Five Year Bracelet
- Category: Beading
- Technique(s): Beading
- Skill Level: Beginner
What started as a short-term experiment turned into a five-year wear test. Judy made three bracelets-one in silver, one with gold-filled and sterling silver beads, and one all gold-filled. She put them on and never took them off. Over the years, they endured everything: chlorinated pools, ocean water, showers, cleaning products, gardening, lotions, and more.
One bracelet came off after three years, but the other two lasted the full five-with no tarnish, no broken wire, and no skin discoloration. The result? A powerful testament to the durability and value of quality beads and findings. After five years of daily wear, their cost per use is practically nothing.
One bracelet came off after three years, but the other two lasted the full five-with no tarnish, no broken wire, and no skin discoloration. The result? A powerful testament to the durability and value of quality beads and findings. After five years of daily wear, their cost per use is practically nothing.
Materials
Sterling Silver Nugget Bead 5mm - Pack of 6
K9-178
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $3.48
- Gold Club Price: $2.61
Sterling Silver Beads Bright 4mm - Pack of 20
K9-142
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $6.54
- Gold Club Price: $4.91
Sterling Silver Swivel Lobster 12mm - Pack of 1
K3-149
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $7.88
- Gold Club Price: $5.91
Sterling Silver InterLocking Lobster 23x7mm - Pack of 1
K3-102
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $8.40
- Gold Club Price: $6.30
Sterling Silver Rondelle w/ Crystal 4mm - Pack of 2
K9-190
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $2.84
- Gold Club Price: $2.13
Gold Filled Bright Beads 4mm - Pack of 10
J9-324
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $6.16
- Gold Club Price: $4.62
Gold Filled Bright Roundel 4mm - Pack of 10
J9-332
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $13.66
- Gold Club Price: $10.25
Gold Filled Bead Bright Oval 3x5mm -Pack of 2
J9-301
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $3.48
- Gold Club Price: $2.61
Gold Filled Lobster w/Ring 10x4mm - Pack of 1
J3-79
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $4.72
- Gold Club Price: $3.54
Gold Filled Jump Ring Closed (.025) 22ga. 4mm - Pack of 25
J11-168
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $13.54
- Gold Club Price: $10.16
Gold Filled Bright Beads 3mm - Pack of 10
J9-322
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $3.50
- Gold Club Price: $2.63
Gold Filled Trigger Lobster 11mm - Pack of 1
J3-99
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $3.50
- Gold Club Price: $2.63
Soft Flex Beading Wire--Medium--.019
BDC-419.00
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $15.50
- Gold Club Price: $11.63
Sterling Silver Crimp Beads 2x2mm - Pack of 100
K10-22
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $12.22
- Gold Club Price: $9.17
ShineBrite Silver Dip - 8 Ounces
CLN-856.01
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $6.95
- Gold Club Price: $5.21
Tools
20 X 15 Inch Padded Work Mat
MAT-620.00
- MAT-620.00
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $14.95
- Gold Club Price: $11.21
Original Bead Crimper
PLR-585.00
- PLR-585.00
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $12.97
- Gold Club Price: $9.73
EZ Sizer, Bracelet Mandrel Product
GAU-110.00
- GAU-110.00
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
WireJewelry Pro-Series Double Barrel Tumbler, Jewelry and Metal Polishing Kit, Includes 2 Pounds of Jewelers Mix Shot and 8 Ounces of Shinebrite Burnishing Compound
G25-2-KIT2SS
- G25-2-KIT2SS
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $293.27
- Gold Club Price: $219.95
Instructions
Step 1
Pro Tip: Bead Size Affects Fit
Bracelet length isn't the only factor that determines fit-bead size plays a big role too.
Both bracelets measure 6¼" on a sizing cone, but the one with 4-6 mm beads fits more snugly than the one with 3-4 mm beads.
Larger beads reduce the inner circumference, so even small differences in bead size can noticeably affect how the bracelet fits.
Bracelet length isn't the only factor that determines fit-bead size plays a big role too.
Both bracelets measure 6¼" on a sizing cone, but the one with 4-6 mm beads fits more snugly than the one with 3-4 mm beads.
Larger beads reduce the inner circumference, so even small differences in bead size can noticeably affect how the bracelet fits.
Step 2
Pro Tip: Use a Sizing Cone Before Restringing
Planning to add or change beads on a bracelet? Wrap it around a bracelet sizing cone first to check the length you'll need.
This helps you match the original fit without constantly trying it on. Simply loop it until it lines up with the size you want-quick and accurate.
Planning to add or change beads on a bracelet? Wrap it around a bracelet sizing cone first to check the length you'll need.
This helps you match the original fit without constantly trying it on. Simply loop it until it lines up with the size you want-quick and accurate.
Step 3
Originally a stretch bracelet (see first photo), this Sterling Silver Bead & Bali Bead Bracelet was re-strung on 49-strand, 019" beading wire with a 12mm swivel lobster clasp for added security against bead loss.
The clasp lies flat and wears comfortably, though it's a bit tricky to fasten something I may eventually replace with an easier option.
5mm nugget beads at each end add contrast to the 4mm smooth rounds, and the random pattern reflects my personal style.
Five years on the bracelet still looks great The silver darkened slightly with wear, but a quick polish and time in the tumbler removed fine scratches and brought back its shine.
The clasp lies flat and wears comfortably, though it's a bit tricky to fasten something I may eventually replace with an easier option.
5mm nugget beads at each end add contrast to the 4mm smooth rounds, and the random pattern reflects my personal style.
Five years on the bracelet still looks great The silver darkened slightly with wear, but a quick polish and time in the tumbler removed fine scratches and brought back its shine.
Step 4
Gold-Filled and Sterling Silver Crystal Rondelle Bracelet
This two-tone bracelet gold-filled beads with 4mm sterling silver crystal rondelles has lasted five years.
About 40% of the crystals remain and still catch the light.
The rondelles may slightly scratch sheets but don't snag clothing.
This two-tone bracelet gold-filled beads with 4mm sterling silver crystal rondelles has lasted five years.
About 40% of the crystals remain and still catch the light.
The rondelles may slightly scratch sheets but don't snag clothing.
Step 5
Later, I re-strung the bracelet with 3mm and 4mm gold-filled beads, swapped in a smaller clasp, and matched the new beads to the original in both color and shine.
Despite wear, I wouldn't change a thing-it remained versatile, eye-catching, and easy to pair.
Despite wear, I wouldn't change a thing-it remained versatile, eye-catching, and easy to pair.
Step 6
Gold-Filled Bead and Crystal Bead Bracelet:
Featuring 4mm to 6mm gold-filled round, rondelle, and saucer beads, along with four 6mm faceted crystal beads and an 11mm gold-filled lobster clasp, this bracelet began to look dingy and dull after three years of wear (see first photo).
Since the crystal beads are glass and not gemstone, I tried a dip in a gold cleaning solution, but after a thorough rinse, there was no noticeable difference, so I decided to replace the stardust beads, which made all the difference.
Featuring 4mm to 6mm gold-filled round, rondelle, and saucer beads, along with four 6mm faceted crystal beads and an 11mm gold-filled lobster clasp, this bracelet began to look dingy and dull after three years of wear (see first photo).
Since the crystal beads are glass and not gemstone, I tried a dip in a gold cleaning solution, but after a thorough rinse, there was no noticeable difference, so I decided to replace the stardust beads, which made all the difference.
Step 7
What I learned is that the stardust finish on the beads did not wear off, but was smoothed and compressed over time from the friction of the other beads and from daily wear.
Step 8
The shadows created by the change in surface made them look darker-second photo compared to the original stardust beads.
After tumbling, the surface of the stardust beads on top still appears a bit dull (second photo), especially compared to the matte beads in the center and the brightly polished beads on the bottom.
After tumbling, the surface of the stardust beads on top still appears a bit dull (second photo), especially compared to the matte beads in the center and the brightly polished beads on the bottom.
Step 9
What I Might Do Differently
Matte and stardust beads aren't meant to be worn 24/7-as I did.
Going forward, I'll use them in jewelry that won't receive the same level of wear and tear as the original bracelet.
They can still be used in bracelets that will be lightly worn. I still like the random look of the strung beads, so I'll probably never change that.
Matte and stardust beads aren't meant to be worn 24/7-as I did.
Going forward, I'll use them in jewelry that won't receive the same level of wear and tear as the original bracelet.
They can still be used in bracelets that will be lightly worn. I still like the random look of the strung beads, so I'll probably never change that.
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Judy Larson
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