How to Attach Epoxy Resin Jewelry to a Necklace

Tweezers are useful in gluing a necklace bail onto an epoxy resin pendant

Epoxy resin is ideal for making unique custom jewelry pieces. The resin can be cast into a multitude of shapes, containing any items and designs you can imagine. If the resin casting is a piece unto itself and not poured into another housing, such as a bottlecap, you will need to attach a bail to the back before attaching it to a necklace. This can be done with steady hands and a two-part epoxy glue.

Things You'll Need

• Wax paper
• Two-part epoxy glue (liquid)
• Disposable cup
• Toothpicks
• Glue-on necklace bail
• Tweezers

Instructions

1. Coat your work surface with a sheet of wax paper. Place the disposable cup, resin jewelry piece, toothpicks and necklace bail atop the wax paper.

2. Squirt a small amount of the two-part epoxy resin into the disposable cup in the as instructed on the epoxy package (for the syringe-style epoxy, it's often a one-to-one ratio). Stir with the toothpick as directed on the epoxy package. Allow to set if the package instructions call for a waiting period.

3. Place the bail on the back of the resin jewelry casting or pendant to determine the ideal bail position, then remove the bail and place it gluable-side up on the wax paper.

4. Collect a small amount of the mixed epoxy onto the flat end of a clean toothpick. Ensure that it's enough to almost cover the gluable bail area, but not so much that it will seep out when pressed onto the jewelry. Press the epoxied toothpick onto the gluable side of the bail to transfer the epoxy. Grab the bail with tweezers if you feel that will be easier.

5. Press the glued bail onto the top center area of the back of the jewelry piece. Use tweezers if necessary. Observe the sides of the bail to ensure no epoxy leaks out. If a small amount does leak, you can wipe it away with a clean toothpick or let it harden if it's not going to be visible.

6. Set the resin pendant aside with the bail on top. Allow the epoxy to harden for 24 hours or as directed on the epoxy package.

7. Slide the pendant, via the bail, over one end of the necklace once the epoxy is dry and hard. Wear as desired.

Tips & Warnings

• The best bails for this sort of project are the type used for fused-glass pendants. These can be found in craft stores and online jewelry-making supply shops.

• If your epoxy resin pendant or jewelry item has a back made of another material (such as a wooden game tile, or a metal housing), a strong multi-purpose glue can be used to hold the bail in place.

• Be sure to open windows or work outdoors when using two-part epoxy, as the fumes may be strong.

References

• Glass Fusing Made Easy: Gold Plated Bails

Resources

• Annie Howes Keepsakes: How to Make Gorgeous Scrabble Tile Pendants