How to Make a Pearl Necklace

Pearls can come in many sizes, shapes and colors.

It has always been said that diamonds were a girl's best friend. Not so, in my opinion. Pearls are the gems of the ocean and have long been considered to represent wealth and class. There is nothing more elegant than a woman dressed in black with a single strand of pearls around her neck. While it is recommended for pearls to be strung on silk and tied, they can also be strung on jewelry wire, which makes the projects stronger and less liable to break. Here's how.

Things You'll Need

• Pearls, either loose or in hanks
• 7-strand beading wire
• Wire cutters
• Crimping beads and tool
• Clasp

Instructions

1. 

   Choose your pearls. With the wide variety of pearls available in all sizes, shapes and colors, they can be added to any jewelry project or simply strung alone in a single strand or multiple strands of different colors. Plan out your design so you will know the best size, shape and color for your necklace.

2. Measure out your wire. Your wire should be at least 6 inches longer than the length of your finished necklace.

3. Place 2 crimp beads on one end of the wire. Place half of the clasp on the wire and then pass the wire back through the already strung crimp beads. Secure it tightly by using a crimping tool.

4. Begin stringing your pearls onto the wire, making sure to pass both wires through the beads at the end where the clasp has been fashioned. If you are doing a simple strand, continue stringing pearl until the length you wish has been reached.

5. Place 2 crimping beads on the wire after the last pearl has been strung. Next, place the second part of the clasp on the wire and pass the wire through the crimp beads and some of the pearls. Pull the wire tightly, then secure the necklace by using the crimping tool to fasten the crimp beads.

Tips & Warnings

• Add crystals or filigree findings to add extra zip to your pearl project.