Beadalon – Choosing The Right Bead Stringing Wire

The Beadalon Difference…We Make It.

Beadalon is the only company in the industry that actually makes its own wire, strand, and cable for jewelry making and crafts. Other brands simply label or respool wire purchased from third party factories. Beadalon bead stringing wire is composed of tiny wires twisted together and nylon coated. The number of tiny wires, also known as strands, determines the flexibility of the wire. The larger the number of strands, the more flexible the wire will be. Therefore, 49 strand is more flexible than 19 strand, and 19 strand is more flexible than 7 strand. When choosing which type of wire to use, consider the amount of drape you want your design to have. 49 strand wire is very supple and will drape elegantly, giving your designs a thread-like appearance. 7 strand wire is not as flexible, but will hold its shape better. If you are new to bead stringing or unsure how much flexibility you require, we recommend starting with our middle grade, 19 strand wire.

.925 Sterling Silver

Silver Plated

24 K Gold Plated

Metallic Gold Plated

Metallic Silver Color

Metallic Copper Color

Metallic Champagne

SilverRose

Metallic Silver Gold

Satin Gold

Satin Copper

Antique Satin Brass

Titanium

Clear Colors Blue

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Clear Colors Pink

Clear Colors Purple

Clear Colors Red

Bright

Black

Bronze

White

Choosing Beadalon Bead Stringing Wire

Guides crafters in selecting the appropriate Beadalon bead stringing wire based on factors like bead hole size, wire diameter, and desired flexibility. Emphasizes the importance of choosing the thickest wire that will pass through the smallest bead hole to ensure durability

A compatibility chart for beading wire, showing recommended uses for different wire diameters and strand counts (49, 19, and 7 strand), with a visual representation of each wire size.

Use the largest diameter wire possible that will pass through the smallest bead hole in your design.
Increase bead spacing. Spread contact with the wire over a greater area to reduce the effects of abrasion.
Choose the type of wire with the flexibility that will allow your design to look, feel, and drape the way you want.
Use Wire Guardians to minimize the effects of abrasion at the clasp area.
Use Scrimp Findings and EZ-Crimp Findings for maximum connection and strength.
Use Bead Bumpers in between crystals and glass beads to cushion and protect from contact and wear.

Choosing Corresponding Beadalon Finding

Assists in matching the appropriate Beadalon findings, such as crimp beads and tubes, to the selected wire diameter. Ensures compatibility for secure and professional-looking jewelry designs.

A product compatibility chart for beading wire and various crimp findings, showing which sizes of crimp beads, crimp tubes, Scrimp findings, EZ-Crimp findings, and wire guardians are compatible with different wire diameters, ranging from 0.25 mm to 0.91 mm.

Choosing Corresponding Beadalon Crimp Tools

Recommends the correct crimping tools to use with specific wire diameters and findings. Helps achieve optimal crimping results for strong and neat connections.

A diagram providing crimping instructions and a tool guide from Beadalon, showing a six-step visual guide for crimping with a crimp bead and a table that matches crimp bead and tube sizes with the correct wire diameter, crimping tool, and tool part number.

Standard Jewelry Lengths

Provides standard measurements for various jewelry pieces, including bracelets, anklets, chokers, and necklaces. Serves as a helpful reference for designing pieces that fit comfortably.

Bracelet	16cm-17cm	6.5″-7″
Anklet	22cm-25cm	9″-10″
Choker	38cm-40cm	15″-16″
Princess Necklace	45cm-50cm	18″-20″
Matinee Necklace	58cm-68cm	23″-27″
Opera Necklace	71cm+	28″+

Understanding Bead Stringing Wires

Explains the composition of Beadalon bead stringing wires, highlighting the number of strands and their impact on flexibility. Provides recommendations for selecting wire grades based on design needs, from the most flexible 49-strand to the more rigid 7-strand.

Dos and Don’ts

Covers best practices for working with bead stringing wire, including proper handling, using correct tools, and avoiding sharp bends or excessive tension. Also highlights what to avoid to maintain wire strength, flexibility, and longevity in your jewelry projects.