How to Make Jewelry with Rhinestones

Rhinestone jewelry is simple to make with rhinestone chains. Create single or multi-strand necklaces and bracelets along with dangling earrings that sparkle with vibrant color. The quality of the rhinestones impacts the appearance of the jewelry, so purchase chains with quality crystals plated in silver or gold. Rhinestone chain is sold by the foot or the roll. Look for rhinestone chain and the other jewelry tools and components to make rhinestone jewelry at craft stores and from online retailers.

Things You'll Need

• Rhinestone chain
• Rhinestone chain end connectors
• Chain nose pliers
• Rhinestone link connectors
• Jump rings
• Clasp
• Wire cutters
• Earring wires
• Round nose pliers

Instructions

Rainbow Rhinestone Necklaces and Bracelets

1. Select rhinestone chains in the color and shape you like. The length of the chain is irrelevant because you can piece chains together with chain connectors. Cut the rhinestone chains after every third rhinestone with wire cutters.

2. Arrange different colored sections of chain in a row to create a rainbow design. The length of the new chain should be the desired length of your necklace or bracelet excluding the clasp.

3. Select a rhinestone chain connector with a metal finish to match the metal on the rhinestone chain. Joining rhinestone chains allows you design flexibility and allows you to extend the length of the rhinestone chains. Rhinestone chain connectors have two ends separated by a section of metal. Each end forms a clasp to connect the chains together.

4. Slide one end of the connector beneath the rhinestone at the end of one length of chain. The metal should rest between two rhinestones on the same chain.

5. Fold one side of the metal connector over the metal between the rhinestones. Press the metal connector securely with chain nose pliers. Fold the remaining section of metal on the connector on top of the pressed metal and press it securely with the pliers.

6. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 to attach the connector to the remaining lengths of rhinestone chains.

7. Attach rhinestone end connectors to each end of the rainbow chain. The end connectors will allow you to affix a clasp to your jewelry designs. One side of the end connector has a closed loop and one side has the same type connector as the chain connectors.

8. Open a jump ring with round nose pliers. Hook the open ring through the closed loop on one end connector. Slide the closed loop of one section of the clasp over the open jump ring. Close the ring. Repeat this step to attach the clasp to the other side of the chain.

Rhinestone Earrings

1. Cut three 2-inch lengths of rhinestone chain. The chains can be the same or different colors.

2. Attach an end connector to one end of each length of chain. Open a jump ring and hook it through the closed loop on the connector.

3. Open the closed loop of the earring wire. Slide the three jump rings over the earring wire and close the loops.

References

• Beadfx: How to Attach Rhinestone Chain Connectors

Resources

• Fusion Beads: Attaching an Ear Wire