Tahitian Stretch Bracelets

[alina]

Hi I really like PP's stretch bracelets. It looks like there aren't any knots between the pearls though. Wouldn't that damage the pearls? I thought the whole point of knotting pearls was to keep them separated so they don't chip and crack. Thoughts? Anyone have these or other pearl stretch bracelets and can share experience? Thanks! Ali

 

[Raisondetre]

I only have them in freshwater - they're the baroque ones which are 10-11mm. They don't seem to knock against each other, but I am afraid of the elastic snapping so I don't buy high grade pearls in those.

 

[alina]

I am thinking of trying to make my own with some less expensive pearls and knotting in between the pearls just to experiment. BTW do you get yours wet? Part of the reason I want stretch bracelets is to be able to wear on the beach and in the ocean.

 

[pattye]

I recall hearing awhile back that it was not good for the stretch material to be wet--so recommend doing a bit of research before using. Perhaps it has been improved by now. Powerpro would surely be safe to use and totally ok to get wet!

 

[MsT]

I have never had any luck with stretch material. It always breaks after just a few wearings (but it could be my technique).

 

[waimeamomi]

Tahitian pearls shouldn't chip or crack from rubbing or really they shouldn't. They can be scratched, but the reason pearls are knotted is so that if the strand breaks they all won't go flying!

 

[raj]

I've made several stretch tahitian pearl bracelets using Stretch Magic (1mm diameter). I've had them about a year and wear them constantly. Both the pearls and the cord are holding up well. I've restrung them a couple of times more from an abundance of caution than need as the cord looked fine, but since it takes only 5 minutes to do, I'd rather be safe than sorry.

 

[pattye]

raj,

Are you wearing them in water?

 

[laurenb]

Ooh, I hadn't seen those. Is that what became of the remaining undrilled beader's special FW baroques?

 

[raj]

Pattye, only water contact is via handwashing, so I can't comment on how it will hold up to extensive contact with water. The cord is rubber like so I can't think why water would damage it, but I haven't seen any literature on the product addressing this issue.

A pix of bracelets, ~9+ months in (my memory of purchase date was a bit off )

 

[MsT]

Raj, those are fabulous!

 

[alina]

Raj, wow those look awesome! I guess the beads in between the pearls probably helps them from knocking against each other too. Mind if I ask where you got the pearls for the bracelet? They really are gorgeous!! Ali

 

[pattye]

Raj

The bracelets are just gorgeous! You must get lots of compliments!

 

[Pearly Shell]

Gorgeous! Absolutly gorgeous!!

 

[raj]

Thank you all for your compliments!
Ali, the bracelets are predominately made of loose pearls from PP.
A close up photo that turned out, focus wise.

 

[alina]

I didn't know PP sold loose pearls. Do you just call them up to order? How much do they charge? I called to ask them about unfinished Tahitian strand and they told me they don't sell that way. They were willing to send me the unfinished strand along with the clasp at same price as finished necklace. Ali

 

[laurenb]

They do sell loose pearls like this, but you've probably seen that part of their site already.

 

[alina]

DOH! I had **not** seen that part of their website. Thanks for pointing out!! Are there other sources for loose Tahitian pearls like this that I've missed???

 

[imanit]

About two years ago I made some bracelets on stretch cord. I used lower quality pearls for them. I wear them while on vacation or while doing some crazy, not lady like activities.... I wear them often. Those bracelets never broke !!! My daughters wear often stretchy pearls bracelets I made for them... again none broke. But......Good pearls go on thread or wire... I wouldn't risk to have those bracelets break..

 

[katkashmir]

I recently restrung a necklace, into a double strand bracelet and a bracelet on to Elastic Stretch Cord. I love them. I wear them both much more than previously. I used Stretch Magic Cord. When I strung them I managed to lose the ends a couple and times and surprisingly the pearls didn't fly all over the place.