How to Make a Drop Down Necklace

Using beads and readymade chain, make a drop down necklace to give as a gift.

A drop down necklace is a chain or beaded necklace with a vertical set of beads or jewels hanging in the center. Also called Y-necklaces because of the way they resemble the letter when hanging around the neck, drop down necklaces are inexpensive to create and add simple elegance to any wardrobe. With basic jewelry making techniques you can make a drop down necklace for yourself or as a gift.

Things You'll Need

• Ready-made chain
• Ruler
• Wire nippers
• Jump rings
• Assorted beads
• Eye pins
• Head pins
• Round nose pliers
• Lobster clasp

Instructions

1. Cut two 8-inch lengths of ready-made chain and attach small jump rings to each end of both pieces.

2. Create beaded links and the drop for the necklace by threading four large beads onto eye pins and a fifth bead onto a head pin, turning loops on the straight end of all five pins with round nose pliers. Attach one beaded link to the end of both chain segments. Then form the drop by connecting the remaining two beaded links together and hanging the bead on the head pin on the bottom link.

3. Assemble and complete the necklace by connecting the drop and the two chain segments to one large jump ring and adding a lobster clasp on one end of the chain.

Tips & Warnings

• For extra decoration, replace the large center jump ring with a metal heart.

References

• Making Beaded Jewelry; Y-Necklace; Wanda A. Epps; 2011