You've spent time selecting your beads and patiently stringing them. Your creation is almost finished. But the most critical step remains: the finish .
How do I attach the clasp securely? How do I achieve a professional finish that doesn't look "DIY"?
At La Fille du Sud, we know that quality jewelry is judged by its finishing. A poor clasp, and you risk seeing the necklace break and the beads roll to the ground.
⚡ Quick Summary: Which technique for which piece of jewelry?
For hard stones / heavy pearls: Use Wired .
Finishing : Crimping bead + Flat pliers.
For cultured pearls / mother-of-pearl: Use Silk thread .
Finishing : Bows + Bow cover (or Bobbin).
The secret to sustainability: Always use a 18-carat gold clasp to prevent oxidation which weakens the assembly.
In this guide, we reveal jewelry-making methods to secure your creations.
Method #1: The Cable Wire (For Strength and Modernity)
The bead wire (steel coated with nylon) is rigid and ultra-resistant. It's the ideal choice for bracelets made of gemstones, glass, or slightly heavier jewelry.
The Necessary Equipment
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Wired cable.
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Of the crimp beads .
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A 18k Gold Clasp (Carabiner or Marine) for safety.
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Of the 18k Gold Beads for the aesthetic finish.
The Tutorial: The Locking Loop
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Threading: Thread a pretty gold bead (decorative) onto your thread, then a crimp bead.
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The Loop: Pass the wire through the ring of your gold clasp Turn around and pass the thread back through. inside of the crushable pearl and the gold pearl.
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The Adjustment: Pull on the thread to tighten the loop. Always leave 1 or 2 mm of play so the clasp can move.
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The Lock: Using flat-nose pliers, firmly crimp the crimp bead. It should flatten and secure the threads.
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Cut : Cut off the excess wire flush with the gold bead.
Method #2: Silk Thread (Excellence for Cultured Pearls)
If you mount For cultured pearls , mother-of-pearl or coral, beading wire is not recommended: too rigid, it risks wearing down the inside of the mother-of-pearl through friction.
Jewelry tradition dictates the use of silk thread (or braided nylon) for its flexibility and natural drape.
The Knot Technique
The secret to a lasting pearl necklace is to make a knot between each bead .
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This prevents the pearls from rubbing against each other (wearing down the mother-of-pearl).
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If the necklace breaks, you only lose one pearl, not all of them.
The "Knot Cover" Finish
You can't crush a bead on flexible thread (it would cut the thread). You use a knot cover (or skullcap).
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Tie a large, secure knot at the end of the thread.
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Place a drop of jewelry glue or nail polish on the knot.
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Enclose the knot in the knot cover (small metal cup) and close it gently.
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Attach your gold clasp crocheting the knot cover.
Comparison: Which technique to choose?
| Criteria | Wire (Steel) | Silk/Nylon Thread |
| Ideal for | Hard stones, Metal, Glass | Cultured Pearls , Mother-of-Pearl |
| Advantage | Extreme durability, speed | Flexibility (perfect "fall"), Safety knots |
| Finishing | Crushing bead | Knot cover or Canetille |
| Level | Beginner to Advanced | Expert (requires patience) |
The Workshop Secret: Never Neglect the Clasp
You can make the best assembly in the world, but if your clasp is made of low-grade metal, your jewelry will not last.
The clasp is the only mechanical part: it is used every day.
Why invest in an 18-carat gold clasp?
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Security: 18k gold retains its spring and shape. A brass clasp will eventually break or open on its own.
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Aesthetics: Imagine a beautiful pearl necklace with a clasp that turns green or black in a month... 18k gold stays sparkling for life.
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The Value: A gold clasp transforms your "homemade" creation into a true jewelry item .
💎 Discover our 18K Gold Carabiner and Marine Clasps >
Decorating Tip: The "Golden Touch"
To add rhythm and light to your bracelets, don't hesitate to intersperse 18k gold beads. amidst your cultured stones or pearls.
Yellow gold warms the mother-of-pearl and brings out the brilliance of the colored stones.
💎 See our 18k Gold Beads and Beads for your creations >
FAQ: Your Frequently Asked Questions
What size crimp bead should I choose?
For standard beading wire, 2mm crimp beads are sufficient.
Can you put a clasp on an elastic cord?
No, that's not recommended. The metal might cut the elastic. For the elastic, make a surgeon's knot and hide it in one of our gold beads with a wide hole.
Is silk thread strong?
Yes, if it's good quality. However, like any textile, it can stretch over the years. It's advisable to have a pearl necklace worn daily restrung every two or three years.