I am sure you’ll agree
that no jewelry collection can be complete without matching bracelets.
Bracelets can be loud or subtle, depending on your attire and occasion. There
are tons of bracelets out there for you to choose from. But wouldn't it be nice
if you could make your own?
In case you are
wondering, making your own bracelet is not as hard as one might think. Read on
to learn how you can make your very own bracelets. For a very small one time investment
in special tools, you can have a lifelong hobby of jewelry making.
I have chosen a
bracelet that is simple to make, yet elegant to wear! Just follow these easy
step-by step instructions to make your Pearl & Crystal Charm Bracelet
Introduction:
As the name indicates,
there are two major components to this bracelet design. We have to make a set
of pearl charms and another set of crystal charms. The number of charms will
depend on your wrist measurement and your taste preference. The other major
items required are 22 gauge wire, basic chain and a clasp. I have used my wrist
size for this tutorial.
Beads
and chains you need for this project:
8mm Crystal Pearls - 12
6mm Bicones - 22
4mm Bicones - 12
Crystal Rondelles - 11
Lobster Clasp - 1
Jump Ring - 1
Gauge gold filled soft wire - approx. 50 inches
Circle Link Chain – 7”
Tools:
Wire cutters or wire nippers
Chain nose pliers
Flat nose pliers
Round nose pliers
Needle nose pliers
How to determine your bracelet
size:
First,
measure your wrist. My wrist
measures 5.8”. The finished bracelet will be 6.8” to 7” long when I include the
jump ring and lobster clasp.
Now, if your bracelet is meant to be a
surprise gift for someone use the measurement chart here.
Step
1: Cut the chain
Now that you have determined your bracelet
size, we will cut 6” of chain length. Keep the chain aside; we will
not need it until after we finish all the charms.
Our design has two different types of drop charms
hanging from the chain – the pearl charms and the crystal charms.
Step
2: Making the pearl drop charms
We have 12 pearl drop charms for the 7”
bracelet. Add more charms for longer bracelets.
Cut 22 Gauge gold filled soft wire 2 inch long
- we need 12 pieces.
Take one piece of wire use the tip of the round nose pliers to grasp the end
of the wire and curve the wire by using a rolling motion to fold it over a
single round prong. Be sure to start rolling from the end of the wire. This
will give you a good round loop.
Insert one
4mm bicone into the wire keep it right next to the round loop you made. Then
insert one 8mm Crystal Pearl then insert another 4mm
bicone.
Bend the rest of the wire to form a right angle
right above the 4mm bicone, (make sure beads are sitting tight there is no gap
in between beads) Grasp the wire with your round nose pliers. Where you
position the charm on the pliers will determine the length of the wrap. Make
sure you have ¼” space wire left after the last bead and bend the wire back to
90 degree angle.
Rotate the pliers to position one prong on top and
form a loop.
Now we are going to attach this pearl drop charm in to the second circle of
the chain. (We are going to use the first circle to hook the Lobster clasp and
close the bracelet)
Hook the charm loop on to the second circle of the chain, using
the pliers or your fingers wrap the wire around and down the stem. Continue as
far down as you would like then, trim the extra wire. Use needle nose pliers
smooth in the tail of the wire.
We are done with one pearl drop charm! Repeat the above steps
and connect the remaining 11 charms to your bracelet circles of the chain.
Step
3: Making the crystal drop charms
We have 11 crystal drop charms for the 7”
bracelet. Add more charms for longer bracelets.
Cut 22 Gauge gold filled soft wire 2 inch long
- we need 11 pieces.
Take one piece of wire use the tip of the round nose pliers to grasp the end
of the wire and curve the wire by using a rolling motion to fold it over a
single round prong. Be sure to start rolling from the end of the wire. This
will give you a good round loop.
Insert
one 6mm bicone in to the wire keep it right next to the round loop you made.
Then insert one crystal rondelle then insert
another 6mm bicone.
Bend the rest of the wire to form a right angle
right above the 4mm bicone, (make sure beads are sitting tight there is no gap
in between beads) Grasp the wire with your round nose pliers. Where you
position the charm on the pliers will determine the length of the wrap. Make
sure you have ¼” space wire left after the last bead and bend the wire back to
90 degree angle.
Rotate the pliers to position one prong on top and
form a loop.
Now we are going to attach this crystal drop charm in to the second link that
connects the circles of the chain.
Hook the charm loop on to the second link of the chain, using
the pliers or your fingers wrap the wire around and down the stem. Continue as
far down as you would like then, trim the extra wire. Use needle nose pliers
smooth in the tail of the wire.
We are done with one set of crystal drop and pearl charms!
Repeat the above steps and connect the rest 10 crystal charms to your bracelet
to each link between the circles to complete the bracelet.
Step 4: Connecting the
Lobster Clasp
Hold the jump ring with a chain nose plier on
the left hand and a flat nose plier on the right hand the ring opening should
be facing up.
Gently push one end away from you and the
other toward you and open the jump ring.
(Whatever you do, never pull apart a jump ring
in a left-right motion as this will distort the shape of the ring.)
Then insert your lobster clasp in and also the bracelet’s last circle in
and close the jump ring using the same way you opened it.
The completed bracelet measures 7”. That’s it! It’s all done and ready to wear!
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