How to Buy Beads and Charms to Make Bracelets

Bracelets receive more wear and tear than earrings and necklaces. They can easily become snagged on doors or clothing and often get plunged underwater when you wash your hands or do the dishes. Buying beads and charms that can withstand these obstacles and still be attractive takes a keen eye for detail and an understanding of how you will be making a bracelet.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet access

Instructions

1. Visit a bead or crafts store if possible so you can judge the quality, material and size of the beads accurately. Verify the material plus the size of the bead and hole before purchasing bead supplies online.

2. Choose beads depending on your threading material. Wire or thick beading elastic is the best material for bracelets, as it is less likely to snap if it gets snagged. Make sure the beads have no sharp areas around the holes that will break elastic and that the holes are large enough to thread wire through.

3. Choose beads that are made of durable material; silver and other rustproof metals, plastic and wood are best. Ceramic and glass are durable, though make sure the beads aren't too large and that designs on the ceramic are sealed in a clear gloss.

4. Choose charms with soldered jump rings or bails. Open jump rings that have a space where the wires meet will pull loose if snagged. Charms with attached closed bails or continuous jump rings cannot pull free.

5. Check to see whether your beads or charms are available packaged or loose. Packaged beads are often less expensive, as you get a quantity discount. Verify that the packaged beads are made in the same manner and of the same material as the loose ones.

Tips & Warnings

• Wood beads will discolor with age if not varnished.

Resources

• Free beaded bracelet designs from Artbeads.