Measurements, Conversions, Guidelines & Tidbits
Beads
Per Inch
Metric Conversion
Necklace Guide
Bracelet Guide
Measuring beads per inch - It's important to be able to determine how many beads of a particular size take to make a predetermined length. From a bead buyers stand point you need to know this to tell how many beads you are getting when you are buying by the strand - the last thing you want to do is count each individual bead. The widely accepted standard length for a commercial strand of beads is 16" with the exception of chip beads which generally run 36". While this is not always the case, they are the most common lengths.
On the opposite side, when you are designing a project, you will need to know how many beads you are going to need to make your bracelet, necklace or other project to get the end result you are looking for. The following table gives the number of beads needed for a variety of lengths in inches for a range of bead sizes. They are not exact, but should not vary by more than one or two beads in most cases.
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Metric Conversions - Still struggling with converting to metric? Who isn't? Here are the inch equivalents to most of the current metric beads sizes.
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Diameter
|
|
|
Metric
|
Inches
|
| 3.0 mm | 1/8" |
| 4.0 mm | 5/32" |
| 5.0 mm | 3.16" |
|
6.0
mm
|
1/4"
|
|
8.0
mm
|
5/16"
|
|
10.0
mm
|
3/8"
|
|
11.0
mm
|
7/16"
|
|
12.0
mm
|
1/2"
|
|
14.0
mm
|
9/16"
|
|
16.0
mm
|
5/8"
|
|
19.0
mm
|
3/4"
|
|
22.0
mm
|
7/8"
|
|
25.0
mm
|
1"
|
|
34.0
mm
|
1
3/8"
|
|
38.0
mm
|
1
1/2"
|
|
44.0
mm
|
1
3/4"
|
|
50.0
mm
|
2"
|
How Long?
Necklace and Bracelet Lengths - While there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to your jewelry design projects (except that they need to fit!), here are some commonly held conventions about necklace lengths as well as some tips on making your bracelet just the right length.
Necklace lengths are generally classified by length as follows:
Collar - 12-13 inches worn snug like a dog collar.
Choker - 14-16 inches worn just above the collar bone.
Princess - 17-19 inches designed for high necklines.
Matinee - 20-23 inches.
Opera - 28-34 inches - can be double to be worn as a choker.
Rope - 40-45 inches.
Lariat - at least 48 inches with free ends. Can be worn wrapped around neck several times. This is also essentially the current popular fashion item called a beaded belt which can be worn free style with an adjustable fastening device.
Bib - Multi-stranded with each succeeding strand longer than the previous.
Graduated - Progressively smaller beads starting with a large central focus bead, gradually getting smaller closer to the clasp.
Follow these steps to get a bracelet that will always fit.
1. Measure the wrist and add 1/2".
2. Determine the total length of the catch or clasp and crimp beads you plan to use.
3. Subtract Step 2 from Step 1 to determine the total beaded portion of your bracelet.
4. If you are using a centerpiece (like a watch face or focal bead), subtract this length from the result in Step 3.
5. Divide The result in Step 4 by 2 to determine the beaded length for each side of your bracelet. Make sure you leave yourself extra beading material while you are actually stringing your bead.
The above may all sound like common sense, but we can tell you from personal experience we have made plenty of bracelets more than once because they came out TOO SHORT!
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