Beads, chain, and end caps

[riverofbeautydesigns]

What is the securest/prettiest way to attach a length of beads to a chain in a necklace? I have been using beading wire that I crimp on the ends, but In the front of the necklace I dont like the look of either the wire loops or the French bullion or wire guards that I have used to cover the loops.

I am going to try .7mm beading chain next with end caps that have a 1mm inside diameter - the end caps have loops to attach the chain. The caps can be either crimped or glued (or both). I dont think i will like the look of crimped end caps, but I dont trust glue alone either. My current thinking is to try to add a large-hole bead that will cover the crimp, but I am not wild about that solution, as gemstones generally dont come in large-hole versions. I would have to use metal. Any expert advice? Thank you!

[Former_Member]

alien skull pendant... brand new to AMMO AMMO.... stay tuned for more from this collection... annnd let us know what you think :)

https://www.etsy.com/listing/195543169/sterling-silver-alien-skull-pendant-on?

[riverofbeautydesigns]

Thanks for the spam. Anyone else?

[weekendjewelry1]

Nina, are you saying that after you string beads on your Softflex or whatever, you don't like the crimp / loop method of attaching to your clasp or whatever? I'm not quite clear on your question.

When the crimp bead / loop area is small, I've actually used crimp covers - 4mm I think (probably the largest I could find) to cover the area, or part of it. But I'm thinking that's not where you're going with this??

If it's not a whole string of beads you're attaching, but smaller sections, could you string them on wire and do a hangman's noose wire loop?

[riverofbeautydesigns]

Jen, Thanks for your reply! What I'm talking about is attaching a fairly long section of beads -- could be 8" or 12" -- (maybe multiple sections of beads) to pieces of chain on each end of the bead section(s). Clasp wd be attached to the chain.

Up to now I have just used the beading wire with crimps and crimp covers, sometimes using a wire guard, but I find both the guard and the "naked" wire loop unattractive.

When you suggest stringing on wire with a hangman's knot, what kind of wire are you thinking of? I need something that is strong enough to hold 8-12" of stones, pretty when it is visible in the loop, and flexible for draping and knotting. My idea of pretty is sterling silver or gold-filled wire... but I dont know if they will be flexible and drapable. I think they would likely break and bend instead....? That's why I was wondering if beading chain with endcaps with loops would work.

I do like the look of a hangman's noose!

[weekendjewelry1]

I think you're right. 24 gauge sterling for example would work for a short section - and it could be shaped. But it would probably not be strong enough for any 'active' section - and it wouldn't drape.

I'm envisioning a strand or three (or however many) to make a multi-strand necklace - attached to single sections of chain that go around the back of the neck. So the multiple strands are all in front. That sort of idea, anyhow. And I think I have always done the crimps-with-covers for that sort of design. Not crazy about the crimps, either.

Off the wall idea: have you ever tried Fireline? Super strong and won't shred or get cut probably, even with rough gemstone holes (tiny ones of course, if it's good stones).

I think I'm going to try a sketch. It's too hard to figure out how to write this! Back in a few.

[weekendjewelry1]

Well I'm attaching the sketch, if only to show an idea that didn't work. I was trying to visualize how you could wrap the fireline multiple times around a link in the chain - making it strong. And it would be very flexible, and you could probably figure out how to do multiple strands.

But it wouldn't be "finished" looking. See attached sketch. Still would have that pesky not-professionally-finished link thing. Darn.
http://vintageglassjewels.com/blog_pics/stringing_idea.jpg

[weekendjewelry1]

P.S. Were you thinking of the beading chain *through* the holes in the beads? that would work with large hole beads, but... I'm probably picturing it wrong.

[riverofbeautydesigns]

Jen, Thanks again for puttng so much thought into this!! You are an ace! How the heck did you do that picture??? I love that! That is exactly what I am talking about, but you are right, Fireline used that way would still lack the polished finish that I am looking for. I have some but havent had the nerve to use it because I couldnt believe it could really bear the weight of stones. I will now give it a try based on your review. What is the heaviest type of design you have used it with?

The beading chain I got is .7mm. I can only use it with beads/stones with holes bigger than that, so it wont work with everything. I guess I will give the beadcaps with attached loops a try, when they get here, and report back.

If it doesnt work well, and for stones with smaller holes, I guess I am left trying to find a pretty beading wire... or with Fireline or silk. I want to try Extreme Soft Flex (comes in gold and silver plate, and claims abrasion resistance) but it is only 19 strand (I usually use 49) and pricy!

Thanks again!

[weekendjewelry1]

Nina, I can only give you my opinion - but I've tried the Fireline on quite heavy beads. It's strong. You know it was originally made for fishing line, right? and the various dimensions are tested for 15 pounds? more? It is not the same (at all) as clear ordinary fishing line - it's braided filaments. I don't know that it's better than Softflex but it's certainly as useful. I haven't used the Extreme Softflex - have been doing more suppies than jewelry the past few years. But I still do it for private customers and myself.

I think knotted silk is wonderful - but only with well-drilled stones - i.e., smooth drill holes - and you know that is pretty chancy.

The beadcaps with loops do give a nice finish - I think they would be a good bet for higher end stuff. They're not that hard to use.

I will also add though, that if you crimp neatly (sometimes I was challenged on that!) - that youa re your own worst critic - most customers are used to seeing crimp-style work and think it's fine.

Oh - I did that sketch in photoshop - that's what I've got, it's cumbersome sometimes but it works :-)

[riverofbeautydesigns]

Jen, thanks for sharing all that wisdom. I think what got me started on the search for an alternative was seeing someone wear a necklace I made where I used wire guards at the crimped ends of a length of about 8" of beads in the front of a short necklace. They were noticeable, unattractive, and now I realize unnecessary. I'll try out the beadcaps and worry less about my exposed crimp loops!

[weekendjewelry1]

Wisdom! My goodness. Experience, maybe - trial and error's real big around my house :-)

If I can think of anything useful I'll holler!