Question:
Perhaps you can help me with something. I made a beautiful lariat out of semiprecious stones which I think would work great as a belt also...

Now I am planning to make a belt of mixed semiprecious stones and Bali silver...turq, carnelian, coral, amythest, jade, lapis... I have all my materials together, including the Bali silver and stones I will use for accents...But I am concerned about the strength of the stringing material...The thickest wire I can fit into these stones is Soft-Flex medium...Will that be strong enough with extra secure crimping? Can you suggest an alternative? This is a very special project that is a gift and I want to be sure I get it right.


Answer:
I agree that you should make the belt out of the strongest beading wire possible. I am not sure of what the break strength is of the softflex that you are using, but in the Beadalon line, the 49 strand .015 wire has a break strength of 20 lbs., whereas the 7 strand break strength is 15 lbs. So the more the strands the stronger the wire. The wire will cost more with a higher number of strands but for a special project, it should be worth it.

It would also be a good idea to use two crimp beads on the ends for extra security.


Comment from Reader:
I'd like to make a suggestion on a VERY strong string that I sometimes use for beading...To the lady who's making a belt from semi-precious stones...When I'm making a piece that needs to be exceptionally strong AND there's not much chance of the string showing, I use a fishing string called "FUSION SPIDER LINE". Yes, a fishing string. Not only have I never lost even the largest bass using thier smallest line, but I've never ever had a piece of jewelry I've made with this line break.

Try it for yourself. Take thier smallest line and TRY TRY TRY to break it. It's impossible. Be careful though, you're liable to cut your fingers! The line doesn't break down over time like clear lines do and once the knot is set (Go to thier website and you'll find some great tips for super strong knots) the knot absolutely will never come undone. Seriously, if you can handle the ugly green color, it's the best string for the piece that needs to be super strong.


Comment from Reader:
Here is a suggestion for your reader. Make the belt in 'loops' of about 4 inches (8 inches made into a circle and crimped). Link one 8 inch section in to the next double crimping the ends together and be sure to use large enough beads next to the crimps so the ends can be tucked in and glued. This pattern is great for belts and is VERY sturdy. I have made Middle Eastern Dance belts using a similar 'looping' that have lasted for years!