How to Make Obsidian Necklaces

Exotic obsidian is a natural glass formed by volcanic lava that cools too quickly. Obsidian is usually black, but comes in various other solid colors such as brown, red, gray, blue or green. Where there are bubbles or crystal inclusion, it's often called the snowflake obsidian. Obsidian has been used for tool and jewelry making for many centuries. American Indians used it for arrowheads, and the Aztecs used it for sacrificial knives and mirrors. Read on to learn how to make obsidian necklaces.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Crimping pliers
• Wire cutters
• Soft flex wire
• Jade beads
• Swarovski round beads
• Bali heishi
• Bali heishi spacers
• Crimp beads
• Crimp covers
• Toggle clasp of choice

1. Gather your materials together.

2. Cut over 30 inches of wire for the desired length.

3. Add a crimp bead, loop the wire through the ring clasp and back through the crimp. Use the crimp tool to crush the crimp bead. Trim the end and then tuck the excess into the next bead.

4. String a Heishi, a Jade bead, a Bali spacer a Jade bead, a Bali spacer, a clear crystal bead, a Heishi, a light sapphire crystal, a Heishi, a clear crystal and a Bali spacer.

5. Repeat the pattern from the jade bead until desired length of necklace is finished. You might want the necklace from 12 inches to 30 inches, depending on your preference.

6. Add a crimp bead and loop through the ring on the other part of the toggle clasp and back through the crimp bead. Crush the crimp bead and then trim the end. Tuck the remaining part into the next bead. Now you have made a lovely obsidian necklace.

Tips & Warnings

• Place a light-colored terry cloth on the table where you are working to help you catch the beads.

Resources

• Jewelry Making Designs
• Jewelry Making Tips