How to Design a Ladder Pendant With Birthstones

A ladder pendant is a piece of jewelry with vertical gemstones. The gemstones can be graduated in size or all the same. A metal bar runs up each side of the pendant. Ladder pendants are a more modern way to wear birthstone pendants. You can design a necklace for yourself or as a gift. Designing a ladder pendant with birthstones is an inexpensive way to get custom jewelry.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet connection

Design a Ladder Pendant

1. Pick the number of stones you want in your ladder pendant. You can design a pendant with two or more stones. The more birthstones you have in your pendant, the more expensive it will be. Add your own birthstone to the pendant to make it more personal. Have a stone for each significant person in your life. This could be your children or a group of close friends. Design a pendant for each of your friends or family members so the ladder pendant can be a symbol of togetherness that you each wear everyday.

2. Decide between simulated or genuine gems. Simulated gemstones will be less expensive and may have more vibrancy. Simulated stones are also readily available. The June birthstone alexandrite, for example, is rare and expensive. You may not even be able to get a genuine alexandrite in your ladder pendant.

3. Find a metal that will match a rainbow of different colors. Birthstone pendants usually have a vast array of different colors in them. Ladder pendants will include everything from orange to purple. If you want the gemstones to be the star, then go with a sterling silver or white gold. This metal will blend into the background. Yellow gold will be noticed and stand out against the gems. Choose the same metal of your engagement ring because you will probably wear both pieces together everyday.

4. Choose the birthstones you want to use. You can arrange these in birth order, or just the way that looks best to your eye. The traditional birthstones for each month are:
   January: garnet
   February: amethyst
   March: aquamarine
   April: diamond
   May: emerald
   June: alexandrite
   July: ruby
   August: peridot
   September: sapphire
   October: opal
   November: citrine
   December: zircon

5. Make a pattern from the birthstones. You may want a ladder pendant with just a few birthstones in it. This will be sleeker and have a more muted color palette. Alternate the birthstones such as emerald, diamond, emerald, diamond. There is no rule that says every birthstone in a ladder pendant has to be different.

Tips & Warnings

• If you shop around Mother's Day, you'll find deals on birthstone pendants because they are popular gifts.

References

• Design a Ladder Pendant
• Birthstone Chart