How to Make Native American Jewelry

Native American jewelry making remains a strong and popular tradition among the various tribes throughout North America. Materials used for Native American jewelry include beads, shells, copper, silver, ivory, amber and turquoise. The following steps demonstrate how to make a necklace using turquoise stones.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tigertail or nylon flexible wire
• Silver clasp
• Jump ring
• Crimping pliers
• Crimp beads
• Bead board
• Wire cutter
• Turquoise beads
• Matching seed beads

1. Plan your necklace design. Use a bead board to determine the length of your necklace. These boards can be found at any jewelry supply or crafts store.

2. Cut the tigertail or flexible wire so that it is long enough for a finished necklace. This should be about 20 to 25 inches depending on the length that you want.

3. Take one end of the wire and slide it through the loop of a lobster-claw silver clasp, then take the wire that is attached to the clasp, and slide it through a crimp bead. Tighten the wire slightly, then use crimping pliers to flatten the crimp bead into the wire so that the end of the necklace stays in place. Cut excess wire if necessary.

4. String large turquoise gemstone beads onto your wire. Use smaller matching seed beads as spacers in between your necklace design if you wish.

5. Add the jump ring to the other end of your necklace after you've finished stringing the beads. Follow the instructions for Step 3 above. Put on the necklace by attaching the lobster claw to the jump ring.

Tips & Warnings

• If you plan to have a centerpiece or a pendant in the middle of your necklace, string that piece first, then string your beads from the middle on both sides. Try an arrowhead or a bear claw pendant with your Native American-inspired necklace.
• Use a tape measure around your neck if you're unsure about the necklace size. This will also help you determine the length of your necklace.

Resources

• Look for turquoise, silver, squash blossom necklaces and more

[christyadams]

on 9/24/2009 For examples of necklaces check out http://www.silvertribe.com/