What string is the best for beading a gemstone necklace?

[Former_Member]

I was thinking of using silk thread to bead necklaces and bracelets, but I know that they can fray easily. I'm not fond of the metal type strings as they don't seem to drape nicely. I want to make a high end bracelet or necklace for my mom, but I'm just stuck on what string to use. Do I use crimp beads? Can you suggest a shop in or link to find what I need?

Thank you

[Former_Member]

Yes you will need a crimp bead, what that does is stop the beads at the end of the string, wire, ect. How big a mm depends on what you are stringing on and what kind of beads. If you are going to use a silk thread, assuming you are using small mm beads such as 4 or 6, be sure you wax or buy waxed, it will protect the string. Also knot between the beads or pearls for protection if it does break, helps stop from losing everything.

Here is a link for info. They also have other info on their site. Happy beading.

http://www.kmversteeg.com/edtec541/final/thread.htm

[khmetalwork]

every knotted silk/thread bracelet that I've ever made has broken - I don't know if it's the wear that a bracelet gets, the crimp, the super glue stiffen thread breaks...no idea but they all break.

[Former_Member]

The 21 strand metal beading wire is pretty soft and drapes a lot like thread. I think it's 21...been a while since I used it.

[Former_Member]

khmetalwork from khmetalwork says

every knotted silk/thread bracelet that I've ever made has broken - I don't know if it's the wear that a bracelet gets, the crimp, the super glue stiffen thread breaks...no idea but they all break.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The traditional technique when finishing knotted silk necklaces is NOT to use crimp beads(they cut through the thread) and NOT to use super glue( it renders the thread brittle).
The classic way is to pass the thread in the clasp loop and them bring it back through the last bead, over knot it, pass it through the next bead, over knot it and pass it through the next bead. Before pulling the thread completely through this second to last bead, place a small dab of clear nail polish on the thread and pull it through the bead, them cut the thread flush.
Let the necklace stand for a few hours to make sure all is secure.

The silk thread needs also to be of the correct gauge for the weight of the beads, pearls or stones to string.

[Former_Member]

The higher the number, the better the drape on beading wire. For example, Beadalon 7 would be stiffer than 49 strand.

Depending on the size of the beads (and their weight), you would use a heavier weight (thicker diameter). For example, .024 is heavier than .013. Because these beading wires are nylon coated, they don't tend to get cut through by beads or crimps, but if they are kinked when worn or stored, the stainless steel core can break.

Remember that, of all jewelry, bracelets get about the most rough wear! Silk might just not be sturdy enough.

[vintagecalif]

If they are breaking at the crimp, then either you are making them too tight, or are not crimping correctly. Are you using a crimp pliers? Are you using it correctly? Are you buying good quality crimps? You may want to ask your local Beadstore for a refresher course in crimping.

Having owned a bead store for 20 years,
I am still amazed at customers that tell me they have been beading "Forever" and I notice they have been using the wrong techniques "Forever". Not saying that is you, just in my experience, some people were taught incorrectly.

If you are using silk thread and NOT knotting between beads, are you waxing the thread? Using knot covers? Allowing the knot adhesive to completely dry and cure before handling? Using thread that is barely thinner than the bead hole? You should be able to slide the beads on the thread, but they should remain suspended when you hold up one end of the cord.

The best knot sealer is Hypo- Tube Cement.... nail polish can crack, superglue can crack.

Hope this helps
'
Les ♥

[SirenMetalWorks]

Hypo-tube is the best knot sealer because it won't stiffen the silk. But, using crimp beads on silk is like adding a tiny little knife on the ends. When using silk thread, use this type of bead to end the piece. http://www.firemountaingems.com/itemdetails/H202187FN Then, you just pull the thread through, knot a few times, add hypo cement, and close the bead. Then the little tab on the end can hook to your jump rings or clasp, etc.

[Former_Member]

I want to make a venetian mileflori necklace. I'm going to use Nylon power bead string for knotting them, but I don't know which wide of the string I need. It come in different mm 0.30, 0.80.1.05 mm ,etc. How I can measure the hole of the bead to know which string is the correct for my beads ?

[Former_Member]

According to my knowledge, I will use 71# Chinese knotting cord for jade beading in akane's case. I search in etsy and find this shop https://www.etsy.com/listing/151148640/wholesale-04mm-10-yard-quality-chinlon?ref=sr_gallery_12&ga_s...

If you scorch this cord, it can melt and become hard. Then you can easily thread and fix the cord end (just scorch and stick). I think it's kind of nylon. In China, this kind of cord usually is used in jade beading so I think it's endurable enough for you, because Chinese wear jade as amulets which they never take off.

I used this cord to thread some small beads. In the following bracelet, I use 71# cord to thread the 4mm coral beads(the pink ones) and the 4mm white shell beads. The coral beads have such a tiny hole that even my needle can't get through. But 71# cord can! https://www.etsy.com/listing/151771151/ebook-a-tutorial-to-chinese-knot?ref=shop_home_active

[FlameOnGlass]

I would not use silk for gemstone necklaces. I use softflex or a similar cord & always use the one with 49 strands. It drapes very nicely & is strong.

[Former_Member]

Im needing to ask, I have a amber necklace and the thread they used is waxed and knotted between each amber. Can I get the thread out of the amber if this thread breaks so I could restring it. Thanks Debra