The pre-formed channel on these innovative wire protectors (aka Cable Thimbles and Wire Guardians) prevents fraying on stringing cable and cord. It is usually placed where you make a loop to attach the clasp. Use with a crimp bead (or crimp tube), and before crimping, make sure your wires are not crossed. Choose from size 1 and size 2 wire guards (protectors) in several platings, plus gold fill and sterling silver.
Bullion (or French wire) was originally used to finish silk bead cord ends, primarily for knotted pearl necklaces. It attractively hides and protects the end of the cord. When using Bullion, you normally hide your knot inside or between the end pearl bead(s). French wire is now gaining popularity as an elegant way to finish/hide the exposed end loops of stringing cable (tigertail, Beadalon, Soft Flex, etc., also known as beading wire).Using Bullion to Finish Beading Cable
- Start necklace.
- String a crimp bead onto your beading cable.
- Cut about 1/4" (6mm) of bullion. String this onto your beading cable. Pull up snug to the crimp bead.
- String a split ring, or the loop of your clasp, over the bullion. Or, you can add a jump ring to this spot later.
- Make a loop by going back into the crimp bead and gently pull the loop snug.
- Crimp the crimp bead.
- You may want to tuck the short end of your stringing cable into the last few beads.
- [String necklace or bracelet here ...]
- Finish necklace.
- String a crimp bead.
- String 1/4" (6mm) of bullion onto your beading cable. Pull up snug to crimp bead.
- String a split ring, or finding of your choice, over the bullion.
- Make a loop by going back into the crimp bead and gently pull the loop snug.
- Crimp the crimp bead and snip cord or feed the leftover cord back into end bead.