How To Make A Bracelet From Up-cycled Necklaces

Wearing pretty, beautiful elegant jewelry can really complete a look. It can give you a sense of individuality, style and elegance. But such items can often carry a huge price tag.

By making your own jewellery you can save money, and so in turn you can have a bigger selection of accessories, you can also have a truly unique, individual item, something that nobody else in the world has.

How to make a charm bracelet from a necklace

You will need:

An old necklace (a part of it about 6-7 inches)
Eye pins or headpins (small metal pins with a loop or flat end)
Beads of your choice with a small hole
Pliers
clasp
Jump rings
Tweezers (optional)
Scissors

Step 1: Measure your wrist and cut the necklace to the desired length. If you can’t cut the necklace, pull the links apart in the appropriate place.

Step 2. Hold a jump ring in one hand near the join using the tweezers or your fingers, with the pliers pull the other side of the join towards you slightly. Slide the clasp onto the open ring, slide the ring onto the end link of the chain and close the ring.

Step 3. Slide one (or as many as you want) of your beads onto a head or an eye pin, cut a small amount off the top (this will depend on the size or number of your beads, you may want to do a practice one before you start, keep this as something to measure the others against)

Step 4. Hold the tip of the pin in the tip of the pliers, roll the hand holding the pliers forward, this will create the beginning of the loop. Hold the pliers on the top of the loop you just made and roll the pliers again to close it. You may need to bend the wire underneath the loop towards you slightly; this may help you to create a more even loop. This is called a turned loop.

Step 5. Gently open the loop again, slide it onto the link of the bracelet and close with the pliers. Note: once you have had a little practice, you can slide the pin through the link and then close it, but this is easier for beginners as you will be able to get a more .even professional looking turned loop

Step 6. Repeat this process for as many links as you need, once you have got the hang of making he turned loop it will only take you a few minutes to do a whole bracelet, it’s really quite simple once you get the knack of it.

Step 7. Attach a jump ring (as described) to the last link of the chain.

Bracelets are a versatile accessory, perfect for casual or more formal occasions. Creating a chunky, glamorous bracelet from strands of vintage necklaces is a unique way to put antique items to new use.

Next Idea:

DIY Handmade Beaded Dangle Charm Earrings

In the dimly lit corner of my small jewelry studio, the silver soldering torch hisses to life. The familiar scent of metal and flux fills the air. As a jewelry maker, I’ve always found a certain magic in the process of soldering. It’s the moment when separate pieces of metal, like puzzle pieces, come together to create a beautiful whole. Over the years, I’ve gathered my fair share of tips and tricks that have made this art form more of a delight than a chore. Here, I’ll share some of those secrets to help you master the art of soldering in your jewelry making journey.

1. Set the Stage for Success
Before diving into soldering, ensure that your workspace is well-organized and clutter-free. You need a clear and clean surface to focus on your work. Make sure you have all your tools and materials within easy reach. An organized workspace not only boosts efficiency but also minimizes the chances of accidents.

2. Fire Up the Torch with Confidence
The torch is often the heart of soldering, and it can be intimidating for beginners. When I was starting, I remember feeling nervous about lighting the torch. But here’s a tip: practice lighting and adjusting the flame without your jewelry piece. Get comfortable with the torch, and you’ll gain more control.

3. Understand the Three S’s: Surface, Solder, and Sweat
Surface preparation is key. Clean the metal surfaces you plan to solder meticulously. Use a brush or abrasive paper to remove any oxides or contaminants. Then, apply flux. It’s like a magical potion that prevents oxidation and helps the solder flow.

The solder itself comes in various forms: sheets, wire, and paste. Choose the type that suits your project best. For small, delicate joints, I prefer solder wire, as it’s easier to position accurately.

As for the ‘sweat,’ it’s the term for the moment when the metal reaches the right temperature, and the solder flows like liquid silver. It’s crucial to wait for this moment, rather than forcing the solder to melt. This requires patience and practice.

4. Master the Art of Heat Control
Controlling the heat is a skill that comes with time. It’s essential to understand that different parts of your jewelry piece may require varying levels of heat. Larger pieces need more heat, while smaller or delicate areas need a gentle touch. Don’t rush this process; take your time to heat evenly.

5. Use Third-Hand Tools and Binding Wire
These trusty sidekicks are indispensable for securing your jewelry pieces during soldering. The third-hand tool can hold your workpiece in place, leaving your hands free to manipulate the torch and solder. Binding wire is your invisible assistant, helping to align and support delicate elements during soldering.

6. Post-Soldering Care
Once your soldering is complete, it’s crucial to quench your jewelry piece in a pickling solution. This removes any remaining flux and oxides, leaving you with a clean, shiny piece. After pickling, give your creation a good scrub with a brass brush for that extra shine.

7. Practice Makes Perfect
Like any art, soldering takes time to master. It’s not uncommon to experience frustration in the beginning, but remember that practice is your best friend. Take on small projects, perfect your technique, and gradually work your way up to more complex designs.

Soldering is more than just a technical skill; it’s an art form that bridges the gap between separate elements and transforms them into a unified whole. My journey as a jewelry maker has been a series of sparks, flames, and, yes, occasional mishaps, but each experience has added to my skill and passion.

Solder Like a Pro with these great tips

Bezel Set Ring Tutorial

Torch Talk

Next Idea:

Have you read?

Categories