[Kaywal]

Hallo,

I ordered 3 strands(16 inches) of 7.5mm gem fw to make a rope.

Any ideas on what type of clasp? I was thinking just the plain matte white gold ball, but now I'm wondering if I should do something a little different.

Where can I find unique clasps?

Anyone have design ideas? I know I want visible clasp/clasps. I'll probably be wearing it long or doubled, as it will be about 51 inches after stringing.

Thanks a lot!

[Mervione]

Maybe if you use two clasps? So that you can split the rope into a necklace and a bracelet?

[knotty panda]

Someone was reading my mind!

I'd like an opinion poll!

Do you use pearl rope shortening clasps that allow you to double, or triple ropes into shorter strands? If so, why? If not, why not?

If so, what in the design of the shorteners frustrates you?

Do the strands stay in place or are you constantly adjusting the lengths?

Would you like something which allows you to twist the strands for a completely different look?

Do you have difficulty closing the clasps or are there too many pearls to close the clasp properly?

I have a design and I'd like some feedback before I go into production.

[Nerida]

Okay I wasn't going to post these pieces, but just too relevant to the question here.

These are 10mm (wide) drop baroque Tahitians. I have knotted them on moss green power pro - the length of the rope is about 47 inches, the bracelet about 7.5 inches. I have used 14K white gold ball clasps. In order to make my rope a little different, and to disguise the two clasps that will be 7.5 inches apart when the pieces are joined, I have randomly placed 14K white gold beads (6mm) around the necklace. I just love it! I wore it yesterday, and kept playing with it all day.

I have done the same with the mixed SS and Tahitian strands I posted under "What will I do with these" in Show me your Pearls some time ago. I did that rope with 14K ball clasp (yellow) and random yellow gold beads. Same effect - looks fantastic, and adds some versatility. Sadly, I used the moss green on these too, and I don't like it - going to do it again!!

[Kaywal]

Great poll!

This is good--I'd like to hear what people think.

This will be my first rope-never used shorteners or anything of the kind.

The idea of being able to twist sounds interesting. Provides another option.

Thanks Mervione. I was thinking about possibly splitting it up. hmmmm

[Kaywal]

Nerida--beautiful! and a great idea with those bead spacers. I love it with the Tahitians. The mixed SS/Tahitian strand is gorgeous!

I think since mine will be white fw, I'll want the clasp to show. I want to find a stand out clasp/clasps or just make it minimal with the white gold ball. Opinions?

*edit
hmmm Maybe I should just keep it minimal--I want this to be my classic rope. Perhaps I should do something with clasps when I make another one in the future.

__________________

[Nerida]

Truly Kaywal, if I didn't want to split it into a shorter rope and a bracelet - I wouldn't use a clasp at all. If you are going 51 inches or so there is no way you will need to use a clasp to double it - only if you want to triple it.

[Kaywal]

Originally Posted by Nerida

Truly Kaywal, if I didn't want to split it into a shorter rope and a bracelet - I wouldn't use a clasp at all. If you are going 51 inches or so there is no way you will need to use a clasp to double it - only if you want to triple it.

That's what I was thinking. I'll probably want the option to triple it, so I think I'll just do the basic ball clasp. Thanks!

[pattye]

Hi Kaywal,

Somewhere I think in the beaders' thread is a whole discussion of clasps and where to get unusual ones. I love the idea of joining the bracelet in the necklace.

Nerida, Love the way you have used the other beads to make the clasp blend. I still can't see where it is on the Tahitians!

I don't use a shortener, just loop the pearls around and they seem to stay in place pretty well.

The pearls I twist for a different look are either a two strand, or continuous rope about 40" that require a circular locking ring that goes through the end loops. The rings are a little bigger than a quarter. I have a few in sterling.

Pattye
so many pearls, so little time

[Nerida]

Kaywal - I would go the simple ball clasp - if you do triple the strand, a "fancy" clasp is going to look really "busy" (just my HO)
Pattye - on the Tahitians - in the photo where the pieces are joined (the top photo) the bracelet is kind of the outer loop on the left - so there are 2 clasps - one higher, and one lower where the loop kind of kinks in again... pretty ordinary photos, sorry! Just whipped them off quickly after reading Kaywal's post..

[pearlescence]

I would use a clasp, so that you can have the triple option. It makes life easier for putting on and taking off without hoiking over your head. I use one of my gem-set clasps, that way the clasp can go at the back as a regular clasp or it can appear at the front as a feature.
btw I made a 10 foot long hawser of 10-11mm whites while I was bored one afternoon at the recent market in Manchester - photos when I have caught up. I used a silver clasp with (from memory) a clear zircon for that

[Kaywal]

Pattye-thanks--I'm going to troll around the beader's threads looking for clasps for the future.

pearlescence-I'd love to see photos of your 10 foot rope!

Nerida-yeah, I'm going to do the basic matte ball for this first rope.

I'm still waiting for the pearls to arrive. I'm hoping the 7.5mm will work for me. I thought about going bigger, but this size had the best luster of their best quality. We shall see.

[waimeamomi]

Hi! You might try a toggle clasp. I love them and think they are a surprise on pearls. If you get one that is larger than the pearls, (that will be easy if they are 7.5 mm) you could wear it in front with the pearls pulled through like a lariat. A 14K one will cost more than a ball clasp, though.