How do I Make Stranded Jewelry?
Stranded jewelry is often a focal accessory for your wardrobe. You can make stranded jewelry with any type of beads and as many strands as you like. A stranded necklace with multiple, draping strands at the center makes a fashion statement. This type of jewelry design also offers the jewelry artist increased creative flexibility. You can make each strand distinctive by bead sizes, colors and styles. Vary the lengths of the center strands as well as the connecting clasp strands to alter the stranded jewelry design.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Beading wire
- Measuring tape
- Wire cutters
- Crimp beads
- 6mm jump rings
- Beads
- Round-nose pliers
- Flat-nose pliers
- Jewelry clasp
- 14mm jump rings
Instructions
-
-
1
Cut three strands of beading wire that measure 8-inches long, 8 1/2-inches long and 9-inches long. These three strands will drape at the front of your stranded necklace.
-
2
Thread a crimp bead over one end of the 8-inch long strand. Thread a 6mm jump ring behind the crimp bead. Fold the wire over the jump ring, 1/2 inch from the end. Thread the folded wire tail back through the crimp bead. Slide the crimp bead to rest at the jump ring. Press the bead with crimping pliers.
-
-
3
Thread your choice of beads over the open end of the 8-inch long strand. Make sure to thread the first few beads over the wire tail extending from the crimp bead. Fill the wire strand up to 1/2-inch from the end. Repeat Step 2 to add a 6mm jump ring to the end of the strand.
-
4
Repeat Steps 2 and 3 with the 8-1/2 and 9-inch long wire strands to create beaded strands with jump rings on each end.
-
5
Cut two 10-inch long strands of beading wire. Thread a crimp bead and a 6mm jump ring over one end of one wire. Fold the wire over the jump ring, 1/2 inch from the end and feed the tail through the crimp bead. Slide the crimp bead to the jump ring and crimp the bead.
-
6
Fill the strand with your choice of beads, up to 1/2 inch from the end. Thread a crimp bead and one part of your jewelry clasp over the opposite end of the same wire. Wrap the wire around the clasp, 1/2 inch from the end. Feed the tail through the crimp bead and crimp the bead.
-
7
Repeat Steps 5 and 6 with the remaining 10-inch long wire strand.
-
8
Hold one of the 14mm jump rings with round nose jewelry pliers on one side of the split. Grip the opposite side of the split with flat nose jewelry pliers. Push one set of pliers forward to open the jump ring.
-
9
Hook the 6mm jump ring end of one 10-inch wire strand over one side of the open jump ring. Hook the 6mm jump rings at one end of the three draping strands over the other side of the open jump ring. Add the draping strands in order from the longest strand to the shortest strand. Close the jump ring.
-
10
Repeat Steps 8 and 9 to connect the three draping strands and the beaded clasp strand to the remaining jump ring.
-
1
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Pearl Strands image by Rainstorm Designs from Fotolia.com
