Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 12

Thread: 'Balancing' a bracelet

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Northamptonshire
    Posts
    68

    Default 'Balancing' a bracelet

    Hello all,

    While experimenting with wire and beads to make some Christmassy bracelets this last week, I've come across a problem. I hope this makes sense, here goes...

    A lot of the designs I seem to come up with for recent bracelets have featured the 'statement' bead in the middle of the bracelet so that it sits at the top of the wrist when the wearer, well, wears it. However the nicest 'statement' bead always seems to be the heaviest, and so instead tends to end up on the underneath of the wrist when worn, with the catch on top. The only way I can see to counteract this is by 'balancing' the bracelet design so there are heavier beads on either side of the catch, but this means modifying the design quite a lot.

    Are there any other ways you expert beaders have come up with to 'balance' your wire and bead bracelets so this doesn't happen, or is it just a case of changing the original design?

    Any tips much appreciated

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Posts
    1,293

    Default

    I don't know about other ways of balancing designs...I don't think you can escape physics!!

    I've found that bracelets are such dynamic things anyway. Unless you keep your hands by your sides all the time the bracelet is bound to be moving around...and I am forever jangling mine as I love the noise and the feeling of movement around my wrists!! I think as long as your design is beautiful all round, what difference does it make if the 'feature' bead is 'down below' sometimes?? Have a beautiful fastening and other lovely beads and dangly bits to compliment your focal bead and love to show it all!

    I have found that bracelets move around less if they are fairly snug to the wrist...but I also find this to be more uncomfortable to wear...so that is no real solution either!
    Last edited by Solunar Silver Studio; 06-12-2009 at 06:52 AM.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    cotswolds
    Posts
    3,383

    Default

    I often attach a 'pumpkin' bead with some extra weight at the clasp - often on an extender, which helps both balance the weight, and can also be a pleasing part of the design. I also try to use fairly weighty clasps, sometimes even with a bead integrated into the clasp itself to add weight.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Rushden, Northamptonshire
    Posts
    798

    Default

    I'm pleased you asked this question Vivia - I've just noticed the same issue with a bracelet I made for myself and was wondering what to do about it.
    Anne

    Feel the fear, and do it anyway!
    Blog: http://www.whiteoakjewellery.blogspot.com/
    Website: http://www.whiteoakjewellery.co.uk

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Northamptonshire
    Posts
    68

    Default

    Thanks for the advice everyone, some good tips there.

    George, excuse my ignorance, is a pumpkin bead just a bead that's sort-of pumpkin-shaped?

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Posts
    31

    Default

    maybe have a couple of statement beads at opposite sides. there will then be something interesting showing even if it does spin round

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    cotswolds
    Posts
    3,383

    Default

    A pumpkin bead is just one with enough weight to use as a 'dangle' near the clasp to help stop it swivelling. I have no idea how it got the name!

    The other option is to use a clasp that's a bit of a feature in its own right

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Posts
    59

    Default

    there is a scientific way of doing it too, by using yr statement stone that has a lower specific gravity than the other stones and try keep the highest SG stones toward the other end by the bracelet clasp. Along with everyone elses sugestions it could work.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Northamptonshire
    Posts
    68

    Default

    I'm now using a combination of all the suggestions, and it's working marvellously. Thank you all.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Norfolk,England
    Posts
    305

    Default

    Have you got a picture of the bracelet????
    Bridget x x

    Never be afraid to try something new,remember amateurs built the Ark,
    professionals built the Titanic!!!



    http://www.rusticcharmjewellery.co.uk

Similar Threads

  1. How to fix a bracelet
    By shelliem in forum Beading & Lampworking
    Replies: 19
    Last Post: 26-05-2011, 10:07 AM
  2. Maille bracelet
    By Kalorlo in forum Show & Tell!
    Replies: 23
    Last Post: 28-09-2009, 10:03 AM
  3. the troublesome bracelet now
    By bustagasket in forum Show & Tell!
    Replies: 31
    Last Post: 02-09-2009, 02:29 PM
  4. Balancing jewellery with full-time work
    By angel85 in forum The Lounge
    Replies: 35
    Last Post: 24-08-2009, 03:45 PM
  5. Balancing jewellery with full-time work
    By angel85 in forum Business Ideas
    Replies: 32
    Last Post: 30-07-2009, 12:01 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •