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Stretch gemstone bracelets are all the rage these days, and it’s no surprise why. They’re versatile, easy to wear, and come in a variety of beautiful colours and textures. Ummm, first of all…Stretch bracelets are the easiest bracelet to make because there isn’t a fussy clasp to struggle with when you’re late & running out the door.
If you’re looking to make your own stretch gemstone bracelets, you’ll need the right tools to get started. In this blog, we’ll cover the six best tools for making stretch gemstone bracelets, including tips for choosing the best nylon thread, how to pick the right gemstone beads, the importance of sharp scissors, the benefits of using jeweler’s glue, an introduction to a basic beadboard and why a good work light is crucial.
Before you even start stringing, it’s vital to have all your tools and supplies sorted and organized. You’ll Need…
- Nylon Thread
- Gemstone Beads
- Sharp Scissors
- Jewelers Glue
- A Work Lamp
- A Bead Design Board
Here’s My Top 6 list of the Right Tools
1. Nylon Thread (Cord).
Choose the best nylon thread you can afford. I recently bought a new brand of thread from a bead store. I wanted to try it because it was on sale. I drove home (3 ½ hours) only to discover the cord was… (how do I put this nicely?) awful. I strung an XL bracelet on it, went to stretch the thread before tying it off and you guessed it…the nylon broke and due to flying beads…my dog almost lost his right eye.
For a women’s bracelet, I typically use a .8mm thread (because generally, women tend to be a little gentler on their jewelry) and a 1.0mm for a men’s (A slightly thicker & stronger thread).
I use Stretch Magic Bead & Beadnova Jewelry Cord. It’s the best stretchy nylon thread/cord I’ve found because it’s never broken and when you use it, day in and day out…it still feels like a quality product.
2. Picking the Right Gemstone Bead.
The second tool you’ll need for making stretch gemstone bracelets is, of course, gemstone beads.
When it comes to picking the right beads, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you’ll want to choose high-quality beads that are free of chips, cracks, or other imperfections. Look for beads that have a consistent colour and pattern and that are well-polished. That being said, go with your own personal style and flare and pick any other kind of bead you like. I will often use sandalwood (both natural and red sandalwood) as a complimentary pairing, shell and even bone beads…just to mix things up.
You’ll also want to consider the size of your beads. Most stretch gemstone bracelets feature beads that are between 6mm and 10mm in size, although you can certainly experiment with different sizes and shapes. Keep in mind that larger beads will make your bracelet feel heavier and might not suit a smaller wrist, while smaller beads will give it a more delicate look.
From what I’ve seen on Pinterest and used in my own gemstone jewelry business, the majority of semi-precious gemstone bracelets are made using the 8mm bead. It seems to be the preference of most designers and customers. That being said, 6mm beads are exquisitely used for more dainty-looking bracelets.
I use quality gemstone beads that have a 1-1 1/2 mm-sized hole. (You can buy beads with smaller or larger holes, but in my experience, this sized hole works best for .8mm thread).
*Ever tried threading a .8mm string through a .5mm hole? Spoiler alert…it doesn’t work.
For a more in-depth look at choosing your beads, 4 Things You Should Know Before Buying Gemstone Beads is a must-read.
My last piece of advice regarding gemstone beads is to pick your bead supplier and stick with them. They may offer memberships in which you can save money through sales etc. Also, you’ll get to trust their quality and that’s half the battle right there.
3. Sharp Scissors.
Next up is a good pair of sharp scissors. You’ll need these to cut your stretch cord to the right length, as well as to trim any excess cord once you’ve finished your bracelet. It’s important to use sharp scissors, as dull scissors can crush your cord and make it difficult to work with. A dull cut and a crushed end will ensure a difficult threading procedure during the next project.
Seems silly but taking care of your scissors by keeping them sharp and making sure they’re not covered in glue (from gluing your knot) will make life simple. It’s also a good idea to inspect your scissors for knicks, bends and divots in the blades every now and then.
4. Jewellers Glue.
While the stretch cord is typically enough to hold your bracelet together, adding a bit of jeweler’s glue can provide extra durability and security.
At all costs, avoid using Instant Glue on your knots. (You ARE gluing your knots, right?!) Instant Glue WILL eventually deteriorate and corrode the nylon thread which will cause the nylon to break.
I use G-S Hypo Cement & E6000 Clear Transparent Glue. Both of these glues have flex in them, even when they’ve dried, so they’re perfect for stretch jewelry. In fact, that’s what this specific glue was invented for.
5. A Decent Work/Focal Light.
Don’t strain your eyes – use a desk lamp to assist you in getting your bracelet made quickly and efficiently. A good work light is essential for making stretch gemstone bracelets. Because the beads are often small and intricate, it’s important to have good lighting so you can see what you’re doing. Look for a bright, adjustable lamp that you can position over your work area and consider using a magnifying glass or other magnification tool if you have trouble seeing small details.
If possible, use a bulb that produces a white light because I’ve found it brightens your work surface much better than a “soft light” coloured bulb ever could.
6. A Bead Board.
Seriously, invest in a bead design board. They are worth their weight in gold. A bead design board is a handy tool that can help you lay out your beads in the right order and measure your bracelet as you go. Most bead design boards feature numbered size indentations that correspond to the length of your bracelet, so you can easily see how many beads you’ll need for your desired size.
I have two different types of design boards I use…it’s a just matter of which one you prefer. I bought the grey one from Michaels ( I think it was about C$7), and it is my everyday board.
As you can see, it has the 5 sizes (XS-XL) already marked on it and has indentations on it for designing and holding the beads as you work.
The wooden board is the one I use for making my Traditional Mala Bracelets. Traditional Mala Bracelets are twice as long as regular Mala Bracelets so they need precise and consistent sizing. It’s premeasured to the exact length I need. My talented friend Jason whipped it up for me and it’s very helpful and easy to use.
Bonus: 7) A great music selection!
Your favouritemusic will help you stay calm and relaxed. I try to shy away from a heavy head-thrashing beat due to my own apparent inability to keep all the beads on the bead design board while I’m working.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jewelry Making Tools
Q: What is the best type of thread to use for making gemstone stretch bracelets?
A: Nylon thread is the best option for making gemstone stretch bracelets. It is durable and strong enough to withstand the weight and tension of the beads. Make sure your thread is heavy enough to withstand the size & weight of the beads you’ve chosen.
Q: Why are sharp scissors important for making gemstone stretch bracelets?
A: Sharp scissors make it easier to cut the nylon thread to the desired length. A dull cut and a crushed end will ensure a difficult threading procedure during the next project.
Q: Why are gemstone beads preferred over other types of beads?
A: Gemstone beads are more durable and have a higher quality look and feel. They also come in a variety of colours and patterns which makes them perfect for creating unique and beautiful bracelets. That being said, go with your own personal style and flare and add any other kind of bead you like. I often use sandalwood (both natural and red sandalwood) as a complimentary pairing, shell and even bone beads.
Q: What is the importance of a good desk light when making gemstone stretch bracelets?
A: A good desk light illuminates your workspace, making it easier to see the details of the beads and thread. This can help you to create your bracelets in a shorter amount of time.
Q: What is the best type of glue to use for making gemstone stretch bracelets?
A: Jewelers’ glue is the best type of glue to use when making gemstone stretch bracelets. It is strong enough to hold the beads in place, but it dries clear and doesn’t leave a residue.
Q: Why is a bead design board important when making gemstone stretch bracelets?
A: A bead board helps you plan out the design of your bracelet before you start stringing the beads. It also helps to keep the beads organized and makes it easier to measure the length of the bracelet. That being said, you can always use a tea towel or soft cloth instead…anything that prevents your beads from rolling all over the place. (& staying in order!)
Q: How do I take care of my gemstone bracelet?
A: Gemstone jewelry should be handled like any other treasured piece of jewelry. Basically, to ensure your semi-precious gemstone bracelet lasts for years, keep it clean, store it properly, avoid exposure to harmful chemicals, protect it from extreme temperatures and keep it charged with positivity. For a deeper look into making your gemstone feel loved, read The 5 Best Ways to Take Care of Your Gemstone Bracelets & The Essential Guide to Cleansing Your Gemstone Bracelet.
These are just a few of my tips to help you select the perfect jewelry-making tools. Tried and tested, Hand on Heart.
In conclusion, making your own stretch gemstone bracelets is a fun and enriching hobby that anyone can enjoy. By using the right tools, including high-quality gemstone beads, sharp scissors, stretch cord, jeweler’s glue, a bead board, and a good work light, you can create beautiful bracelets that you’ll be proud to wear or give as gifts. So go ahead and get started – the possibilities are endless!
Need inspiration? Why don’t you skip over to our bracelet shop here.
Are you ready to start stringing your beads? Here’s How to Make a Stretch Semi-Precious Gemstone Bracelet Like a Pro.
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