Comments on: Beading Wire Rusting

By: Mystic Traveler

Mystic Traveler — Sun, 27 Oct 2019 20:18:43 +0000

I have this problem living in Hawaii because of perspiration around neck area. I have to restring often as the rust causes discoloration on light crystal beads like rose quartz. I’m going to try some of the wire recommendations here thank you for this post.

By: Rena Klingenberg

Rena Klingenberg — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 00:01:38 +0000

In reply to Kris. Kris, I have always had good results with Acculon beading wire. Even the pieces I made over 20 years ago using Acculon are still going strong and in their original condition and quality - after more than 2 decades of wearing!

By: Kris

Kris — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 23:44:26 +0000

I had the very same problem with Beadalon 49 rusting and breaking on several bracelets! and I called the manufacturer, they took no responsibility and said they had never seen that before, I sent some pictures of the damage too. Now I am looking for a really good flexible stringing wire, I will spend a little more if anyone has suggestions would be glad to hear. thanks!!!

By: Carol Christoffel

Carol Christoffel — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 03:26:00 +0000

Getting back into jewelry after a long time I found the wires do age and discolor a bit.Even worse they can become brittle. I have a turquoise squash blossom necklace from N.Mexico that will now have to be restrung although I never wore it and kept it tucked in a padded pouch. It just snapped. I am using the wire that is plastic coated now which should slow this problem down.

By: Janine

Janine — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 01:45:28 +0000

Thanks for the info especially the scientific stuff! I love it! I checked out galvanic corrosion on Wikipedia and got lost a bit with the technical terminology. I am coming under the conclusion that although I mostly buy sterling silver, I have been ripped off in the past with some vendors and was sold silver plated pieces thinking it was sterling that may have reacted with the stainless steel coated wire. I also have been confused with the different types of silvers out there too (maybe another interesting topic to discuss in the future) I wear perfume on my wrist sometimes and they could have caused it too.
I wish I could remember the company that made the wire but I have made so many pieces over the years and buy wire when I need it.

By: Felicia

Felicia — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 13:26:57 +0000

I have had this problem before with cheap stringing material. It was only a small amount of rust near the ends of the finished piece. You should contact the manufacturer of the material and tell them about it. Hopefully they have more insight. Also this type of thing can happen if you have hard water or live near the ocean as heavy minerals are very hard on jewelry. I had jewelry in a store by the ocean and when I checked in on my things after a few months I was horrified to see many of my items had badly rusted or tarnished and had to be taken apart!

By: Linda

Linda — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 17:04:48 +0000

For my pendants I use some purchased neckwires made with coated stainless steel beading wire. I’ve had 2 occasions in the past 4 years that the neckwires have been returned due to similar discoloration/rust. After trying to figure it out the only conclusion I’ve come to is that both customers a) wore sunscreen daily and b) used perfume. Perhaps the chemicals are breaking down the coating and affecting the wire?? Perhaps my two returns had a nick in the coating which allowed water or chemicals in? Wish I had the answer but at least you know it’s happened to someone else too!

By: Patrick

Patrick — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 12:21:05 +0000

From an Engineering perspective it looks like galvanic corrosion. I agree with Danielle, check your dissimilar metals in the construction. google galvanic chart and you will be able to see what metals get along with others and which don’t. At least, that is my 2bits. At this point, you may need to fabricate a similar structure and test in rigorously in tough environments to see if you can replicate. maybe from the same strand of wire, if you have some, and from a couple of known sources. Scientific method style.

Happy beading and good luck. Please post your results of your continued experiment. I, for one, would be interested to know the cause of your conundrum.

thanks

By: Val

Val — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 12:19:21 +0000

Hi Janine,
I would recommend looking for stainless steel wire which you will see by the big name brands such as Beadalon, Accu-Flex and Soft Flex. These may cost a little bit more but is definately worth the extra money!
~Val

By: Danielle Blumenberg

Danielle Blumenberg — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 11:03:25 +0000

I use Beadalon 49 and been in business for 8 years. This is a first; I’ve never seen rusted beading wire! The beading wire I use is coated. I have restrung pieces for myself and customers that are staples and worn every day, as crystals and other sharp edged beads can rub and fray the coating and wire, increasing the risk of breakage. Still, I’ve never seen rust. What type of metal beads are you using? For additional security, I always use wire guards or bullion wire on the ends. I would contact the manufacturer, maybe sending the a snip of the rusted beading wire. Rust shouldn’t happen like that! I look forward to reading other’s experiences. Good luck.