Question #120:
I'm doing a bracelet using 8mm crystal balls. I would like to put some caps on them. What size do I use? Do I go for a smaller size or the exact size?
Answer:
That will be so pretty! I would recommend using 8mm caps. They'll highlight the beads without covering them up too much. If you want it to have a more metallic look, you could go a size larger (9 or 10mm).
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Question #121:
I'm a long-time beader and I've been finishing my pieces with french wire and after threading it back through the last bead, I knot it between the last few beads. I noticed that you recommend finishing with crimp beads only. I prefer the look of french wire ends; is there any problem with this finishing technique?
Answer:
Beadalon recommends using crimp beads with beading wire because people tend to get more consistent results. Another alternative to french wire are Wire Guardians. It is designed specifically to protect the beading wire at the clasp much like french wire. However, there's no reason to change your technique since it's working so well for you.
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Question #122:
What is French Wire?
Answer:
French wire is a tiny coil of wire that can be used to cover the ends of a knotted design where it attaches to the clasp (not actually to cover the knots). This prevents wear and tear on the silk or poly nylon cord. French wire comes in different diameters; choose it based on the diameter of the cord used. It's available in gold or silver.
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Question #123:
How can I clean my jewelry safely? Is it safe to put beaded jewelry strung on Beadalon jewelry wire in ultrasonic or ionic cleaners? Or what about the steam cleaners?
Answer:
Ultrasonic, ionic, and steam cleaners will not harm Beadalon wire but they can cause problems for the beads. Gemstone beads have inclusions, pits, pores and other naturally-occurring blisters and blemishes. High tech cleaners can cause these blemishes to crack, crumble and break. These types of cleaners are typically targeted towards cleaning gold jewelry, which usually includes high quality stones - which wouldn't have those issues. To clean beaded jewelry, it's usually sufficient to use some windex, a little water and a soft cloth.
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Question #124:
How do I string a wire through a faceted bead with a hole on the top - I want to make a loop to string the wire through.
Answer:
To make your own wire bail, string the bead onto the center of a piece of wire. Bring the ends together above the bead. Use one of the wires to make a loop above the bead. Hold the other wire with the loop, then wrap the extra wire around the base of the loop (and the other wire). Cut off any extra wire. You're basically making a wrapped wire loop, you just have to make sure the the second wire is also secure within the wrapped part.
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Question #125:
I'm looking for a gold-plated wire that will thread through a 2mm hole bead. What do you recommend?
Answer:
The thickest Beadalon 24K Gold Plated wire is 49-strand .024" diameter (that's almost 1mm). Doubling this wire would nearly fill the 2mm hole. We always recommend filling as much of the hole as you can.
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Question #126:
What wire do you recommend for illusion necklaces with freshwater pearls? Can I use gold wire?
Answer:
An illusion necklace is usually done on a material that is almost unnoticeable - to create the illusion that the beads are floating. Often these were created using a clear monofilament. When using a wire or similar material this design is sometimes referred to as a "Tin Cup" (from the necklace Rene Russo wore in the movie Tin Cup). Use crimp beads to keep the beads floating on the wire. Beadalon gold plated wire would be a beautiful choice: this design really lets the beauty of the wire shine. Consider either Beadalon 49-strand gold plated .013" wire or 19-strand .012" wire. Choose the largest wire that will easily pass through your beads' holes.
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Question #127:
I use Beadalon 19-strand .010" diameter for knotting pearls. When I’m ready to cut the wire, should I use glue on the knots?
Answer:
We recommend gluing the last knots with GS Hypo Cement. It has a very fine tip and it's easy to place the glue right where you need it. If you want to try crimping the ends, use a #1 crimp tube.
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Question #128:
I am switching from silk cord to Dandyline™ and would like to know how to secure the finishing knot. Would securing the knot with super-glue weaken it?
Answer:
After you tie the knot, place a drop of GS Hypo Cement jeweler's glue on the knot. It dries clear and remains somewhat flexible. Superglue, on the other hand, becomes very brittle once dry.
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Question #129:
I am having problems doing wire wraps using head and eye pins. How can I keep the jewelry part still? Is there a vise that can be used to hold the piece in place?
Answer:
Okay, I think I see what you're saying. After sliding the beads onto the head pin or eye pin, you can make a right angle in the wire to hold the beads in place. Then make your loop. This might help. After you've made the loop, you could place the loop inside a vise, but I'm not sure that it would help with the beads sliding around.
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Question #130:
I need some help choosing the right wire to get the kind of drape I want. I'm looking to make a necklace with very little drape. I don’t want to use memory wire. I've tried using 7-strand .015" and .018", but my design calls for a stiffer look. Please help!
Answer:
You would get the least amount of drape from the thickest diameter (.026") of Beadalon 7 strand. You might also consider using jewelry cable. It's available in a variety of thicknesses from .031"-.093".
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Question #131:
"I'm a new beader, interested in crocheting and knitting with wire. I have three questions:
1. Which type tools are easier for arthritic hands to manipulate, regular sized or miniature sized?
2. I saw the Jump Ring Tool, can you tell me more about it? Can this tool help me to make jump rings to go with chunkier style jewelry?
3. Are there other tools available which may make my arthritis less of an impediment? "
Answer:
"Using regular sized tools should be easier for you - the miniature tools require a tighter grip.
2. The Jump Ring Tool is used to open and close jump rings and is typically worn on the forefinger above the joint. To use the tool, you place one arm of a jump ring inside the slot and turn it. To make your own jump rings, try using the Jump Ring Maker. It comes with different sizes of mandrels so you can make different sizes of rings.
3. Beadalon Designer Ergonomic tools are designed to be easier on the hands and wrists. Also consider the Beadalon Knotter Tool if you enjoy making knotted jewelry. "
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Question #132:
What's the best way to make knots snug right up against the bead when stringing a necklace?
Answer:
The best way to make quick, consistent knots is to use a Beadalon Knotter Tool. It comes with complete instructions and this article will give you the basics of knotting techniques.
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Question #133:
I am interested in learning how to string beads with knots separating each one, as in a pearl necklace. Can you tell me about the knotting tool? Does it do a better job than the traditional method using an awl and tweezers?
Answer:
The best way to make quick, consistent knots is to use a Beadalon Knotter Tool. It comes with complete instructions and this article will give you the basics of knotting techniques.
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Question #134:
What is the difference between the Tri-Cord Knotter and the Beadalon Knotter Tool? How can I learn how to use it?
Answer:
It took me a while to get the hang of using both knotting tools. It really helps to take a class, so I would highly recommend contacting your local bead shops to see if any workshops are available. The Beadalon knotter tool is very similar to the Tri-cord Knotter, but the Beadalon knotter tool is more economical and comes with a very well-written instruction manual.