How to Make Gold Costume Jewelry
Elaborate costume jewelry can be made at home for little money. This is particularly true for gold costume jewelry. A spool of Merlin's Gold wire that costs less than $10 would cost more than $1,500 for the same length of real gold wire. On a casual inspection, good costume jewelry can pass for real gold jewelry for a fraction of the cost.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- String
- Merlin's Gold wire
- Needle-nosed pliers
- Wire cutters
- Beads, pendants and other decorations (optional)
- Ear wires or jeweler clasps (optional)
Instructions
-
-
1
Use the string to estimate the length of wire needed to make the gold costume jewelry. Wrap it around the part of the body over which the jewelry will be worn. If the piece is going to be worn in a loose loop, such as a necklace, create a loop of string that reaches the desired length. The wire will be cut slightly longer to compensate for any needed size adjustments.
-
2
Cut a length of Merlin's Gold wire about six inches longer than the string length. For rings, only add one inch.
-
-
3
Bend the wire into the shape of the jewelry piece. Remember to make pieces such as rings, bracelets and anklets large enough to be taken on and off.
-
4
Add beads, pendants or other decorations to the wire, if desired.
-
5
Bend the end of the wire around the loops on the ear wires if making earrings or jeweler clasps for necklaces.
-
6
Cut off any excess wire.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Merlin's Gold wire also is sold under the names "Jeweler's Bronze" and "Red Brass." Despite both names, the actual color is still gold for all of them. There are other types of wire that can be used for gold costume jewelry, such as gold plated wire.
