Magnetic Jewelry Clasp

Accessorizing yourself is one of the cheapest, most convenient ways to get noticed these days. What's even better is that no two handmade designs are the same.

Handmade ankle bracelets, just like wrist bracelets, accentuate your bold fashion statement, especially when you're wearing Capri shorts, denim shorts, cargo shorts, or even a bikini. Before, ankle bracelets were only worn by women; these days, men are also joining in on the rave by handpicking their own empowering choice of ankle bracelets.

Here are some quick tips to get you started on making your own handmade ankle bracelets. Read on below:

On making ankle bracelets, you'll only need the same materials used for making wrist bracelets. As an advice, you should get your own starter kit from local flea markets, boutiques, or even from the internet if you don't have one yet. If you already have a starter kit or a toolbox - but missing out on other essential tools, like the specialized scissors, pliers, etc - you can buy them from local or online accessory stores. If your set of beads, bead tips, or clasps don't suit your taste, buy from online stores like eBay, where thousands of both local and international wholesalers flock.

These are the basic materials and tools you'll need to make either handmade wrist or ankle bracelets:

BEADS

You can choose from a variety of beads: seed beads, glass beads, bugle beads, wooden beads, bone beads, sequins, center beads, rice beads, shell beads, and a lot more. You can even throw in some authentic pearls and precious gemstones in your project, provided they have pre-drilled holes where you can slip in the wire.

BEADING CLASPS

Beading clasps that hold and fasten the ends of the anklet in place. Just like beads, clasps come in a wide variety. Examples are:

- The traditional Hook and Loop Clasp

A clasp wherein you only need to catch the hook into the ring.

- The Barrel Clasp

A simple clasp wherein the one end acts as a screw for the other end.

- The Spring Ring

Much easier to use and cheaply-priced. You just need to push back the lock for the ring to open.

- Magnetic Clasp

Priced higher than the most clasps, but effective - and the self-positioning poles make the ends easy to lock in place.

BEADING WIRE

There are many types of beading wire that can easily amend to your budget and flair for fashion. The typical wire types include: copper-plated, bronze-plated, nickel-plated, sterling silver, fine silver, gold-plated, and painted wires.

CUSHION FOR THE BEADS

For your beads not to roll over the place, you'll need a towel, or a cushion to hold them in place while you're doing the other tasks.

SCISSORS & PLIERS

Scissors are used to cut the excess wire, while the pliers are used to cut the bead tips. Don't use heavy-duty pliers. There are custom-made pliers specifically designed for making loops, crimping, gripping wire, opening/closing rings, coils, bending and shaping the wire - and of course, for cutting heavy-duty wire. Examples of essential pliers every accessorizer should at least have a few of are: round nose pliers, chain nose pliers, serrated chain nose pliers, bent chain nose pliers, flat nose pliers, side cutter pliers, crimping pliers, and memory wire cutters.

BEAD TIPS

Bead tips are used to end an array of beads. The tips are used to hide the terminating knot, which ends a sequence of beads. They also come in a wide variety, which can suit any type of beads you have.

STRAIGHT PINS

Straight pins are used to push the knot into the end of the bead tip.

There you go. We wish you a good luck on your beadmaking hobby/business. You can view our other articles for excellent advice on accessorizing and other forms of artisanship.

Having pain problems in your ankles, feet and calves? You may be better off with a magnetic ankle bracelet. Although these anklets are making waves at present, the idea behind their use is really ancient. Magnets were believed to cause ionic checks and balances in the body resulting to improved condition of oxygen and blood flow to nearby cells and tissues. When placing them near your problem areas, you might expect alleviation of pain and other joint anomalies.

Does It Really Work?

The idea is to apply a magnetic field to an injured area in order to maintain a normal electromagnetic environment. Since the body has electro-chemicals or ions, the right transfer and exchange of these are essential for optimum health. As an effect, magnets are thought to relax muscles, tissues and capillary walls thereby enhancing oxygen and blood flow to various areas especially the ones closest to the magnets. Most commonly, pain and inflammation problems are said to benefit very much from magnetic field application.

The Effects

According to manufacturers and dealers, the response of individuals will vary depending on the strength of the magnets, duration of application as well as kind and intensity of the physical problem. Some patients report experiencing pain and inflammation relief within a few days while others take several weeks or months. However, it is important to note that magnetic ankle bracelets are not scientifically or medically proven to heal and should not replace medical treatment. The anklets are also sold mainly as fashionable pieces in designated stores and jewelry shops. A number of nations like Germany, Israel and Japan have begun to support magnetic therapy through reimbursement and other benefits.

Adverse Reactions

There are no known side effects or contraindications with regards to wearing a magnetic ankle bracelet. Individuals should only watch other jewelry or items they might be using which are magnet-sensitive. There is no solid proof that wearing more magnets will increase the effectiveness or shorten treatment period but there is also no harm done in wearing more. Some people increase the gauss to as much as 30,000 by adding more magnets while others wear 4 to 5 anklets at a time.

Beautiful Designs

Since the magnetic ankle bracelets are primarily sold as fashionable pieces, manufacturers ensure that they look very elegant and presentable aside from their supposedly healing actions. There are versions that use magnetic hematite with Czech glass crystals or Swarovski crystals. The anklets may come in the form of wraps, chain links, cuffs and simple attachments. Lengths can be anywhere from 10 to 30 inches long. Charms, beads, gemstones and semi-precious stones may also be added for more appeal not to mention engravings for a more personalized touch.

There are magnetized gold, silver, titanium and copper magnetic ankle bracelets too which are great alternatives to the more popular hematite beads. Almost all models are handcrafted to perfectly match the buyer's specifications and style. The magnets are ideally positioned north to generate more energy. Very strong magnetic power does not necessarily relate to heavier weight.

A magnetic ankle bracelet can be anywhere as cheap as $14.99 if made from simple stainless steel. The use of more expensive metals and other details can boost the price up to around $800 to $1,000. Always ask for a warranty and 30-day satisfaction guarantee.

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