Question - pendants need a necklace, so...

[SharktoothHunter]

Yes, I'm thinking something more 'rustic', and not your typical gold/silver links
1. What do you use for a necklace?
2. Leather seems quite popular - something else?
3. Do you purchase them or put together your own?
4. What are the best clasps / findings?
5. Do you factor in the need for it to break (not being pulled into machinery), or not worry about it?

6? Tangent question: Is the clear line used for beadwork really a unique product, or is it just another type of monofiliment fishing line?

(Thanks chromenut - exactly the kind of response I was looking for. I'm hoping, with all the other types of pendants out there (cab, facet, tumbled, carved, crystal, fossil, etc), we'll get a variety of responses to see what works well, and maybe not so well.)

[chromenut]

I do use leather, but also a combination Organza and dyed wax string on most of mine. Mind you, I don't post mine here because the jewelry I make isn't always earth stones but can show you a couple of pictures. Also, I buy my supplies at Michaels. Used to buy off ebay but found it's just as reasonable locally.

Here's a comparitive piece, shows a glasswork pendant on leather, compared to varied styles of chain:


Here's a piece on organza, some stones don't work as well on organza:


I use a lot of black organza and dark brown with the stones I work. I just don't have any photos at the moment to show an example. Will put a couple together tonight to show you what I mean. If it's for a woman, the piece really stands out with the extra dressing....

[lapidopterix]

I use a lot of glue on bails and knotted, waxed cotton cord. I tried doing some with glue on clasps but they were a hassle and cost more. You can buy 50 yards of 2mm cord for less than $20 on ebay, each necklace takes about a yard. Tutorial for the necklace is here:
www.ejrbeads.co.uk/adjustable%20page%201.htm

Here are a couple of pictures:

[mwcrocks]

Hi-
Really it depends on the pendant and what price range I am going for.
Honestly if I am taking the time and money to wrap in gold or silver, then I wouldn't want to use a plated chain. The plating wears off - I would sell it as a pendant and the customer provide their own chain.
Or I would bead it up -
www.facebook.com/pages/MoonWillowCreations/123642890983268#!/pages/MoonWillowCreations/123642890983268?v=wall

This link should take you to my jewelry page - just click on the photos, there are 2 or 3 albums there.
I also have various tutorials that I have found linked on my wall.

I am a self taught, learned off the internet, did it wrong person.
What I have found-
Beadaholique, Magpie Gemstones, Rockinbead, they are reputable sellers that sell good findings, crimps, ends, clasps and such.
Buying from Michaels locally - waste of money- their clasps, crimps, all of it such cheap quality unless you just stick with the copper.

On the beading wire- some beads will have small holes- you will need Beadalon nylon coated .012 bead stringing wire.
On other beads , most , you can use the beadalon .024 -
On the .012 wire, use copper crimps because the thread is so thin, that is the only crimps I have found that will hold, crimp down, and not go all bonkers.

It is a lot of work, you won't make much, lucky if you make enough to keep funding your rock habit - but if you love it, then go for it.
For me, I truly enjoy making the whole package.

Google on youtube, there are many more tutorials - the possibilities are endless.

Good luck

[thanrose]

Shark, you can use monofilament fishing line if you want. The difference from beading monofilament is sometimes apparent in the flex of the line. Some of the lighter weight coated steel fishing braids are also possible instead of tigertail beading wire. Way back in the dark ages, I only used fishing line because there were no craft stores, no online, and I didn't know about mail order catalogs.

I really like the leather cord. While I have made stuff for a few men in construction, I've never paid special attention to break away findings. I simply don't wear dangerous stuff in my job, and figure the men I know will do the same. My kid bro got a blob of molten steel catch on his leather amulet, leaving a scar on his chest. He still wears it, but then it's his creation. Maybe I'd have felt bad if I had made it for him.

[FrogAndBearCreations]

the colored rubber necklace cords seem to be very popular and are sold at firemountaingems.com at a very reasonable price. Rio Grande also carries a lot of varied types of cordage and ribbon too!
I am considering getting a bunch premade rubber and ribbon with extenders on them for a varied length/fit