I use elastic .7 MM. It is washable, and flexible.

Both the 4.5mm and 5.6mm letter blocks will fit over a 1.5mm necklace, as they have 3mm and 4mm hole sizes, respectively. Spacers are not a necessity, but can be used if you feel they will benefit the design. To hang charms, we recommend using a 5.3mm oval jump ring. This will fit easily over the 1.5mm necklace and will be large enough to give the charm room to move.
http://www.artbeads.com/ss-ojr-ov2.html

There are actually a couple different things you can use. One idea to try is the Sterling silver Saucer Beads. These are shaped in a way the they will fit partially inside of the alphabet bead which will hold it up and space them out a little. You can also try the Swarovski 5305 - Roundels. These will do the same this as the Sterling Saucers but will add color.

For an example of a bracelet made with alphabet beads and the Sterling saucer beads, please follow this link:

http://www.artbeads.com/mobr1.html

Since the Alphabet Block Beads have a horizontal hole, you would need to make a wire wrap similar to one used on a top-drilled bead to get them to hang with the letter facing forward. For instructions on how to make a top-drilled wire wrap, click the following link:

http://www.artbeads.com/howtomawrewr.html

We also have letter and number charms available in several finishes and sizes that come with a soldered bail on top and can easily be used for earrings. You can find these charms on our website via the following link:

http://www.artbeads.com/alphabet-beads-charms.html

I wouldn't use anything larger than the alphabet bead itself. Trial and error (which looks best) works for me. Maybe it's not a saucer bead that you really should use??? Try a few different options.

good luck!

I string them on flexrite and on leather. If using the leather you need to drill the pearls. I use lobster clasps as well as toggles depending on the look I want.

Vermeil is sterling silver plated with a good layer of gold. Gold over silver

That 8mm bead is much bigger than the cube letter beads I am used to working with. I bet you could use 4mm crystals and 4mm seamless silver ball beads and make a great 2 strand bracelet.

We do not currently carry bronze beads, but we do have several antique brass beads that match well with the Bronze Alphabet Pendants. You can find these items on our website via the following link:

http://www.artbeads.com/base-metal-miscellaneous.html

It is from side to side.