Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Gilruth Designs on November 25, 2009 at 3:37am

I'd use bead stringing cable if you want an old look with seed beads running through the big-holed beads to center them. If you use cable (like Beadalon), keep in mind that the more cables inside the stringing wire, the less likely it is to get kinks in it, and the stronger the necklace will be. Add the clasp then crimp the ends with crimp beads. You could also possibly use a leather cord with cord crimps.

Hope this helps.

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Permalink Reply by Louise Ingram on November 25, 2009 at 5:20am

Thank you, that makes sense - I like the idea of multiple cables, especially as I'm not experienced in this kind of thing.

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Permalink Reply by Lisa Metzler on November 26, 2009 at 4:10pm

I'm a real novice amongst experts here, but I think I would use the larger gauge Beadalon necklace wire, something like the "18". Multiple strands might work well to help distribute the weight, too. I've done a couple of glass bead necklaces, and have gone to the heavier-gauge wire simply to support the weight. You'll also want to consider the type of closure you choose, too, because it will need to support the weight.

I'm thinking that you might also consider what the Egyptians would have used to string necklaces, and try to replicate that. I guess they would have used some kind of fiber or even strips of cloth (didn't they use linen?) and knotted the stringing material to hold beads in place where they wanted them on the cord. It's just a thought, since you are trying to replicate the ancient style.

Another possibility is to use leather thong. It would give your piece a more rustic look and may not be what you want, but it would certainly hold the weight of your beads. Hemp cord would also work, and you might even use multiple strands going through the large beads and string smaller beads on the individual strands between the larger beads.

For finishing the ends, you might look at some kind of tight wrapping and attaching a clasp or, if using the necklace wire, heavy crimps (I'd use at least two on each end, maybe even three) would hold it pretty securely. Someone else may have some better ideas. You might also check Fire Mountain Gems' website for suggestions for finishing a cord or leather necklace. You could even consider sliding knots if that fits into your design or even just tying the necklace with a knot or bow, again, depending on your design.

More experienced beaders may have some other suggestions that will be helpful to you. I hope they jump into the discussion and share. This group is pretty good about that.

I hope these ideas are helpful. I'm interested to see what you come up with when you finish the necklace. The beads are really interesting.

Toppo (-:~

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Permalink Reply by Jeni Smathers on November 26, 2009 at 5:43pm

Those are really unique beads! The first thought I had to keep the "antique" feel is to use some metal beads with them like antiqued brass or copper. If you're going to string it on beading wire I'd suggest whichever brand you buy, get either 21 or 49 strand, and no less than .018" or .019. Also, since the holes in the beads are so large, you might want to string some seed beads on the beading wire (enough for the width of the larger bead), then string the big bead over it. That will help keep them centered on the beading wire. For beading wire you would need crimp beads (I'd recommend either sterling or gold filled), and the heavier the necklace the more/bigger crimp you'd want. For light or medium weight a 2x2mm tube will be fine but you could get 2x3mm if you're not sure.
Having said that, I do like Toppo's idea of using leather cord. You could wire-wrap the ends of the leather to match whatever metal beads you use and add your clasp to the resulting loop and it would give it a nice look.
Good luck, and show us what you end up making!

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Permalink Reply by Louise Ingram on November 26, 2009 at 10:29pm

Thank you for the different option ideas! I do like the thought of taking it a step further and trying to replicate how the Egyptians would have strung it as well - I'm going to have to put some research and though into that!

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Permalink Reply by Louise Ingram on November 26, 2009 at 10:32pm

I wanted to see what it would like finished, and realised I had basic materials to finish it after I had posted - here's what the 'finished' thing looks like, there are things I don't like about the way I've done it and will definitely be considering some of the ideas posted here -- thanks so much!

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Permalink Reply by Victoria on November 27, 2009 at 1:21am

I agree with the use of medium sized beading wire. There are plugs you can purchase to go inside large holed beads if you don't like the look. Different looks could be achieved by using a chain that will fit through the large holes or even waxed linen for a more casual look.

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Permalink Reply by Nolly on November 28, 2009 at 12:18am

Louise, I make full glass bead necklaces and I am convinced that SoftFlex #19 with 49 strands is the best cable out there. It's flexible and strong, fits twice through crimp beads and doesn't kink. Some of my friends double crimp but I've never felt the need to do that. I use el cheapo seed beads from Walmart inside the glass beads to stabilize them--their holes are big enough to fit over the SoftFlex and they fit inside most 3/32 holes perfectly. The size is about 10/0.

I'll be interested to hear how your necklace progresses.

Nolly

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Permalink Reply by Louise Ingram on November 28, 2009 at 12:46am

Thanks Nolly! The bead holes are 1/8" - and my thinking is at the minute that I either need to stabilize with something OR (since the original necklace would have had holes that size or bigger) find out what the Ancient Egyptians would have done to thread their necklaces.

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