How to Make a Y-Necklace With Beads
Y-necklaces are beautiful pieces of jewelry that sell for a hefty price at the store. Why not save some money and make your own Y-necklace? The pattern is simple, and best of all you can make your Y-necklace any length you want. The hardest part of making the Y-necklace is choosing the beads. This pattern uses 32 mm beads and 3 mm beads, but you can change the pattern and use any beads that you desire.
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Things You'll Need
- .014 inch diameter sterling silver or silver plated flexible beading wire
- 32 mm beads
- 3 mm beads
- Crimp beads
- Split rings or jump rings
- Needle-nosed pliers
- Crimp covers
- "S" clasp
Instructions
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1
Cut a length of beading wire that is at least 12 inches longer than the length you need.
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2
String one 3 mm bead onto the wire and slide the bead to the center of your wire strand. This is the end of your Y on the necklace.
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3
Bring the two ends of the wire or string together and string on one 32 mm bead and one 3 mm bead. Repeat this until you have four 3 mm beads and three 32 mm beads. This will be the drop part of the necklace. End with the small 3 mm bead at the top.
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4
Separate the ends of the wire.
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5
String a 3 mm bead onto each end of the wire.
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6
String a 32 mm bead on each end of the wire.
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7
Repeat this pattern until you have the length you desire. End each strand with the 3 mm beads.
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8
Thread on a crimp bead at each end.
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9
Add a split ring or jump ring on each end of the wire.
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10
Loop the wire through the ring and thread it back through the crimp bead and other beads. Do each side in this manner, but do one side at a time to keep the beads snug.
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11
Pull the wire taut so that the beads are held firmly against the split ring.
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12
Squeeze each crimp bead with needle-nose pliers to hold the wire in place.
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13
Cover the crimp bead with a crimp cover and close the crimp bead with needle-nose pliers. This is not mandatory, but it will give your necklace a more professional appearance.
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14
Attach an S-shaped clasp to one split ring and close that section of the clasp. Make sure you have the opening tightly closed so the split ring does not come off.
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15
Trim excess wire on each end. Be careful so you don't accidentally cut the wire that your beads are strung on or your necklace will fall apart.
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1
Tips & Warnings
You can use beading string to make your necklace, but wire will hold the beads more securely.
References
- Photo Credit beads image by Gina Smith from Fotolia.com
