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How to Avoid Gaps on Strung Bracelets

by Karen Meador, Ph.D.
Strung bead bracelets are gorgeous, but they often come with a frustrating flaw: unsightly gaps and a plain look near the clasp. Jewelry artist Karen Meador, Ph.D., shares simple yet stylish fixes to turn this weak spot into a design feature.

By adding dangles, jump rings, or a bit of chain, you can create an adjustable, eye-catching finish that prevents flipping and keeps your bracelet looking polished from end to end.
Instructions
The Problem with Bracelet Clasps
If you string large beads right up against the clasp, it makes the closure hard to grab and fasten.

On the flip side, if you use small "filler" beads at each end, the clasp area can look bare compared to the rest of the bracelet.

Neither option feels quite right.
Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s How to Avoid Gaps on Strung Bracelets - The Problem with Bracelet Clasps, General Education, , bracelet
My Favorite Fix: Add Interest at the Clasp
Instead of settling for gaps or a plain finish, I like to add a little extra design detail where the clasp connects:

  • Use a short length of chain or extra jump rings at the closure. This not only gives the bracelet a bit of adjustability but also creates more space for design.

  • Add dangles or charms to the jump rings or chain. Choose complementary beads or metal accents that match the overall design.
    • Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s How to Avoid Gaps on Strung Bracelets - My Favorite Fix: Add Interest at the Clasp, General Education, , Use a short length of chain
    Why This Works
    Those small additions serve a few purposes:

  • They make the clasp area more visually interesting.

  • They add a bit of weight, which helps keep the bracelet balanced on the wrist.

  • They ensure that if the clasp flips to the top of the wrist, it's still attractive and intentional; not distracting.
    • Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s How to Avoid Gaps on Strung Bracelets - Why This Works, General Education, , They make the clasp area more visually
    Final Thoughts
    Don't let "gap-osis" ruin your next strung bracelet project.

    With a few simple design tweaks, such as adding chain, jump rings, or stylish dangles, you can turn a weak spot into a feature.

    The result? A bracelet that's just as beautiful at the clasp as it is everywhere else.

    Materials

    Lapis 10mm Round Beads - 8 Inch Strand
    A1-235
    • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
    • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
    • Price: $29.40
    • Gold Club Price: $22.05
    Add to Bag
    Blue Crazy Lace Agate 10mm Round Beads - 8 Inch Strand
    A1-24
    • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
    • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
    • Price: $9.45
    • Gold Club Price: $7.09
    Add to Bag
    Add All Items to Cart

    Tools

    Mighty Crimper
    PLR-584.00
    • PLR-584.00
    • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
    • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
    • Price: $14.97
    • Gold Club Price: $11.23
    Add to Bag
    Silver Filled Crimp Beads 2x2mm - Pack of 25
    S9-16
    • S9-16
    • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
    • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
    • Price: $1.67
    • Gold Club Price: $1.25
    Out of Stock
    Add All Items to Cart
    • Category: General Education
    • Technique(s): Stringing

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