So many choices! A quick scan through the rosary category and anyone can feel overwhelmed by what is available. So.....what to choose?

I have worked the spectrum...... cabled to traditional ... and the most difficult and time consuming.....wire wrapped. If asked what is the strongest, obviously it is the wire wrapped. BUT......that does not necessarily mean they are what any one individual would be happy with. They are longer........somewhat heavier.......and in comparison to a cabled.......much more limited in the color combinations.

Cabled can be exceptionally strong when run on supple heavyweight cable (49 strand 40# test weight). Crimping them correctly and securing the crimp with a cap is important. I generally double crimp and cap for added strength. Rosaries constructed in this manner can last for generations. The added bonus of cabled rosaries is two- fold. One, they are incredibly supple. They feel liquid in the hand. And second, they offer a unique ability to work in wondrous accent colors that otherwise could not be incorporated into other styles of rosary. Spacer beads between the Hail Mary beads can be contrasting. And accent beads on either side of the Our Father beads can be numerous and creative. The number of cabled rosary designs  is limitless!

So now you must ask .....

What do you want to spend?

How are you going to use this? (Travel, home, etc.)

Will this be an heirloom for your children and grandchildren?

How hard are you on your rosaries?(Have you had a history of them coming apart on you)

Let's begin with cost.

If you have limited funds or are not interested in an investment piece, then a cabled rosary is a definite way to go! They are not necesarrily of lesser quality, but the cost of labor involved is by far cheaper thatn a wire wrapped...........or even a traditional for that matter! If this rosary will be traveling in the car, trains or planes much...... the lighter weight cable rosary has it's advantages. If it is for the home and used about the house......a wire wrapped rosaries durability comes in handy. If this is a piece to be handed down to your family.........either one can be an investment piece. (depending on the individual quality of construction)  And finally........if you carry your rosary around in your hand frequently........it can snag and hang on objects. If you have had traditional rosaries pull apart on you in the past......Seriously consider a wire wrapped rosary. No matter HOW well constructed a cabled rosary is, a wire wrapped will always be stronger. If strength is a real issue, then wire wrapped is the way to go. If you really want a wire wrapped, you can find more affordable versions of these constructed with bronze, brass, copper and plated wire. If you are considering an investment piece, there are many designs in sterling silver and tarnish resistant argentinium  silver.

The choices are endless!

Learn the construction techniques sellers use and you can get an idea as to the quality you are investing in. Those who hand wrap their rosaries usually have rather unique tool markingss on thier pieces. This does not detract from a rosary..... in actuality.... it is a tell of the time involved. If a rosary has large eyes on either end of the bead........excessive wraps......and seems rather lengthy..... you are probably looking at one that has been built with specialty pliers that do the wrapping for you. They are built much faster this way........but they have draw-backs. Large eyes can stretch if hung and can warp into disfigured shapes. They also can be unweildy in length and lack semetry in comparison to the size of a bead. A rosary constructed with 6mm beads should not exceed 24 to 26 inches in length , generally,  if wire wrapped. If it does, and the eyes are almost or are as big as the bead, you can assume is was built with specialty pliers and is not as high a quality wire wrap.

The traditional wire wrapper uses round nose piers, flat nose or bent nose pliers and cutters. Period. Is is a slower process, but tends to be stronger and much more balanced in appearance when completed. This method also allows for swirling the wire as well.....a style that cannot be achieved with specialty pliers. Study the different sellers who offer wire wrapped rosaries and you will find they are indeed very individual!

So.....cabled, traditional or wire wrapped?

You decide!

Good luck and God Bless!