How to Make Sterling Silver Link Necklaces
Sterling silver link necklaces are easy to create. Links are sold in dozens of shapes, sizes, doubled and tripled, hammered and polished by the foot. Fine link necklaces are often used to hold or display a pendant or charm. Larger link necklaces may be crafted to show off the links themselves. When links are doubled or tripled, a necklace can look very complex and interesting. Usually larger link chains will not also display stones or beads unless groups of strands are used. To make a larger link necklace, you cut the chain to length and add clasps.
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Things You'll Need
- Sterling silver chain links
- Tape measure
- Wire cutters
- 24-gauge wire
- Accent bead
- Lobster clasp
- 2 chain nose pliers
- Round nose pliers
Instructions
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1
Select the sterling silver chain link type, style and size that you want to use. Check a necklace length guide to determine what length of necklace you want to create. Keep in mind that your clasp sections will take up an inch or slightly more.
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2
Cut your chain using wire cutters. Cut a 3-inch section of 24-gauge sterling silver wire. Wrap your wire around your round nose pliers 1/2-inch from one end of the wire. Form a loop. Thread the end of the wire through the last link in the necklace chain until the link is inside the loop.
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3
Place one set of chain nose pliers across the wire loop to hold it securely. Grip the 1/2-inch end with a second set of chain nose pliers and tightly and evenly wrap the short wire piece around the long wire piece close to the loop. Go around three times with your wrap and trim off your excess short wire.
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4
Thread an accent bead onto the longer wire. Form a loop the same distance away from the wrap on the other side of the accent bead. Add the loop of your lobster clasp onto the wire until it is inside the loop. Grip the loop with one set of chain nose pliers and wrap the wire with the second set. Trim off your excess wire.
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5
Cut a 3-inch section of 24-gauge sterling silver wire. Make your loop. Thread your chain end onto the loop. Wrap the wire. Add the accent bead. Form the loop. Wrap the wire and trim off the ends. This loop is used to receive your lobster clasp when you wear your necklace.
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Tips & Warnings
You can use highly decorative sterling silver beads for accents. Usually the accent beads are used to help locate the end of the necklace more easily and sometimes charms are also attached for this purpose.
References
- Photo Credit silver and chains 4 image by Barbara Carlile from Fotolia.com
