Jewelry making...what kind of wire do I use to make bracelets?

Question

I am a "newbie" at making jewelry and my first project will be a bracelet for a friend. I am confused as to what type of wire I need in order to string the beads. I plan on using some silver 7mm alphabet letters and some 6mm (not sure yet) swarovski crystals. Do I use stainless steel wire with a nylon coating like accu-flex? I plan on using .014" diameter wire, is this too fine? There are just so many to choose from, please help!

I want something that has a drape, I think memory wire is too stiff

Answer 1

I always use Softflex beading wire, I think Beadalon is too stiff.
Softflex is more expensive, about $11.00 per 30' roll, but if you are only making one project, your local bead store should be able to help you by selling you a couple feet of it. It should cost you about .39 per foot. They always have an open spool that they use in the store. I always use one foot of wire for a bracelet, that leaves you enough to work with when you are putting on the clasp, then you can cut off the ends. I usually use .014: .019 sometimes will not go through the smaller beads or through the crimps twice when you put on the clasp., but with larger beads like you are planning on using it might be appropriate. When you need to find out what size your bracelet should be, measure the wrist right where it joins the hand. That is the length of your beads. When you put the clasp on, that should make it just about the right size, but it is still a good idea to try it before putting the clasp on: the beads should just meet around your wrist when you hold it in place. You will need spacers between your alpha beads so they hang right. 5mm sterling silver beads or disc shaped beads work well. Your bead store can help you , you might consider taking a bracelet class and have that be your project., so you know how to put on the clasp and finish it.

Answer 2

I have always used Beadalon wire, which I think is similar to Accu-flex. The spool I have now is .018" diameter wire, which is rated "good" on Beadalon's flexibility scale. (out of "good" "better" and "best"). It's been fine for me. You will need crimp beads to secure the ends. You *could* consider using sterling silver wire; it's a slightly different sheen than normal beading wire but it sounds like you've got a special project planned so it's a thought. Like if you have a 40%off coupon. But really, only a smidge of wire will show at the ends anyway. One spool of the regular stuff is 30 feet so if you get the bracelet made and don't like how it is hanging you can always restring it.

I made a mother's bracelet and had issues with the spacer beads I chose. They just didn't want to hang right. I wish I redid the project before giving it to my friend using different spacers that hung better. My $.02 of advice.

Answer 3

Accuflex is a good choice, I suggest the 49 strand Accuflex. Also most of the alphabet beads have very large holes. I made a Mother's bracelet for a friend a few years ago and used 2mm sterling round beads inside of the alphabet beads so they didn't wobble around so much. I did a search for a tutorial on these type of bracelet's, this may be of help to you. http://www.ornamentea.com/projects/NameBrac.html
If you need supplies I may be able to help with some of them http://www.allthatglitterscrystalbeads.com

Good Luck!

Warning: Beading is very addictive, no known cure is available at this time.

Answer 4

How about memory wire?
http://jewelrymaking.about.com/od/memorywirebracelets/Memory_Wire_Projects.htm

If you want it to drape, maybe beading thread or elastic would be a better way to go.
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