Thanks everybody and thanks for the detail on what I need to buy George.

I think this is where my problem lies then - the rings on the clasp are closed and the clasp looks very lovely and home made and I suspect if I attempted to cut them I would ruin it (its kind of the clasp that makes the bracelet).

So I wouldnt be able to make a loop and thread through would I? Or am I reading this wrong (I will re read later as have a headache now which is causing more brain fog!).

It was made with what looked like cotton string (probably not that but it appeared like that) and as you both say it wasnt strong enough and was fraying both at the ends and a few strands had split in the middle. However if I could fix it and re fix it for a while until I am more skilled to make it stronger my friend would be happy with that.

What do you think?