Best material to string long stone/pearl necklace

[Katbran]

I had made a pearl and peruvian opal necklace, it was in two strands. My customer wants it remade into one long one that can be looped two or three times. I am a bit concerned about the length/weight etc. I mean its not super heavy , the stones are 4 x 18mm but I want to be sure it doesnt break - I'm using a sturdy hook and eye as she wants one.

I was going to use a 49 strand wire..and had planned to use two crimps..but I've never done one this long. How best to finish this off so I can be sure it won't come undone?

The stones might be a bit sharp for power pro and I don't really want to have to file all of them lol (I will if thats the best option)

Help

[pearlescence]

Not sure about how the opals change the plan but I would use a synthetic silk to obviate stretching for such a necklace with just pearls. And then french wire etc at the ends

[pattye]

I recently restyled a long necklace for my Sis adding 5mm good quality blue kyanite, pearls, vemeil spacers to her original blue and white porcelain beads on 49 strand wire. Was very surprised to find after only a few wearings the weight of the beads (only medium) and the pressure of the curve caused breakage of 4-5 of the kyanite beads, so I knotted it up. So would agree with Wendy, knotting with synthetic a better option with opals.

[Caitlin]

And, if you go with a synthetic, give power pro a try. As large a size as will fit through the holes. The stones may cut it, but they would cut anything else, too. Then again, only certain cutters work on Powerpro, so maybe the stones won't have the correct edge to actually cut it. I would give it to her with a free restring if the thread doesn't work. The necklace will have a much better drape with thread. Or -you can file the edges.

[waimeamomi]

I've always used beading wire (49 strand is best) for mixing pearls and stones, and had no problems. Sometimes light stones like peruvian opal will get dark inside wear the wire is after a while, but other wise not a problem. Crimp well, and run the tail back down some of the stones if you can.

[Katbran]

Thanks so very much Wendy, Sheryl, Pattye and Caitlin! I just wasn't sure if the wire was less likely to be cut than the PowerPro .

You make a good point about the breakage (love that necklace btw) .. I did use a fine wire on something that had a few Citrine faceted briolletes and the wire sawed through two of the five and snapped them ... probably the lack of flex. These opals are longish 18mm and slender so might be the heavier wire will be too stiff anyway and snap them ..and I'm about out of the fine wire... so looks like I'll try the PowerPro 30lb..hope that's strong enough. :0 Think 30lbs will work?

[Caitlin]

If it fits through the holes, it will be excellent. Otherwise go to 20lb.

[Katbran]

Cool ! Thanks very very much!! Now I have to get started.... ugh...

[Amanda]

Do you ever use soft touch? Great stuff, you can knot it and it's tough as old boots. Goes from "very fine" up to "heavy"

http://www.cooksongold.com/Stringing...rcode-998-1200

http://www.cooksongold.com/Stringing...rcode-998-1204

[Katbran]

Amanda -thanks for reminding me ! I do have one spool of Soft Touch that I'd buried in the bottom of the 'strings and things' box... I had just reordered some of the fine 49strand wire from the States...Its sooo expensive here...but I'm going to have a look at the Soft touch again.
I did finish restringing............and........having finished it off....perfect.....discovered that I had accidently picked up the white 20lb instead of the 30lb and had restrung the whole thing with 20lb test.... Now I can't decide if I have to start all over or not....

[Marianne]

Hi Katbran,
Thinking that if the knots are large enough with the 20lb test, then let it be. Power Pro is a total pain to have to cut apart! I have use Power Pro successfully to knot between pearl and gemstone combo ropes and never had a gemstone bead cut the cord. Would love to see your creation

[Caitlin]

Ditto Marianne. If the knots were right, it will be fine. If there is an edge that can ever cut the Powerpro, you can smooth the stone in the restringing someday. I likw soft flex, but still prefer a well kntted rope. I think it is a cut above the fashion jewelry that uses wire. Just my personal opinion, though. Soft flex is quicker and a bit easier than knotting.

[Katbran]

Thanks for the advice Caitlin and Marianne! I don't have the patience to redo it for the fourth time.... grrrrr.... (note to self..get more organized before you start!) ... I'll try to get a photo posted ! Thanks again, lets hope it holds together!

[Katbran]

Thanks so very much for all the assistance!

[KarinK]

That is very pretty!

- Karin