Best string for neclaces?

[cin3dee]

Hello,
   I would like to start making some neclaces with gemstones ,silver beads, and silver clasps.  Can someone please tell me what is the best string/wire everyone uses out there for this?  There are so many types and Im not sure what one is the best.  I would also like something that would string freshwater pearls nicely. Thank you so much for your help!   '>

[marym]

Use 49-strand beadalon for most bead stringing projects.  It won't kink on lighter weight pieces (such as pearls), and it's a pretty long-lasting cord that takes abuse well (as long as you crimp properly that is).

Silk cord is a nice look for pearls. You can string your pearls and tie knots on either end - so you can space them out on a silk color that complements the pearls well.  Because pearls often have a very small hole size- they do not always fit on beadalon. Silk string is a more traditional method, probably for this reason.    

49-strand Beadalon

Silk cord

Happy beading!!  And do let us know if you need anything else.

[cin3dee]

thanks for the info. I cant wait to try it out. cindy

[Luann Udell]

The lighter weight 49-strand Beadalon works great with pearls--I think it's the 26# weight, .014" diameter size.

Silk is great for just pearls.  Knotting consistently and with the right degree of tension can get tricky.  If the knot is too tight and the cord is fine, other beads (and sometimes even the pearls) can slip right over the knots because their holes are so much larger.  If the knot isn't tight enough, it will tighten with use and won't sit snuggly against the pearl.

Also, if you mix metal, stone and glass beads with the pearls, they can abrade the silk cord and wear right through it.  I make mixed crystal-and-pearl "tin cup" necklaces, and I always get a few returns a year to be restrung.  Customers love them so much they wear them right out!

Silk will rot if it gets wet repeatedly.  (I have customers who work out and shower in those necklaces--OY!!)  Also, I think perfume is not good for it, but I won't swear to that.

I've found I can use the #2, #4 and once in awhile the #6 size twisted silk cord that comes on the 3-meter cards, but #8 is always too big for pearls.

So--pure beauty & drape = silk.
Durability and drape = 49 strand Beadalon.

And P*R*A*C*T*I*C*E makes perfect!  '>
hope this helps,
Luann

[Polly]

For knotting between pearls, I recommend the Tri-Cord Knotter.  

$42 - $100 may seem like a lot if you're doing just one necklace, but the knots look much nicer than anything I can do by hand.  (Although I know that others of you are much more talented at knot-tying than I am.)
But consider that if you have a jeweler restring and knot a pearl necklace, it costs from $3 - $10 per inch to knot and restring.  (30" necklace @ $10/inch = $300!!)

So if you are stringing pearl jewelry on a regular basis, knotting is a very nice addition, and the tri-cord knotter makes this fast and efficient.  Knots keep the pearls from rubbing against each other, as well as making it so that if the necklace breaks, only one bead is lost.  

However, if mixing materials: I agree with what Luann said. If you are mixing materials, then silk thread can be hazardous. Some beads have rough interiors and can fray or even cut silk cord.  For mixed media, I prefer Beadalon.

--Polly

[cin3dee]

thank you for your info!  I really enjoy this board. Cindy '>