Beaded Bracelet Designs
Beaded Bracelet Designs -- Just What Can You Get?
Understanding the various types of beaded bracelet designs is not difficult -- even if you do not make your own beaded bracelets. The main thing to keep in mind is that every beaded bracelet is composed of three primary elements -- all types of beaded bracelet designs must incorporate each of these things --
The first thing to consider in any beaded bracelet design is the material that is used for the length of bracelet itself -- I mean the material on which the beads are actually strung. A very common type of beaded bracelet designed uses links of thin, flexible wire for the bracelet length . Beaded bracelets made with wire have an advantage in that the wire is very durable and not likely to break. The problem is that you may not be able to tell what type of wire was used in the construction of your beaded bracelet -- so if the manufacturer does not tell you, make sure you ask.
Another type of beaded bracelet design does not use thin flexible wire but some sort of string or cord -- often times it will be elastic. Many people prefer beaded bracelets made with an elastic cord, because it can expand or contract -- at least to some extent -- to fit various wrist sizes. Of course the drawback of this type of beaded bracelet design is that the cord can, over time, wear out and break. Beaded bracelets using an expandable cord are okay for a children's jewelry item, but if your beaded bracelet design incorporates expensive stones, make sure that they are held together by a wire cord.
The second major aspect of any beaded bracelet design is the clasp. A popular type of bracelet clasp is a toggle clasp -- this has a small straight section resembling the letter I, which slips into a circular loop, much as you would insert a button in a buttonhole. Another type of bracelet clasp is a standard box clasp -- one end inserts into the other and 'clicks' into place. A third type of beaded bracelet clasp that you will see is called a lobster clasp -- one end, shaped like a lobster claw, has a small movable lever that allows you to insert the small metal loop on the other end. There are other types of clasps as well.
The final, and most important, aspect of beaded bracelet design is, of course, the type of beads that are used. In order to give the beaded bracelet more flexibility, various types of stones or other materials are interspersed with small "spacers" which can be beads, pieces of metal, knots, or other devices -- these keep the beaded sections from rubbing up against each other.
When choosing a beaded bracelet design for children, it would probably be best to stay away from precious stones -- small kids are just too rough on jewelry -- and you don't want a bunch of very valuable stones scattering all over the floor when they break it! For young people and adults, of course, you have many more design options --stone, wood, sterling silver, gold, crystals, synthetics -- there are many different materials to choose from. Some designers will even allow you to pick and choose the materials you want to include, allowing you to come up with your own unique beaded bracelet design.
One strong recommendation: when you visit a website to choose your favorite beaded bracelet design, check and see if they also offer pins, pendants, earrings and necklaces in that same design. If they do, see if they will offer you a discount if you purchase several different items -- if they will, go ahead and purchase your beaded bracelet and one or two other pieces -- you'll have the satisfaction of having a coordinated jewelry ensemble.
