Slides are antique reproductions of watch fobs worn in the Victorian Era. Ladies wore fobs as decorative pieces on long necklaces. At the bottom of the necklace was a clip where a pocket watch was attached. The fob was not only decorative, but kept the watch from turning. In the early 1900's, when wristwatches became fashionable, the fobs were removed from necklaces and added to bracelet chains. In the early 1990’s beautiful antique reproductions began to appear and grew quickly in popularity. Today, this unique idea offers you the opportunity to design your own bracelet and create a family heirloom to be passed from one generation to another.

Flexible Starter Bracelet:

The flexible starter bracelet consists of two chains and a clasp. The flexible starter bracelet is available in any length chain. (A standard length is 7 1/4"). Starter bracelets should be ordered slightly longer than a regular gold or diamond bracelet because as slides are added, the chain will shrink in length. Slides are drilled with four holes and most jewelers are able to add them easily to the flexible bracelet chain. It is important that slides are made stationary on the chain to prevent them from moving back and forth when worn. This is done by stuffing cork inside the slide or inside beads placed on either side of the slide. Slides may be arranged anyway you desire. If you are not sure how to arrange the slides, let our experts assist you.

 

String a Flexible Bracelet:

If you prefer, let one of our experts assist you with designing and stringing your flexible bracelet. When slides are purchased from us, installation is FREE and you pay only the cost of shipping the bracelet and slides to us. However, if you want to cork and string the slides yourself, all it takes is a few tools and a little practice. Tools needed are: needle nose pliers, thin wire for threading, scissors, tweezers or other straight-pointed object, thin sheet of cork and a paper clip. (Most items may be purchased at a local hobby or hardware store.)

Our 2mm solid rope bracelet consists of two 14K gold chains with rings on each end. The clasp is connected to these chains with heavy jump rings. (These rings are not soldered so that slides may be easily added. You may want to solder the ends of the bracelet when it is complete.) Follow these easy steps to assemble your own bracelet:

 

Step 1: Disconnect one of the ends of the starter bracelet from the clasp. This can be done by opening the jump rings with needle nose pliers.

Step 2: Take a three to four inch piece of fine steel wire, looping it through the jump rings on each chain. Hold both ends of the wire and twist the chain, making the wire into a single strand needle. (This becomes your stringing needle.) Hold the wires evenly and trim the ends so they are the same length.

Step 3: To cork your slide so that it will hold in place on the bracelet, cut cork with scissors into 1/8” x 1/4” strips.

Step 4: Push the entire piece of cork into one of the holes in the slide. Tweezers or other straight-pointed object may be used to push the remaining cork into the hole. Make sure the cork fills each hole and no remaining cork sticks out of the slide. (Some slides will take more cork than others.)

Step 5: With a paper clip, make a clearing or channel for the needle to go through the hole. Pull the chain through and push back any cork that might be sticking out. Repeat Step 5 with the other hole and pull the remaining rope chain through this hole.

Step 6: Move the slide back and forth on rope chain placing it in the position you want on the starter bracelet. Carefully remove the wire needles from the jump rings and reconnect the clasp with the jump rings.

Cable Bracelet:
The cable bracelet is the newest addition to our beautiful collection. Made like a bangle, the bracelet has cables measuring 2 1/2mm in width. Three lengths are available (7", 7 1/2", or 8") and each comes with a fancy diamond clasp and figure-eight safety. The bangle is fabricated in two metals: 10K or 14K yellow or white gold with diamond clasp. The unique feature of this bangle-style slide bracelet is you may add or change the slides yourself to enhance the appearance. When ordering this style bracelet, let us know so that we will make the holes in the slides larger to accommodate the cable width.

Add Slides to a Cable Bracelet:

The cable bracelet is easy to assemble:

Step 1: Lift the hinged area of the clasp (opposite the tongue).

Step 2: Remove the two cable ends by lifting them from the bar inside the clasp.

Step 3: Install two silicone stuffed beads. (Silicone stuffed beads are placed on the outside of the slides to hold them in place on the bracelet.) If you are adding more than one slide to the bracelet, you will need to add two 4mm smooth beads between each slide, which do not need to be stuffed.

Step 4: Add one or more gemstone slides and two stuffed silicone beads at the end.

Step 5: After adding slides, place the cable back under the bar and snap the clasp cover closed.

How to Order Slides:
You may order slides by placing an order on-line or calling us directly. Either way you choose to order you may create your own bracelet design in a variety of ways:

- Select a full bracelet designed with ten or more individual slides in a variety of sizes, shapes and gemstones; or
- Select a starter bracelet and add individual slides one at a time to represent special occasions; or
- Have Fan Designs custom make each slide using your own jewelry such as ring tops, pendants, tie tacks, cuff links, stickpins, or other sentimental jewelry items.
- In addition, personalize each slide by having the bottom engraved with a name, initials or a special date.

Each slide is uniquely crafted in 14K yellow or white gold and mounted with genuine semi precious, precious stones, and diamonds. Many slides may be ordered in a variety of gemstones.