I have been having problems with my jewelry breaking (mostly necklaces)-- the wire that I'm using is snapping in random places (it is a nylon monofilament).  Can anyone suggest a specific brand that is known for its strength?  I'm about to launch the web site for my company, and I don't want this to continue to happen! Thanks!

I always use Beadalon 49 strand .015" with Tornado crimps. I have never had a break or failed crimp. If a piece is particularily heavy, I use 2 crimps on each end. If I'm using wire lace or ribbon, I will glue the knots and hide them under bead cones. I wouldn't trust plain monofilament. It will also be more prone to breaking with age. Just like fishing line, you gotta use a new reel periodically or else the big one will get away!

Beadalon is a good choice, that's what I use. Also, I have never used this, but I've heard that Fireline works well, its like fishing line, but its made specifically for beading, so its stronger.

Hi, I don't trust monofilament it allways breaks.  Use one of the coated wires like Beadalong, Softlex, Flexalon, etc. 

What brand you buy is up to you, the size depends on your project.

Hope this helps, good luck, Petal

Dear LE Designs,

I  used to have that same problem once in awhile a few years ago. I use the 49 strand Beadalon wire. I have had the most luck with that. Let me know how you do on your website. I just launched mine last week.

SoftFlex beading wire is the best (in my book) and I always use Tornado crimps. Another good tip is to always make sure you have "finishing beads" at the end of your bead strand. I use 2-3 small sterling or vermeil round beads at the end of each of my strands. That way I can feed the wire back through the clasp, the crimp and the finishing beads before I cut it!

If your beads have very small holes (freshwater pearls for instance), SoftFlex has a wire that is labeled "very-fine" and is good for small hole beads and bead crochet, etc.

Good luck.

Monofilament will not work when using gemstone beads.

Many a times the finish inside the hole of the bead is jagged and when the necklace is worn, beads move and rub against the inside and this will slowly weaken the filament and eventually it will break.

The best beading cable is made with 49 cables as this is fairly kink resistant and most flexible. There are several brands that make this like Accu-Flex, Beadalon. After you have decided to use this beading cable spend some time reading about the various color finish and diameter that will work for the beads you use frequently.

Rupa