Question on cording

[Polly]

For higher end items, deciding on a cording type can be a little tough.
- Natural leather cording has more irregularities, but is "the real thing", and I almost always prefer the real thing.
- Imitation leather cord is smooth and regular.  Its primary drawback is the name. But it would look good, and last many years.
- Rattail's name sounds bad, but the cord is actually quite nice.  It is a round satin-like cord, available in over 40 colors.  It it soft, not at all stiff like the leather and imitation leather, which makes it better for small pendants -- it will hang straight. However, it can be snagged if the pendant bail is rough or has any openings, like jump rings or split rings do.

So if your pendants are attached to the cord with jump rings, split rings, or anything rough, rattail won't work.

And if your pendants are too lightweight, the pendants won't hang quite right on leather or imitation leather.

[Polly]

Rattail does not look like leather, other than size.
Its finish is more like ribbon, but it is round.  One thing I forgot to mention -- It is definitely better for ladies' necklaces rather than guys' necklaces.  

The other cord you mention, I'm sure is waxed cotton.  It is a nice cord for both men and women, and very durable.  It is more matte than the other cord, even leather.  We carry the 2mm size in Black and 7 other colors.

[Polly]

We did some testing, but couldn't really come up with an exact weight at which there is no curvature of cord that has just been removed from the spool.

Imitation Leather was the stiffest.  This stays curved for a while (a few days worth of wearing) even with a few inches worth of beads on it.

Genuine Leather is also fairly stiff, and wants to stay coiled almost as much as the imitation leather.  It also takes at least a few hours of being worn before it loses its curvature ... and that's with more than just 1 pendant hung on it.

Waxed Cotton straightens easier, but still hangs a bit curved on your display -- not too bad though.  Waxed cotton is also quite durable and comfortable.

All 3 of the above will benefit from a few tugs to pull them straighter before going on your display.  All 3 straighten naturally with help from body warmth when worn.

Rattail hangs straight with almost any pendant, but  keep in mind that it can fray, so only works with pendants that have a smooth bail.

So for your purposes (just a pendant with a smooth bail, and no extra beads for extra weight), Waxed Cotton and Rattail are your best choices.

Regarding color:  Black is the most popular color.  But having more choices helps add interest to your display.  You might want to give people their choice of 2 cording types & 3 colors.
Tan goes fine with silver and many gemstones, and is fairly neutral.  And since Amethyst is one of the most popular stones set in silver, you might want purple for the people who want something more colorful than black or tan.

[Val]

Hello.
I need to buy cord for pendants. I am just starting a business and do not
know the technical aspects of cord.
There seems to be the leather and imitation leather cord. Which do you
suggest for higher end--i.e.: balinese silver pendants--items?
I will be buying on a regular basis after securing suppliers; I am
currently looking to establish a silver chain supplier. If you offer a
competitive wholesale pricing--under .45 gram--I would love to
consolidate my purchases into one supplier; as you have many fine and
convenient products available (I can purchase the chain unfinished for a
pricing incentive).
But regardless, my main concern is with the cord.
Perhaps you could send me some small samplings of the different types,
colors, etc that you have available. I would be glad to pay shipping.
Thank you so much.
Sincerely,
Ernest Walker.

[allports]

Thanks Polly.
That rattail sounds nice; does it generally look like the leather type cording?
My pieces are very smooth, so snagging won't be a problem.
I'll still get some of the leather and artificial just for variety, but I think that rattail might be what I'm looking for.
I have seen some stuff that is not too awful stiff but seems like it has wax in it, looks like leather otherwise; any ideas as to what that is?
And lastly, what type of clasping would you recommend for the rattail? I know people put a lot of measure in clasps on a piece.
Thanks again Polly,
Ernest.

[allports]

Thanks Polly.
I had a chance to go over your site last night, and know better what I'm talking about now. I had been through it all before but then wasn't looking at cord.
At what weight do you think rattail is needed? I have pieces between 1.5 grams, to 15g. and what weight would something like the imitation,waxed cotton, etc work well for?
Thanks so much,
I will get some of the colored rattail as well just to have a larger selection. I think the tans and such might go with silver w gemstones, you think?
Ernest.

[allports]

Thanks Polly,
That goes in line with what I came to the conclusion with; the waxed cotton and rattail. Those colors are also ones I liked, and like you said, add color to the display.
You have been lots of help.
Sincerely,
Ernest.