Tahitian Stretch Bracelets

[alina]

I didn't know PP sold loose pearls. Do you just call them up to order? How much do they charge? I called to ask them about unfinished Tahitian strand and they told me they don't sell that way. They were willing to send me the unfinished strand along with the clasp at same price as finished necklace. Ali

[laurenb]

They do sell loose pearls like this, but you've probably seen that part of their site already.

[alina]

DOH! I had **not** seen that part of their website. Thanks for pointing out!! Are there other sources for loose Tahitian pearls like this that I've missed???

[Hanaleimom]

Alina,
Purepearls.com also carries loose, round pearls here: http://tiny.cc/loosepearls467

[imanit]

About two years ago I made some bracelets on stretch cord. I used lower quality pearls for them. I wear them while on vacation or while doing some crazy, not lady like activities.... I wear them often. Those bracelets never broke !!! My daughters wear often stretchy pearls bracelets I made for them... again none broke. But......Good pearls go on thread or wire... I wouldn't risk to have those bracelets break..

[katkashmir]

I recently restrung a necklace, into a double strand bracelet and a bracelet on to Elastic Stretch Cord. I love them. I wear them both much more than previously. I used Stretch Magic Cord. When I strung them I managed to lose the ends a couple and times and surprisingly the pearls didn't fly all over the place.

[GemGeek]

Very nice!

[pattye]

Great bracelets! Am thinking I don't have nearly enough of them either-----------

[softnsunny]

I've been stringing elastic bracelets for years, and only after extensive wear do they come back in for repair. Elastic is so easy to wear, and many of my older customers live alone, and need something that they can put on easily. Which often translates as meaning "no clasp, or those magnetic things". Those magnetic things are a little unpredictable on bracelets, cos they get attached to supermarket trolleys, frig doors etc ...! The extensive wear is often bracelets worn 24/7, with all the chemical and physical abuse included! But for added security ... I begin or end the stringing at the bead with the largest hole, so that the knot snuggles inside the bead, if possible. Finish with a square knot, and dab with nail polish or any other glue apart from superglue (NO!) But all this you probably know already ...
And I love those bracelets above

[Island Bound]

Kat,those are gorgeous bracelets! How lovely!

Softnsunny, thank you for giving this newbie some very helpful hints and experience with elastic bracelets. I've been afraid of trying / wearing them but I am going to string some up and wear them to get more familiar with what works and the durability of them. It will help me be in a better position to design good looking, long lasting jewelry.

[laurenb]

. Finish with a square knot, and dab with nail polish or any other glue apart from superglue (NO!) But all this you probably know already ...
And I love those bracelets above

Why? I whipped up several stretchy experiments after seeing this thread, and used the superglue version of Vigor because that's what was handy. No ill effects yet. Does superglue cause damage to/hardening of the elastic?

[Hanaleimom]

What kind of elastic do you use? Can you specify brand, thickness or a link here? Thank you.

[pearlescence]

As I understand it superglue dries rigidly ...and you need a certain flexibility in the knot glue. (which is why it isn't optimal for silk knots either)

[pattye]

laurenb,

It will be good to know how they hold up, so keep us informed, please.

[laurenb]

Will do. Also left some without glue, no beads on the run so far...