I just introduced a new jewelry making video showing how to make a torsade necklace.

Torsade is a french word, the “tors” part meaning twisted.

A torsade was a decoration that emerged in the 19th century as a twisted ribbon or chord that was used primarily to decorate hats.

The word is now used to describe decorative things that have some kind of twisted motif.

In this necklace design I primarily used 4mm swarovski pearls, but you will notice that the necklace “sparkles” a little more than usual.

That’s because I use a sneaky little trick where I also mix a few swarovski crystal beads in with the pearls. You can’t really tell unless you look at the necklace up close, but I really like the effect it has on the necklace.

When you mix in the swarovski crystal beads the key is to make sure that the beads are a similar color to the pearls.

In terms of the colors of the pearls, you can try different things but my approach was simply to have one strand be a strong color, one strand be a weak color, and one strand be something in between.

You can vary your color selection to create very different looks. You will notice in the picture above that one necklace with the golden color pearls would look very nice with an autumn outfit, while the other that uses the white and light blue pearls has more of a spring and summer feel to it.

Why did I choose only three strands?

You can do more than three, but when you twist the necklace into a torsade it will start to look very bulky if you go much beyond three strands.

Also, when possible I like to create jewelry pieces that have multiple functions. With this necklace you can choose not to twist it into a torsade shape and instead just wear it as a three strand necklace. I think if you had more than three strands in that situation it would start to look too busy, so three seemed just right for my personal preference.

I learned with this necklace that one of the keys to the torsade is to use a magnetic clasp. Once you twist the necklace into the torsade shape by holding one end of the necklace and twisting the other end, I noticed when I used a clasp that was not a magnetic clasp that the twist sometimes came out after time passed. This doesn’t seem to happen with the magnetic clasp so I recommend using one.

There a large variety of magnetic clasps, but if you are looking for some very interesting designs I recommend you check out a company called Clasp On-Clasp Off.

I found them at the Bead Fest show in Philadelphia and they have some wonderful magnetic clasp designs as well as many other clasps.

Also, as I’m sure you can guess, it is very easy to add a torsade bracelet and make a necklace bracelet set by just shortening the length of three strands you create.

When you look at a necklace or a bracelet, one of the first things that you probably notice is the flow of the design. Believe it or not, a clasp is more than just a functional device used to fasten your jewelry. In fact, it’s very much a part of the overall design and can be a very important focal point. This article will attempt to explain the various types of sterling silver clasps and how each one differs from the others. Why is this important? Quite simply, because a clasp is in many ways the most important finding on your jewelry because it keeps it securely in place.

Spring-Ring Clasp. This type of clasp is one of the most common, and is typically used for light to medium weight jewelry accessories. A spring-ring clasp is round in its design and features a small tip, which controls the opening and closing of the spring.

Lobster Claw Clasp. This type of clasp is also one of the more traditional styles found in bracelets and necklaces, but it is generally reserved for heavier styles that may need a little added strength. From the side, a lobster claw clasp will give the appearance of a teardrop shape, and is controlled by a tip that opens and closes the spring in the clasp. Because the lobster claw clasp is reserved for heavier styles, it is also a more expensive finding and adds value to the piece.

Toggle Clasp. A sterling silver toggle is a narrow piece of sterling silver, which is typically designed in the shape of a bar, which is then pushed through a sterling loop to act as a fastener for your necklace or bracelet. The toggle clasp is one that is both expensive and attractive, which makes it an important focal point for any jewelry accessory. Unlike the lobster claw or spring-ring clasps, a toggle clasp is not controlled by a spring. Instead, it is secured when the bar is pushed through the ring.

Slide Insert Clasp. This type of clasp is designed exactly as it sounds in that it features a box-like shape that is hollow on the inside. To secure a sterling silver slide insert clasp, the wearer will slide the nearly-flat tab into the box until it clicks, which indicates a secure closure. On some pieces of jewelry, a slide insert clasp will be accompanied by a side safety catch, which will add strength to the clasp of your necklace or bracelet. These types of clasps are often reserved for the most expensive styles in jewelry.

Magnetic Clasp. In recent years, the popularity of the magnetic clasp has soared to an amazing level. The convenience of a quick and easy way to secure jewelry while not having to fuss with a traditional clasp, which can be difficult if you have long fingernails, arthritic hands or certain other mobility challenges, is an attractive feature to many accessories. A magnetic clasp relies on a strong internal magnet, which works to pull both ends of the clasp together. In most cases, a magnetic clasp is used for light to medium weight jewelry pieces, which will not put excessive stress on the magnet.

Now that you know more about each individual type of sterling silver clasp, you can make an informed decision as to which will best suit your needs in terms of both wear and durability.

The use of magnets as therapeutic devices is not new but an age-old practice and recently it is undergoing a popular revival due to the influence of modern magnetic materials and also due to the increasing use of magnet therapy in the health and sports arena to relieve pain and encourage healing of injuries. Among the different types of magnetic equipment use for therapeutic purposes let us discuss about the magnetic bracelets that are primarily used for pain all up and down the arm and are probably found with the golfers and arthritis sufferers and even with some people who wear them as a preventative measure.

According to the recent research made it places magnetic bracelets as a unquestionable arthritis treatment to help alleviate the pain caused by arthritis. British researchers after conducting a study of nearly 200 joint disease sufferers concluded that patients who wore a standard-strength magnetic bracelet reported having less pain than those who wore non-magnetic bracelets for 12 weeks. They also concluded that the improvements in health of the patients are visible when they wear the higher strength magnetic bracelets. The growing acceptance of alternative health care which is non-invasive and

free from side effects has created much enthusiasm for magnetic therapy. Among the patients who suffer from joint or back pain report feeling better when wearing a magnetic bracelet.

Magnetic bracelets available in the market are found in a few different major styles based on construction. When shopping for bracelets, look for the one that will suit you. The different types of magnetic bracelets available in the market are singles, doubles, or triples. There are also magnetic lariats, also known as snakes or wraps that can be used as necklaces, anklets, or bracelets.

1.As the name says single bracelets consists of a single strand of bead with either all magnetic beads or magnetic with accent beads. They are either stretchy type, or non-stretchy with a magnetic clasp.

2.Doubles are made of two strands of beads with a magnetic clasp, and are normally chosen for either for style or their stronger therapeutic properties.

3.Triple bracelets are made with three strands of beads and a magnetic clasp and three times stronger than the single.

4.Magnetic lariats, used as a necklace or anklet are typically 36 or 37 inches long, and are clasp-less is very versatile, strong, and popular and is usually wrapped around your neck, arm, or ankle.

Always remember when choosing magnetic bracelets for pain relief, your first priority should be the strongest therapy advantage you can get and style and attractiveness should be your second priority unless you are buying strictly for fashion.

In the world of alternative health remedies, there are many skeptics. Some say it’s all a bunch of “quackery.” Others swear by treatments and medicines like acupuncture, herbal medicine, magnetic therapy, and the list is very long, with many variations. A magnetic sheet would be included in that “fringe” type alternative healing device.

Magnet sheets therapy is where magnets are applied directly to different parts of the body to relieve pain and speed healing. There are different devices, like a magnetic mattress pad, magnetic sheet or mattress, magnetic insoles for shoes, magnetic jewelry, like bracelets, magnetic earrings, magnetic rings, and magnetic necklaces.

Alternative medicines and treatments are looked down upon by many because their practices are rarely scientifically proven or even medically shown to be good for your health. This leads many people away from these alternative treatments and potential cures for pain and disease. A magnetic sheet is no exception to this skepticism about alternative medicines.

The reality is magnets are used in the everyday household. From microwaves, televisions, computers, and everything else that uses electricity. With a growing concern about the dangers of these devices, and their associations with cancer, birth defects, etc, how is it that we still use all these electronic devices. Why do we run to get an MRI and allow ourselves to be put inside a magnetic chamber designed to subject the human body to high intensities of magnetic fields?

The “proof is in the pudding,” as they use to say. Positive results and healing obtained by many people, willing to share their experiences with others, is enough for many to become interested. Experiments were conducted in which multiple patients applied magnet therapy to specific areas. Some patients received real magnets and the other, only a placebo. The resulting tests were in favor of the therapy! Of the people who received the real magnetic therapy, half of them reported a 50% reduction in pain levels, while the placebo patients reported only a slight reduction in pain.

Magnets have been used to relieve chronic pain for months. Some using this therapy said it didn’t work for them. But for those who do believe they work, there is much to choose from on the market today. There are bracelets, shoe inserts, mattresses and a magnetic sheet.  One of the most common uses of the magnetic sheet is for horses.

Promoters of magnetic therapy say that it provides relief for patients without the use of harmful drugs, chemicals and expensive medications. They claim healing benefits for cancer, blood vessel disorders, infections, and chronic pain. They theorize that when small magnets are applied to an affected area, the chromosomes are shifted within cells, which help to relieve acute and chronic pain. Others have sat in large metallic, magnetic boxes, which they say has improved their comfort level.

Magnetic therapy has proven to be effective in healing broken bones. Applying direct magnetic rays to a broken bone can increase healing dramatically.

Many critics of magnetic therapy say there’s a lack of evidence and scientific proof. Even though some studies have proven a patient does gets relief applying magnets to a certain area. The critics still say that’s not proof. There’s also no proof that the magnets are doing any harm. Doesn’t it make sense that if it works for you, why not use them?

As alternative medicines like a magnetic sheet continue to emerge, society will show skepticism towards them until medically proven beneficial and not harmful. However, the same people who complain about unproven therapies are often the ones unwilling to support research and development on those topics.

Magnetic fields are generated by many sources, including the earth’s magnetic pull, solar storms, power lines and even chemical reactions in the body.

I believe that if something can help bring healing, relief and wellness, without any harmful side effects; why would you not at least give it a try? If none of these alternative cures really worked, would there still be so many people using them?

We can’t continue just believing everything a medical doctor tells us, and totally disregard the evidence of potential aid for our physical problems.

For more on Magnetic Sheets:

Today we shall be talking about the beautiful Kenko Magnetic Fashion Necklaces. Magnetic technology is all the rage these days. The numerous benefits that magnets have been shown to provide to the human body through non-invasive means have made it a popular choice of treatment. Most people are however inclined to use magnetic technology when they are not busy and want relaxation. To give users maximum benefit out of this growing trend, magnetic jewelry has been created to give users all the goodness of magnetic technology while accenting their fashion sense. The Kenko Magnetic Fashion Necklace is such a product.

are designed to make the most out of the innovative magnetic technology. Each necklace incorporates proprietary magnetic technology to replicate the Earth’s natural magnetic field, providing the exposure of a natural environment to the user and keeping them healthy. The magnetic technology used in the production of the Fashion Necklaces has been shown to increase blood flow to the body and help speed up recovery of muscles and tissues. The Kenko Magnetic Fashion Necklaces have been created by the renowned designer Antonio Rosso, who is one of Europe’s leading jewelry producers and artists, and has designed fashion jewelry for many global businesses, high-end stores and manufacturers. The design itself combines a unique and classy design, a spaced array of magnets which measure from 1,000 to 1,200 gauss each, genuine 24-karat gold plating that provides exceptional luster and durability along with aesthetic beauty, and a secure clasp with 2-inch extender that allows the length of the necklace to be adjusted, to be worn either short or long. With a choice of either pure- or white-gold, Kenko Magnetic Fashion Necklaces are designed to make you look good and feel even better.

If you’re just getting into beadwork and jewelry-making, you’re bound to come across a few confusing words. Here’s a brief glossary to help you pin down the meaning of ‘Head Pins’ and find the definition of ‘Findings’.

Bead Cap

This is a type of metal spacer bead. It is a half-sphere shape that hugs the curve of another bead (thus “capping” the bead).

Bugle Beads

Long, thin, tube-shaped beads. They range from just under a millimetre to a few millimetres in diameter, and from a few millimetres to several centimetres in length.

Clamshell

A piece that attaches to the clasp at the end of a bracelet or necklace. Consisting of two half spheres like a clam’s shell, it is used to cover any crimp beads at the end of a piece of jewelry.

Clasp

The part of a necklace or bracelet that opens and closes so that the jewellery can be clipped on and off. There are several types of clasps, such as barrel clasps, lobster claw clasps, magnetic clasps, hook and eye clasps, spring clasps, and toggle clasps.

Crimp Bead

A small metal bead that can be “crimped” and secured in place on a piece of nylon covered wire. This is done by crushing it with a pair of pliers. Crimp beads are used to hold other beads in place on the wire.

Dichroic Glass Beads

A type of lampwork bead with a thin film of metal on its surface, allowing it to change colour as it reflects light.

Finding

This is the general name for supplies that hold the jewelry together, such as clasps, clamshells or jumprings.

Head Pin

A thin metal rod with a flat base. Beads may be strung onto the pin, the top of which can then be looped and attached to an earring hook, necklace, or other piece of jewelry.

Jumpring

A small metal ring that can be opened and closed and is used to link various elements in the jewelry.

Lampwork Beads

An ornate glass bead made using a gas torch. The torch is used to melt the glass, which is then wrapped onto a metal rod. Details are then added using various colours of glass.

Millefiori Beads

Highly patterned glass beads made by melting many canes of glass together. This bundle of glass is then sliced to produce beads with a mosaic pattern. The term “millefiori” is Italian, meaning “thousand flowers”.

Metal Spacer Beads

These are decorative metal beads that are usually strung between larger glass beads. They are often thin and flat, but they come in a variety of widths, diameters, and shapes. They are usually silver-coloured but they also come in gold, bronze and black.

Nylon Covered Wire

A bead stringing material made up of several strands of stainless steel wire covered by a thin layer of nylon. It is also known by the brand name of Tigertail. More expensive, flexible grades may be made up of as many as 49 individual strands of wire, while the basic grade is made up of 7 strands.

Seed Beads

Very tiny glass beads, typically measuring about 1 millimetre to a few millimetre in diameter. They may be used for detailed work in embroidery or may be simply strung onto a necklace.

With America’s aging population a lot of towns have not one but many retirement and adult communities in them. Many of these retirement communities hold craft shows, yard sales and other events to promote social activities while generating a little extra money from the surrounding township.

If you are a bead jeweler or jewelry artisan of any sort then you should definitely check out some of these retirement communities to see if you can be a vendor at their next craft show. Not only is their table space often dirt cheap or even free, but you are given the chance to promote your jewelry to a large audience of people who may not otherwise venture out to see you at any other storefront or fair.

However, if you are going to make and sell jewelry for older women, especially senior citizens, then you may need to make some physical changes to your jewelry to make sure it suits them and their needs. Here are a few ways you can modify your bead jewelry to appeal more for your older clients:

Use Easy To Open Clasps: You’ll quickly learn that arthritis and reduced hand dexterity makes opening and closing typical small clasps difficult for older people. Some senior citizens avoid wearing jewelry altogether because it is simply too difficult to put on and take off. You’ll want to use easy to open larger clasps on your necklaces and bracelets. You may want to consider using magnetic clasps of some sort. These are not as secure as more traditional clasps but they can be opened and closed much more easily by older people.

Consider No Clasps: You may want to skip the entire clasp issue entirely by making over sized necklaces and bracelets that can easily slip over the head and wrist. You will want to bring your jewelry tools with you so that you can shorten pieces for customers right at your table if your bracelets are simply too large for thinner wrists.

Choose Textures Carefully: You may want to try to choose non-allergenic materials and stick with beads that are more rounded than chunky and sharp. A bracelet of sharp square Swarovski beads may look great, but if the rubbing of the bracelet against the wrist all day is going to cause a skin irritation then someone may not want to buy it.

Clip Earrings: Some older people move away from using pierced earrings for the same reason they shun small tight jewelry clasps: earrings are simply too small and difficult to wear and remove. Consider making to clip on earrings that are slightly larger than the norm but don’t dangle too much. You may need to test out several clip on kits until you can find one that you think most older people will want to use.

Eyeglass Holders and Bookmarks: Sure, beaded necklaces, bracelets and earrings will still sell, but consider making more non-traditional jewelry items such as jewelry chain bookmarks or beaded eyeglass holders. You’ll be amazed at how popular they can be!

Selling jewelry to older people is usually a lot of fun and can be a very rewarding experience. You’ll learn a lot about life just by talking and watching your older customers. If you really want to please them then you’ll definitely want to take their needs into consideration and offer them something unique and made especially for them.

For pain relief in the upper body and head, a magnetic necklace is a common choice. A common dilemma, however, among those looking to buy is how to choose one. Here are 3 tips to use when buying magnetic jewelry for your neck.

Whether you’re buying for it pain therapy or for just plain looks, you’ll need to know several things about choosing a magnetic necklace. First, you’ll want to be familiar with the types of necklaces and how they are designed to be worn. Second, you’ll need to know about the differences in quality. Not only is the quality of the craftsmanship important, but also the strength and quality of the magnets themselves. Lastly, you’ll want to understand how the differences in magnetic necklaces fits your style.

1. The right type of necklace – There are a few styles of magnetic necklaces, so you’ll want to make sure you get the right one for you. First, is the lariat. Lariat necklaces have no clasp, and wrap around your neck using the magnets in them to stay fastened. Lariats, also called “wraps” or “snakes,” are usually 36 or 37 inches, and can be worn in several different ways around the neck.

They can wrap a full turn, or less than a full turn around the neck. When worn this way the remainder of the beads hang below the neck, usually with the two sides joined in a straight line. They can wrap more than one full turn around the neck with a remainder, or they can coil around the neck like a collar. They can also be worn around the wrist or ankle, although they will obviously coil more times. Because of their length, these typically have the most magnets of any type of necklace.

Unlike the lariat, the other types of magnetic necklaces are more like traditional necklaces with a clasp. The difference, of course, is that the clasp is usually magnetic. These necklaces can be made in different sizes, so be sure to get the right size for you. You’ll find these necklaces plain, or with charms that are sometimes magnetic as well. A hematite cross is a popular magnetic charm.

You’ll find both the lariats and the traditional shape magnetic necklaces with or without accent beads. These accent beads can be magnetic hematite beads, or some type of non-magnetic bead. Higher quality necklaces will sport accents such as hematite, freshwater pearls, or semi-precious stones in turquoise, cherry quartz, or agate. These necklaces are more expensive, and also usually have stronger, higher quality magnets. Be alert that the better lariats will have as many as 48 high powered magnets.

2. Quality – There are two aspects to the quality. The first is the craftsmanship, and the second is the quality of materials used. As I’ve mentioned, higher quality necklaces usually use higher quality accent beads, and more powerful magnets. If you’re interested in pain relief, powerful magnets are a must. Watch out for lesser quality products.

A high quality maker of magnetic jewelry will choose stronger magnets, and higher quality accents. Look for a craftsperson who creates custom-made designs in magnetic jewelry, rather than one of the mass-produced pieces. These custom pieces will more than likely be using higher powered magnets and materials.

3. Style – You’ll have to weigh all these differences against your personal style. Some people love the versatility of the lariat, while others prefer a more traditional look. Some enjoy the elegance and color of semi-precious stones, while others prefer the clean high-tech look of the polished black hematite. Cloisonne, lady bugs, and seasonal beads are very popular.

If you weren’t familiar with the ins and outs of magnetic necklace buying, I hope this primer has you up to speed. Choosing the right type of necklace is important, especially for pain relief purposes. You’ll have to decide whether you like the flexibility of the lariat, or the look of the traditional style.

You’ll also want to ensure that your necklace has the quality to last. In addition, you’ll need it to have the right number of high powered magnets if you’re wearing it for therapy purposes. Once you’ve got those concerns taken care of, buying to match your style is your key to long lasting enjoyment.

For those of us who don’t suffer from rheumatoid related problems with our limbs, the difficulty of doing small things like closing a favourite necklace of bracelet wont be fully understood. For people who suffer with arthritis the simple things become a difficult task. The beauty of the clever clasp is that the difficulty of securely closing a favourite piece of jewelry is made easy in one step. The clever clasp converts the length of any piece of jewelry and closes magnetically without having to look at what your doing which is great of hard to reach intricate pieces of jewelry. It is simple to use, you simply connect the ring connectors to the piece of jewelry and then connect the lobster clasp to your necklace or bracelet with ease.

You don’t need any extra equipment or fancy tools, two simple steps are all that is needed. The clever claps include 2 silver 2 gold magnet clasps plus a bonus gold and silver extension chains. The clever clasp official website is full of useful tips on the best way to use the magnetic invention. There are various makes of clever clasp to buy online. The clever clasp is simple idea with great effectiveness for those who suffer with arthritic problems and like being independent and want to perform the simple tasks. Your favourite piece of jewelry need not be banished to your jewelry box any more as it is now possible to wear your expensive pieces of jewelry without having to worry if you have securely fastened it in place.

For most of us a night out or  a special occasion means you have an excuse to wear your favourite jewelry pieces with pride for those suffering from debilitating pain in terms of arthritis is wasn’t possible to wear a favourite jewelry piece unless you were assisted in putting it on. The extra bonus of the clever clasp is with swollen joints an old piece of jewelry would be to tight to wear and thus be painful on the neck wrist and ankles but with the clever magnetic clasp there are extendable pieces of gold and silver jewelry for assed length and comfort. It is a myth that only older people suffer from painful arthritic complaints as young people can suffer also and it is important for young girls and boys to be able to wear the current jewelry trends without struggling to secure the clasps or being uncomfortable.

Elegance has an age old appeal, carried by a fashionable populace, often representing status and social class. To exemplify one’s sense of style, jewelry is worn. It strikes attention, even demands respect from other folks. You can rely on a magnificent jewelry piece to enhance your image and appearance. Magnetic jewelry happens to be the adornment of choice nowadays.

Over the years, has been the perfect status symbol. However, it is also a headache for wearers, since mending the clasp is not all too simple. You have twist the connective ends together without seeing them, sometimes entailing the use of only one hand. With this jewelry, you simply have to push the ends together to fasten the jewelry piece. It’s easy.

Many types of magnetic handmade jewelry are sold on the market. They are just as elegant as standard pieces, without being a hassle to wear. If you visit a jewelry store, you will find an assortment of styles and patterns, catering to all preferences. It is quite expensive, so you should bring a haul of cash, for much spending. Here are the most prevalent types of magnetic jewelry available:

Magnetic Bracelets – Magnetic bracelets are stylish and easy to wear. Just by putting the ends of the magnetic clasp together, you can amaze friends and strangers with your sense of style. They can come as gold bands or as gem-based links marked with intricate patterns.

Magnetic Necklace – A grand necklace is very appealing, upping the elegance of formal wear. A magnetic necklace does the same thing. The difference is you can wear it in just a few seconds, as opposed to struggling with the traditional clasps of regular ones. Match your necklace with a flowing nightgown, to impress both friends and strangers.

Magnetic Body Jewelry - exudes elegance and a sultry appeal. Wear magnetic body jewelry along with gipsy skirts and hanging tops. You will get a lot of much wanted attention.

Magnetic jewelry, with the convenience it provides, is making quite an impression on the market. You should get one now, before supplies run out.