Bead Stringing Materials and the Elements

During one of Janice and Kate’s live Facebook videos, they discussed an often asked question: What threads, used for stringing and weaving with beads, can you wear in the shower or swimming? 


The short answer to this question, which seems simply enough, is yes, depending on what you use as far as the stringing material goes. However, they went on to qualify this “yes” answer with a number of stipulations and recommendations. 

Leather Cord

First of all, there are some stringing materials they resoundingly said “no” to as far as getting wet. These definitely include leather and silk. Since these are natural fibers, they will stretch over time. In fact, many threads will stretch because as the finished jewelry pieces hang, either around an arm, your neck, or even hanging on a jewelry display, the weight will, over a period of time, cause materials to stretch.

Materials that are usually a little more safe to possibly get wet would include those made from nylon or cotton. For example, there is cotton cord, C-Lon, and Tuff Cord. These are much better choices for jewelry pieces that might get wet.

C-Lon

Keeping all of this in mind, it is a good idea to regularly check jewelry pieces, especially those you wear often, for wear and tear. It is better to know ahead of time, obviously, that a piece may have a weak area and needs repair then to be surprised one day when it comes apart as you’re wearing it. Unfortunately, restringing is part of jewelry making and a very common practice necessary to keep jewelry pieces we love to wear in the best possible condition. 

TUFF Cord

If you’d like to watch Janice and Kate discuss this and other related topic, the episode if available on beadshop’s Youtube channel for viewing any time.