Question #28:
I'm new to beading and my daughter and I are making a rosary. We are using .015" diameterBeadalon 49-strand jewelry wire and Swarovski crystals. Is it sturdy enough to last a lifetime of use? Would doubling the wire increase the durability?
Answer:
Your rosary project sounds like it's going to be beautiful. I understand your concern about wanting the piece to last a lifetime. My best advice is that most well-made designs strung on Beadalon will last for a very long time, but heavily used items will probably need to be restrung at some point. To make the most durable piece possible, always use the largest diameter of wire that will pass through the bead holes. This helps to prevent abrasion. Since crystals can have sharp edges, this will be especially important for your rosary. You mentioned doubling the wire. This is a good idea, unless it prevents the piece from being very flexible. You might just need to use a larger diameter of wire. Pay special attention to crimping, too, since this is the area that often has problems.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Question #29:
I am making a bracelet using Beadalon 49-strand jewelry wire with glued end caps. The glue I have has a warning that it's ""not suitable for soft PVC." Does the nylon-coated Beadalon 49-strand fall under this? Is it safe to use my glue?
Answer:
We do not use poly vinyl chloride (PVC) for any of our manufacturing, and as such, we are not very familiar with its properties. If you feel that the nylon coating on Beadalon wire could compromise the ability of the adhesive to bond, consider stripping the nylon coating off the very end of the wire, allowing a metal to metal connection.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Question #30:
I'm just starting out. What type of wire is best to use for beading 3mm, 4mm, and 6mm Swarvoski crystals?
Answer:
"I would suggest a slightly thicker diameter and definitely the 49 strand wire. The higher the number of strands, the better and more flexible the wire. Swarovski crystals can cause abrasion problems because of the sharp edges on the beads. Avoid stringing them too tightly. This will cause undue stress and wear. Typically, we recommend choosing a wire that will fill as much of the beads' holes as possible. For general use, consider Beadalon 49-strand .018"". For bracelets or very heavy items use the thickest wire possible. If you are adding very small gemstones or pearls you may need to go as small as .013 in the 49 strand (or even .010 in 19 strand!)"
_________________________________________________________________________________
Question #31:
I make bracelets and necklaces stringing gemstone beads and pearls on Beadalon 49-strand.018", but some seem to be too stiff. Can I use 49-strand .013" on necklaces and bracelets safely? I also have tried the Dandyline, it drapes really well. Can I use the .006 Dandyline doubled and knotted on my work?
Answer:
Strength is very important for bracelets as they are subject to a lot of wear and tear. But there are times when you must use a smaller diameter. The size of bead holes in pearls and small gemstones can limit wire diameter if they have very small holes. Your biggest enemy is abrasion: use a bead reamer to remove any sharp edges on the beads, and don't string them too tightly. Examine your jewelry from time to time to check for signs of wear or abrasion. Everything has a life and at some point it may need to be restrung. DandyLine is another great choice; it will give your jewelry a very silky drape.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Question #32:
I string bracelets of sterling silver beads on Beadalon 49-strand. Recently, I have had 3 bracelets break right in the middle of the wire, not at the more stressed area around the clasp. It simply frayed and then snapped. Isn't 49-strand the strongest wire? Is it the beads that's causing this trouble? Please help!
Answer:
Beadalon 49-strand is the best choice for this kind of project. Bracelets commonly take a lot of wear and tear - are you using the largest diameter wire that will fit through your beads? Abrasion sounds like the culprit with your bracelets. Be sure to use a bead reamer to remove any sharp edges on your beads prior to stringing. Small spacer beads may also ease abrasion. Also, be sure that your designs are not strung too tightly - try bending it into shape before doing the final crimping.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Question #33:
I make sterling silver letter bracelets using Beadalon 49-strand .018 wire (26 lb. break). The bracelets can get quite heavy when I use almost all alphabet beads. The hole diameter of the alphabet beads (3.5mm) differs from the hole diameter of the spacer beads (1mm). And what about the ending bead, which needs to have the wire fed through twice after the crimp? Would a larger diameter of wire work for the 1mm holes? What is the highest break strength that I can get with the correct diameter for my work? When I have taken apart bracelets to restring them there are notches in the nylon where beads have obviously been sitting. But I can't string the beads too loosely on the strand or it takes away from the design.
Answer:
Sadly, your jewelry is a prime example of why jewelry wire fails: stringing the beads with tension, the sharp edges of the heavy letter beads, varying hole diameter, the wear and tear a bracelet gets. One tip - do not worry about bringing the wire back through the bead after crimping. As long as your crimp was done properly you will have a strong connection. This will allow for a much larger diameter wire to be used - an essential! Consider using a .030" diameter wire for your bracelets. Stringing them tightly is going to be a problem. The "notches" in your wire is a clear sign that the beads are cutting into the wire and causing abrasion, which will shorten the lifespan of your jewelry significantly.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Question #34:
I have been using Beadalon 49-strand wire and loving it. I am in the process of making ankle braclets for 15 family members for a trip to Hawaii. How does your wire stand up to salt and fresh water?
Answer:
Beadalon jewelry wire is made of nylon coated Type 304 stainless steel. It is resistant to salt water. We do would recommend taking off any jewelry before swimming, showering or hanging ten, but don't worry if it gets wet. Have fun!
_________________________________________________________________________________
Question #35:
I am new to beadwork. When do I use thread and when do I use wire? Which can be knotted and which should be crimped?
Answer:
As a rule of thumb, use crimps for all Beadalon wire except in very rare circumstances. For cord and thread, avoid crimps and use knots - sometimes with a drop of glue. Choose wire for those projects that require something stronger than traditional beading cords. There is a lot of room for personal choice and for the attributes of the material of choice. Different cords have varying properties that make them ideal for certain applications.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Question #36:
Is Beadalon beading wire hypoallergenic? Can it be worn in and out of salt and fresh water? I'm looking for a wire that can be immersed in water periodically throughout the day and still be durable.
Answer:
Our wire is constructed of stainless steel with nylon coating. The wire can get wet and the nylon provides addtional protection from corrosion.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Question #37:
Can I use more than one strand of Beadalon jewelry wire in a single crimp tube or is it only safe to use one wire per crimp?
Answer:
You can double up the wire within a crimp tube. Just make sure that you have a crimp tube that accommodates the wire. For example, we recommend a #3 crimp tube for wire diameters between .024" .026". If you are using a .013" diameter wire you would have enough space to put them both through and double back to make the crimp. You do not need to do this however. As long as you are using the appropriate wire for the design you making, the wire and the crimp should be strong enough without having to double up.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Question #38:
I'm making bracelets using Beadalon 49 strand jewelry wire and 8mm Swarovski bicone crystals. What is the ideal diameter wire and crimping bead?
Answer:
We always recommend using the thickest wire that will pass through your beads. Remember that bracelets take a lot of abuse, so be sure not to string it too tightly. Try using our .024" wire with our #2 crimp bead. This should create a nice solidly built bracelet. Drape is not a major factor here so this should be a good combination.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Question #39:
If I use a double strand of Beadalon 49 strand .018", should I use a #4 crimp tube? What size Crimp BEAD would I use, or could I use a regular bead as a crimp bead.
Answer:
Yes, a #4 crimp tube should work fine with a doubled strand of .018 wire. It will work best if you use the Mighty Crimp Tool. This is designed for our #3 and #4 crimp tube and it does a great job of finishing them off. I think that that it could make the the difference and that you would be happy with the results. As for crimp beads, we do not have a crimp bead that is big enough.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Question #40:
What is the correct wire gauge to use for making bracelets and necklaces with turquoise beads, fresh water pearls, smokey quartz and other gemstones?
Answer:
The highest quality, most flexible wire is Beadalon 49 strand, constructed of 49 tiny strands of stainless steel inside a nylon coating. Choose the diameter based on the bead hole size.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Question #41:
I'm making crystal bracelets using right angle weave. The monofilament I've been using causes the beads to buckle. Will Supplemax alleviate this problem, and let the beads lay flat?
Answer:
It sounds like you need to use a more flexible stringing material to prevent the beads from buckling. Depending on the type of monofilament you're using, Supplemax might be more flexible. However, I've made right angle weave crystal bracelets using Beadalon 49-strand and haven't had a buckling problem, so I can definitely recommend trying that instead. Beadalon 49 is now available in gold and silver, too, so it adds a really pretty effect to the woven piece.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Question #42:
Newbie beader here - please explain the difference between 7 strand, 19 strand, and 49 strand. How do I choose? What type of projects are best suited to which beading wire?
Answer:
Article: Choosing the Right Beading Wire