neat ends to strung necklaces

Calottes are essentially knot covers, which are used to cover over unsightly knots in threading materials, and provide a link to attach a clasp with. They are mostly used for rope necklaces, one of the more traditional styles of necklacle making, please refer to the article on rope necklace styles  for examples.

You start making a rope necklace by making a double knot in the threading material. Once you have done this, you can thread all the beads on, and then turn your attention to making a neat end by covering the knot with a calotte.

Step 1:(see drawing, left) The calotte, which looks liked an open clam shell, is arranged so that the connecting ring is away from the necklace.

Step 2: place the calotte so the knot rests inside. You might want to put a dab of glue on the knot to stop the knot from jumping out while you do the next step. Allow to dry.

Step 3: Using snipe nosed pliers, close the calotte from both sides,  ensuring the knot remains inside as you do so.

See the detail photo to see how the finished necklace ends look.

There is another important technique you need to master before finishing rope necklaces. At the other end, you have to make sure the knot you make is as close to the beads as possible, This is known as knotting up, see here for the secret of how it's done: www.rockingrabbit.co.uk/node/1634

Calottes are also good for making professional ends to thong necklaces, for details on this, see here:

www.rockingrabbit.co.uk/node/1636

Related products: