Why not start a DIY project - Unleash Your Creativity Today!

Think making your own gemstone jewelry is too complicated? Think again. With a few basic supplies and an afternoon, you can make a bracelet or necklace right at home. It is a fun family activity, a new creative outlet, and an easy way to make gifts that nobody else has.

This guide covers what to buy, how many beads you need, how to string your first piece, and a few design ideas to try next.

What You'll Need

The starter list is short and beginner-friendly:

• Gemstone beads — sold by the strand in many colors, shapes and sizes. Most of our strands are 15 to 15.5 inches long.
• Stringing material — flexible beading wire for a sturdy finish, or stretch cord for a slip-on bracelet with no clasp.
• Crimp beads — small metal tubes that lock beading wire in place at each end.
• Pliers — chain-nose pliers for opening jump rings and closing crimps, plus a flush cutter for trimming wire.
• Jump rings and clasps — browse clasps and jump rings in our jewelry findings.
• A bead tray or towel and good light — so round beads don't roll away.

You can shop Amazonite, Amethyst and many other gemstone beads right here at Mycrazycrystal.

How Many Beads Do You Need?

Bead sizes are measured in millimeters, so a little math tells you how many beads fill a piece. Divide the length you want by the bead size:

• A 7 inch bracelet is about 178mm, so it takes roughly 30 beads at 6mm, 22 at 8mm, or 18 at 10mm.
• An 18 inch necklace is about 457mm, so it takes roughly 57 beads at 8mm.

Leave a little room for the clasp, and measure the wrist before you cut. A 15.5 inch strand of 8mm beads is enough for two 7 inch bracelets.

Getting Started: Step-by-Step

1. Choose your gemstone beads. Pick a stone by color, pattern and finish: polished, faceted or matte. Mix and match for a layered look.
2. Cut your wire or cord to your finished length plus about 3 inches, so you have room to finish the ends.
3. Lay out your design on a towel or bead tray first. Moving beads around is much easier before they are strung.
4. String your beads in your chosen pattern. Alternate sizes and shapes for visual interest.
5. Secure the ends. On beading wire, slide on a crimp bead and the clasp, loop the wire back through the crimp, and squeeze it flat with pliers. On stretch cord, tie a surgeon's knot and tuck it inside a bead.
6. Trim any excess wire and tuck in the ends neatly for a clean finish.

Tips for Your First Project

• Check the hole size. Thick cord and leather need a bigger hole. Our large hole round beads have a 2-2.5mm hole and come on 8 inch strands.
• Start with rounds. Round beads in 6mm or 8mm are the easiest to string evenly.
• Open jump rings sideways. Twist the ends apart front to back instead of pulling them open, so the ring keeps its shape.
• Match your metal. Use one finish for clasps, rings and spacers so the piece looks finished. Our 18K gold plated lobster clasps come in 8x5mm, 10x6mm and 12x7mm.

Design Ideas to Inspire You

Not sure where to start with your design? Here are a few ideas:

• A single-stone gemstone bracelet for everyday wear
• A layered multi-strand necklace mixing pink rose quartz and purple amethyst
• Matching earrings and bracelet sets as handmade gifts
• A rainbow bracelet using 7 different gemstone colors, from red through to purple
• One faceted bead between every three smooth beads, which catches the light without looking busy

Caring for Your Jewelry

Take beaded pieces off before swimming, showering or putting on lotion. Wipe them with a soft dry cloth, and store each piece in its own pouch so the stones don't scratch each other. Stretch bracelets last longer if you roll them on and off instead of pulling them wide.

FAQ

Do I need special tools to start?

Only chain-nose pliers and a wire cutter. If you use stretch cord, a pair of scissors is enough.

What bead size is easiest for beginners?

6mm and 8mm beads are easy to handle and work for both bracelets and necklaces.

How long should I cut my stringing material?

Cut the finished length plus about 3 inches, so you have room to attach the clasp.

Ready to Create?

Gather your supplies, set up your workspace and let your creativity take over. The pieces you make will be all your own. For a full walkthrough, read how to make a crystal bead bracelet.

Browse our full range of Rose Quartz, Amethyst, Amazonite and more crystal beads at Mycrazycrystal to get started today.