How to Make an Amber Necklace
Every bead of amber is unique in that it holds fossils that determine the bead's variation in color. A string of cognac brown beads can flicker with hints of red, orange and yellow depending on time and aging. In addition to beautification, amber beads also have been found to provide medicinal benefit. Amber resin actually contains a natural pain killer that is soothing to teething babies. To avoid the cost of paying for ready-made jewelry, do-it-yourselfers can pick up individual beads from a natural gem store and string them onto any material of their choosing for half the price.
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Things You'll Need
- Bead wire
- Bead wire crimps
- Lobster-claw clasps
- Tape measure
- Wire cutters
- Chain-nose pliers
Instructions
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1
Decide on a length for your necklace. Standard necklace lengths are 16 inches, 18 inches and 20 inches. You may make your string of beads longer to complement a bohemian fashion style. If you are making the necklace for a teething baby, measure your baby's neck first and make note of a comfortable measurement for him. Ensure that the necklace will not be so tight as to cause discomfort or strangling.
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Buy a length of bead wire equivalent to the desired length of your end product. Beading wire is recommended for heavy beads of true gemstone. It is composed of nylon-coated stainless steel and is strong enough to withstand regular use without falling apart.
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3
Put a cylindrical crimp onto the bead wire first. Follow the crimp with a lobster-claw clasp. Move the wire hanging from the clasp end over the clasp. Push about one inch of the wire through the crimp. Hold the wire hanging through the crimp under your thumb and index finger while you pull on the wire's long end. This will pull the loop down leaving the clasp to dangle. You will notice a tiny loop in the wire above the crimp. Flatten the crimp down with the chain-nose pliers to affix it against the bead wire.
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4
String on your amber beads one at a time onto the bead wire's long end. Cover the double-wire tail hanging from the crimp with the first few beads. Bead the wire until the end.
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When all the beads are on the wire, put another crimp on the wire followed by the clasp's looped end. Move the wire hanging from the end of the clasp over the clasp and push it through the crimp and the first set of beads. Pull on the wire while holding the clasp. This will tighten the necklace. Flatten down the crimp with your chain-nose pliers. Be careful not to squeeze the clasp with the pliers as this will ruin the necklace.
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6
Trim the excess wire with your wire cutters.
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Tips & Warnings
Monitor your baby at all times while he is using an amber teething necklace. Even if your intent is to just place it next to the baby's skin, your baby could put it in his mouth.
If the necklace is too loose or a bead falls off, your baby could accidentally swallow it and choke.
Avoid using nugget pieces for a baby necklace as they are very small and can easily get lodged in an infant's throat.
References
- Photo Credit amber bead image by Eugene Tokarev from Fotolia.com
