How to Make a Jewelry Line
Here’s how to make a jewelry line for you or your business; items include a bracelet, a necklace, and a pair of earrings.
Things you’ll need:
- Bead Board
- A Selection of Beads
- Necklace Focal Piece/Pendant and Spacers (optional)
- Beading Wire
- Wire Cutter
- Crimping Pliers
- Crimp Tubes
- Split Rings
- Lobster Claw Clasps
- Fishhook (or Other) Ear Wire
- Head Pin
How to Make Your Jewelry Line (Tabs)
-
Bracelet
-
Necklace
-
Earrings
- Select your beads and spacers based on your envisioned design.
- Layout your design by arranging the beads on the beading board in the exact order in which you plan to string the bracelet.
- Unravel a few inches of the beading wire from the roll. Measure the wire against the design to determine the exact length you’ll need to string your design. Add an additional five inches to allow you enough space to comfortably crimp and clasp your bracelet.
- Use the wire cutter to snip the beading wire.
- Begin stringing your beads onto the beading wire, starting from one end to the other.
- Select your beads and spacers based on your envisioned design.
- Layout your design by arranging the beads on the beading board in the exact order in which you plan to string the necklace.
- Unravel a few inches of the beading wire from the roll. Measure the wire against the design to determine the exact length you’ll need to string your design. Add an additional five inches to allow you enough space to comfortably crimp and clasp your necklace.
- Use the wire cutter to snip the beading wire.
- Begin stringing your beads onto the beading wire, starting from one end to the other. Test the length by holding it up to your neck, and make any necessary adjustments as you go along.
- Select your beads and spacers based on your envisioned design.
- Layout your design by arranging the beads on the beading board in the exact order in which you plan to create your earrings.
- Measure the head pins against the design to determine the exact length you’ll need to string your design. Using the wire cutter, carefully cut the head pin; this is while leaving enough room to make the connector.
- String your beads onto the head pin.
Finalizing the Bracelet & Necklace
- String one of the crimp tube beads to the left end of the necklace. Add a split ring on the same end, and then gently bend the end of the beading wire over the split ring. This is while inserting it into the crimp tube, as well as through a couple beads.
- Use the crimping pliers to flatten the crimp tube bead; pressing firmly to secure the necklace.
- Add the other crimp tube bead to the right end of the necklace; but, this time, make sure that there are no spaces in-between the beads. Add the other split ring and again. Gently bend the end of the beading wire over the split ring, inserting it into the crimp tube, as well as through a couple beads.
- Use the crimping pliers to flatten the crimp tube bead, pressing firmly to secure the necklace. Following that, use the wire cutter to remove any excess wire.
- Open the split ring on the right-side of the necklace, using the crimping pliers.
- Insert the lobster claw clasp and use the crimping pliers to close and secure the split ring.
Finalizing the Earrings
- Use the crimping pliers to create a tear-drop shape, while leaving space to insert the ear wire.
- Insert the ear wire, and close the opening (connector).
Tips:
- The standard length of a necklace varies between 10 – 20 inches, depending on the style.
- The standard length of a bracelet is 7 inches.
- The heavier the beads, is the stronger the beading wire should be and vice versa. Additionally, the wire strength is determined by the diameter (in inches).
Diameter Chart (for Necklaces)
.012 in – Small, Light-weight Beads (e.g. Small Plastic and Glass Beads)
.019 in – Medium to Heavy Beads (e.g. Glass and Gemstone Beads)
.024 in – Large, Bulky Beads (e.g. Metal and Large Gemstone Beads)
Head Pin Gauge
Head pins are measued by width; with 26 gauge being the thinnest.
