Bracelets are especially prone to breakage because they receive so much more daily wear and tear than other types of beaded jewelry. Beading wire is the most reliable stringing material for stringing bracelets because it combines the strength of stainless steel with the flexibility of thread to help you make a durable bracelet.

The first step to making a durable bracelet is choosing the appropriate beading wire. Since bracelets must be extremely flexible, always use the most flexible beading wire: Beadalon 49 (http://www.beadalon.com/49StrandStringingWires.asp). You should also use the largest diameter of wire that will pass through the bead holes. This is particularly important for bracelets, especially when potentially abrasive beads are being used in the design. Beadalon 49 wire diameters .018" and .024" are good places to start.

If you're using beads with very large holes, consider filling the holes with smaller beads to make the bead holes closer in size. This will help reduce abrasion on the beading wire and will help the beads lay properly once strung onto the beading wire. You can also use smaller beads as spacers between large beads to help reduce abrasion on the wire.

When stringing beads onto the wire, be on the lookout for any sharp burrs inside the silver beads. Bali silver beads are particularly notorious for having abrasive surfaces inside the beads. You may need to use a bead reamer (http://www.beadalon.com/Reamers.asp)  to soften these rough edges. A bead reamer is a round file that fits inside the bead hole. You twist it back and forth to remove any burrs inside the holes.

When you're ready to attach the clasp, first bend the bracelet in a slight U-shape. This will help create a bit of space at the end of the design and will ensure that the bracelet is flexible enough to bend freely around the wrist when worn. If the bracelet is strung too tightly, the sharp edges of the beads can cut through the wire.

Top tips for durable bracelets:
- Use the most flexible beading wire, Beadalon 49.
- Use the largest wire diameter possible.
- Use small beads to fill large holes or as spacers between big beads.
- Use a bead reamer to remove burrs and rough edges.
- Make sure the bracelet can bend freely

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