Use our two finishes of sleek, strong metal beading chain for fluid, elegant designs where the beading strand is as visible as the beads themselves. Best with metal, gemstone, and pearl beads with hole sizes at least .9mm diameter. Many bead holes can be carefully enlarged with our cordless Bead Reamer (#3632).
Tips on beading chain: Some jewelry artists finish these chains by gently enlarging the end links with a sharp needle or scriber, so small jump rings can fit. This works well with very delicate, lightweight pieces.
For heavier beads and/or single strands of beading chain, we recommend our Sterling Silver (#7506) or 14Kt Gold Filled (#6502) Crimp End Caps with closed soldered jump rings. These have inner diameters of .7mm to .8mm, and can be clamped down on the chain with regular needle-nosed or crimp pliers (a dot of clear epoxy may not hurt, either).
2x2 or larger crimps can be used in alternating bands to connect two strands of beading wire, for 'netted' effects.
