Swarovski Crystal Cube Bead Bracelet Problem

Thanks so much for your question!

Unfortunately, you really do need spacer beads in between the cubes so that the bracelet will curve.

You’ll need to take apart your bracelet and start over. One of the hazards of jewelry design I’m afraid. I don’t know how many times I’ve cursed my poorly hanging design! It always seems to look just fine in your head, doesn’t it?

Here is my suggestion. In between each cube, place a small crystal bicone (maybe a 3 or 4 mm?) or a 3 mm seamless silver round bead. A corrugated silver space round might be nice too.

A less expensive alternative is to use small glass rounds. There are a lot of glass beads that look beautiful but are pretty inexpensive.

But you do need to somehow give the cubes space to move into the curve.

Hope That helps.

Christine
http://www.how-to-make-jewelry.com

I have the same problem with any swarovski crystal bracelet I make. Even if they bend, they’re still very stiff. I found if I use the tiniest silver daisy spacers between each crystal it is much more flexible.

I have some crystal clear glass seed beads that I use as spacers in projects like this where simply elegance is the goal. They actually magnify the color of the beading wire and almost ‘become’ the wire color.

I got them from Wal Mart’s craft department. They are marketed under the brand name “MainStays Crafts” and are listed on the vial as “Crystal Clear Seed Beeds” and are in 30 gram vials for $1.97.

I have also used them as spacers between some rather expensive glass pearls with white silk thread and they appear to be knots between the pearls. They are so tiny and they turn white like the thread. They will appear to be whatever color the thread is. That is just a very cool effect for a little of nothing. Try them out, I know you will be pleased. ;o)

Whenever you make an item using square beads, you do have to use something with softer edges in order to have that gentle curve necessary for necklaces or bracelets. I have a square cube bracelet listed right now on etsy. If you look at it, you’ll see that I used larger “e” beads (like a size 8 seed bead) to separate the cubes.