklace. Check the package - the regular size just says "necklace," the large size is marked "large necklace." The "large" size might give be more comfortable.
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Question #147:
I'm new to memory wire. I purchased the large bracelet memory wire. How do I know which size to choose? How long do I cut the wire?
Answer:
Memory wire comes in two bracelet sizes, two necklace sizes, and a ring size. The large bracelet fits most people more like a bangle, while the regular bracelet is more fitted. Since the wire is hardened, it always keeps its shape regardless of the length of the piece cut. For a single strand bracelet, cut about one and a half loops. The ends overlap a bit and keep the bracelet securely on your arm. + Article: memory wire 101
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Question #148:
I make children's name bracelets on memory wire. I'm having trouble finding memory wire of a large enough size. It used to be 2 1/8 in. in diameter and now what I find is only 1 3/4 in. - too small!
Answer:
Beadalon carries two sizes of bracelet memory wire. The wire is coiled by running through a series of dies, which can wear over time. Standard bracelet wire can vary between 1.75 in. - 2.25 in., while large bracelet wire is 2.25 - 2.63 in. in diameter. Also remember that the sizes and types of beads used in the design will also impact the overall size of your finished piece.
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Question #149:
Beginning beader here. What is the best way to terminate the ends of the beaded ring using memory wire? Placing a larger bead (just a little larger), then creating a loop at the end of the seems ok. Just bending the wire in the opposite direction after creating a loop catches on to things and feels uncomfortable. Any other suggestions?
Answer:
Try bending a small loop on the end. This can be a bit tough since memory wire is tempered, but it is quick and effective. Or consider using 3mm memory wire ends that can be glued in place. Use BeadFix which is like superglue. This only takes about 5-10 seconds to set but you may need to hold it in place a little longer to make sure it does not pop off. Then I would let it sit for several hours to cure fully. Just bending the wire 90 degrees is going to leave an edge that may catch on things or poke you.