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Opal is an uncommon gemstone with an equally uncommon beauty and a sadly common fragility--leading it to be recreated in the laboratory as a stronger composite that withstands the stresses the natural opal cannot.

Q: I have made and sold over 50 beaded lanyards since November. Now all of a sudden people are coming back because they have broken. I used Accu-Flex® beading wire 7 strand 0.019 clear for stringing. Do you have any suggestions for something stronger? I have a large order coming up and really don't want to restring.

Q: Should you use heavy Silkon for bracelets with large gemstones or Acculon? I had a bracelet break using Acculon and crimps and didn't know if Silkon would be better or stronger.

Q: I am using Accu-Flex® 7 strands (.012") and crimp beads with pearls and other beads. Some of the necklaces get broken after a while. What can I use to make them stronger?

Double-wire ring findings, similar to those found on a keychain, used to connect jewelry-making components. Used when security and strength in a ring is paramount, as it is both stronger and bulkier than an equivalently sized jumpring.

Created from ceramic material and fired at a high temperature, leading to a stronger and tougher bead or component.

Beading wire is actually a cable composed of multiple strands of wire twisted together. It is much more flexible and stronger than single strand wire. The most common type of beading wire is made from braided stainless steel strands of wire and is nylon coated. Beading wire can also be made from other metals such as brass, nickel-titanium and sterling silver. Beading wire comes in a variety of different gauges or weights. Depending on the number of strands it contains, the flexibility will vary. A thinner wire will give an appealing drape to lightweight beads such as gemstone heishi and bugle or seed beads. A thicker weight wire should be used to accommodate larger, heavier bead strands and heavier usage. Beading wire does not hold a shape by itself and is not intended to replace the type of wire used in wire-wrap projects. Jewelry designs made with beading wire must be finished with crimps.

Love beats stronger in heartfelt jewelry made from durable materials like gleaming stainless steel.