How to Create a Magnetic Bead Bracelet

Hematite beads have a deep lustre and polish.

There are many claims that magnetic jewelry helps joint pain, arthritis and sports injuries. Whether or not these claims are true, jewelry made from magnetic hematite is still very attractive. Magnetic hematite is an artificially created magnetic material that is usually a silvery-black and high in polish and lustre. Magnetic hematite beads come in all sizes and shapes, the most common being round beads in 6mm or 8mm diameter.

Things You'll Need

• 2 2mm silver crimp beads
• .018-inch-diameter stainless-steel beading wire
• 1 Silver Lobster Claw Clasp
• 1 6mm Silver Jump Ring
• Crimping tool
• Wire cutters
• 20 6mm Magnetic Hematite Round Beads
• 22 4mm Clear Swarovski Crystal Round Beads

Instructions

Magnetic Bead Bracelet

1. Measure 12 inches of .018 gauge beading wire. Cut the wire with a wire cutter.

2. Thread a crimp bead onto one end of the beading wire. Thread the lobster claw clasp onto the wire, and thread the wire back through the crimp bead in the opposite direction, so he clasp is now in a loop. Flatten the crimp bead firmly with the crimping tool. Trim the wire end, leaving about 1/8 inch.

3. Thread the beads onto the beading wire, starting with a crystal bead. Alternate the beads: crystal, hematite, crystal, hematite. For the first few beads, make sure the beads thread through the 1/8 inch tail left from the previous step.

4. Thread the second crimp bead onto the beading wire. Thread the silver jump ring onto the wire, and thread the wire back through the crimp bead in the opposite direction. Flatten the crimp bead firmly with the crimping tool, pulling any excess wire through to take up any flack. Trim the wire end, leaving about 1/8 inch. Carefully tuck the excess wire tail through the beads.

Tips & Warnings

• Experiment with different color combinations and beads. Substitute crystal beads for seed pearls or silver beads.

• Make sure the crimp beads are firmly crimped. If they are not, the necklace may fall apart.

References

• Minerological Research Company: Magnetic Hematite
• BHG: Beaded birthday bracelet