Things You'll Need:
- Reference materials Scrap gold or gemstones (optional) Pendant hardware such as bails and bead caps Paper Pen
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Step 1
Gather your reference materials. Before designing a pendant look through jewelry catalogs, vintage or antique and historical pendants to get an idea of what shapes and sizes you like and would want to incorporate into your own design. Clip or copy images for later reference.
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Step 2
Think about your materials. Consider what metals (gold, silver or platinum) and what gemstones you'd like to use in your pendant. Pendants can also be crafted from gold or silver wire, fused glass or even found objects, so allow your imagination to run wild.
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Step 3
Determine your motif or focus of the piece. Think about your own passions or interests and how you can reflect those aspects in your pendant. For example a nature lover may want to use a flower or leaf motif in her pendant.
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Step 4
Consider the hardware. A "bail" is the hardware that attaches a pendant to a necklace and there are many different styles of bails to choose from. While you are designing your pendant consider the bail in your design plan.
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Step 5
Doodle it. Now that you have decided on your materials, motif and hardware, begin to doodle out some ideas. Don't worry about scale or how exactly to make your pattern work, just free form some ideas to help get your creative juices flowing.
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Step 6
Play around with materials. If you are using jewelry wire you can play around with your wire to get some ideas on how to create curls and complex webbing. If you are using glass fusion, you may want to lay out your ideas by layering glass pieces to get an idea of the overall style and color of the piece.
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Step 7
Design it. Now that you are familiar with all the materials begin to draw out your design. Begin by placing any gemstones in your drawing, then add any filigree ideas and the overall shape of the finished pendant.
