Please help me choose which gold spacers

[kelluvpearls]

I am trying to choose between 2 types of rondels for my drop shape Tahitians, the choice of spacers seems like a trivial issue but these little (tiny) things are rather costly so I want to make the right choice. Maybe the PG expert beaders/members can help with my decision, it'll be much appreciated.

1.18kt gold bead

2. 22kt beads

My choice of clasp is a 10mm matte 18ct yellow gold ball.

Choice number 2 is 22kt gold so I am not sure if the colour will match my clasp.

 

[kelluvpearls]

Here's a stock photo of the clasp.

View attachment clasp.bmp

 

[Sueki]

Personally I prefer the 22 carat beads.
They are smaller and matte finish so will match your clasp.
I don't think (but can't be sure) that any colour difference will be obvious.

 

[borah]

I like the 22k beads too. They look smaller but also like they're higher quality. THe 18k ones remind me of gold plated beads I've seen.

 

[pattye]

My preference would be the 22k beads. Yes, they will have a more matte finish similar to the clasp. I personally prefer a small spacer, too, like Sueki, and think the colors will be very similar. Your strand will have a bit more flexibility with the 22k beads, with them being smaller and flat. The pearls will settle slightly into the ends of the roundel and be less flexible. will you knot? use silk, or string on flexible cable wire like many of us do?

p.s. lovely pearls! We will want to see the finished necklace! Will you be picking out a couple of the pearls for earrings?

 

[kelluvpearls]

Thank you for the replies everyone, it's much appreciated.

Pattye I may pick a pearl out for a pendant, my ears aren't pierced but these are on my 2009 wish list, you can add different earring charms to get a different look, it also comes in white gold.

I've been practising knotting, I've redone a couple of necklaces several times, it's so difficult to master! I have fireline thread and will be using that for this project.

 

[Raisondetre]

I think you need to consider how soft 22K is. That's why clasps are typically 18K.

 

[raj]

I think the 22K spacers are a better option; I used very similar beads in this bracelet:

 

[pattye]

raj,

Beautiful pearls in the bracelet! Clasp???? or on elastic? And what are the dark beads, or are they pearls also?

kelluvpearls, great earrings on your want list! I have a small pair of sterling huggies set with white sapphire, just haven't gotten around to making the charms yet!

 

[Drucilla]

Yes, the pearls in that bracelet are lovely.

And, Pattye, we want to see your finished earrings, too.

 

[raj]

thanks Pattye, most of the pearls on this bracelet are LOOT tahitians from PP.
No clasp, on 1mm elastic. The dark beads are antique black glass beads.

 

[kelluvpearls]

Lovely bracelet, I love the shapes of those pearls.

Pattye do post your earring charms when you get around to making some.

Thanks Raisondetre about reminding me the softness of higher karat gold, I remembered one of my mother's 24kt ring ended up all bent and mishapened but I think she didn't store it properly, I'd imagine the spacers might end up the same. However, I have several 24kt chains and bracelets and they look pretty sturdy so I googled and found one of the techniques used to strengthen the piece is to burnish with shots of stainless steel?

Here's the article:
http://www.allbusiness.com/retail-trade/apparel-accessory-stores-womens-specialty/4229642-1.html

 

[Sueki]

Love the bracelet Raj - thanks for the photo.

Kelluvpearls, thanks for that article.
I love high carat gold.