How to Make Dichroic Glass Jewelry

Dichroic beads are made from glass that transmits one color and reflects another. Each mesmerizing bead is handcrafted and a work of art in its own right. Make a dichroic glass necklace for yourself, or to give as a gift.

Things You'll Need

• Dichroic glass bead
• 3- to 4-mm gauge silk cord
• Hook clasp
• 22-gauge beading wire
• Round-nose pliers
• Wire clippers
• Measuring tape

Instructions

1. Determine a length for the necklace, and add 2 inches. Cut the silk cording to this measurement.

2. 

   Cut three 3-inch sections of beading wire. String the dichroic bead onto one of the wires. Pull the two ends of the wire up to the top of the bead, and make a loop with one end. Tightly wrap the other end of the wire around the base of the loop to create a closed loop above the dichroic bead.

3. String the dichroic bead onto the silk cording, and center it. Tie an overhand knot on either side to hold the bead in place.

4. Place the hook clasp on one end of the silk cording. Fold back the end to secure the clasp in a loop. Wrap one of the two remaining pieces of beading wire around the silk cording to secure the clasp in the loop. Wrap the wire tightly with the pliers and tuck in the end.

5. Fold the other end of the silk cording back to create a loop in the cording. Wrap the third piece of beading wire around the silk cording to finish creating the loop. Wrap the wire tightly with the pliers and tuck the end in when the wire is all wrapped.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Dichroic Glass Beads