How to Create Vibrant Jewelry

Some of the best materials for creating vibrant, sparkling, colorful jewelry are Swarovski crystal beads. Swarovski crystal beads are available in an array of colors, sizes and cuts to suit any style of jewelry. Necklaces in choker lengths of 13 inches to rope styles longer than 45 inches may be crafted with a variety of Swarovski crystal beads. Cuff-style bracelets, dangling earrings and crystal pendants are other types of vibrant jewelry you can create with Swarovski crystal beads.

Things You'll Need

• Bead design board
• Swarovski crystal pendant, side-drilled
• 6 mm and 4 mm Swarovski crystal beads
• Elastic beading cord
• Scissors
• Clasp
• Jeweler's glue

Instructions

1. Place the Swarovski crystal pendant in the center of the necklace section of the bead design board. A bead design board has grooves that hold beads in place and measurements along the side.

2. Place a 4 mm Swarovski crystal bead on either side of the pendant. Other types of glass and crystal beads will work to make a necklace, but the cut of the Swarovski beads, along with the quality of the crystals, makes them sparkle with vibrant light and color. Select any color or combination of colors to make a necklace. Styles range from rondelle to bicone, all of which are faceted to catch the light.

3. Place a 6 mm bead on either side of the 4 mm beads. Place two 4 mm beads on either side of the 6 mm bead. Continue to layout the beads in the two 4 mm and one 6 mm pattern until the length suits you. Remember to include the size of the clasp in the overall length.

4. Cut a length of clear monofilament beading cord 2 inches longer than the overall length of the necklace design. Tie the cord over one section of the clasp, 1 inch from the end. A double overhand knot will secure the cord to the clasp. Clear, soft monofilament beading cord will not detract from the vibrant colors in the beads and it knots easily.

5. Thread the beads over the open end of the beading cord, all the way to the clasp. The first few beads will cover the leftover tail from the knot. Remember to add the Swarovski pendant in the center. If the pendant is not side-drilled, attach it to the cording with a jump ring. Thread all of the beads in the necklace design.

6. Tie on the other end of the clasp with another double overhand knot. Feed the leftover cording down through the Swarovski beads closest to the clasp.

7. Cover both knots with jeweler's glue. Let the glue dry.

References

• Bead-media.com: Necklace Lengths

Resources

• Howtomakejewelry.com: How to String Beads