Pearl and Shell Bracelet

About This Design

Time:  Approximately  30 minutes - 1 hour

Level of Difficulty:  Beginner - All Levels

Cost: Varies, depending on materials selected.  Approximately $20-30 as shown 

There are so many unique shapes and colors of freshwater pearl beads available for you to use in creating designs.  I found these nice white diamond shaped freshwater pearls, and decided to pair them with double-hole shell beads to create this great double strand pearl and shell bracelet.  This pearly design  is a great choice for summer.

Want to make this bracelet, or a variation for yourself?  Let's get started!

 Step 1

Gather your supplies.  Here's what you'll need.

• One strands of freshwater pearls.  I used diamond shape pearls but any pearls will work.
• Five or six double hole beads or spacer bars.  I used shell beads in this design, but you can substitute any bead or finding with two holes.
• 4 decorative silver bead caps
• Appx. 20 Bali daisy spacer beads (or other decorative spacer beads). Actual quantity will depend on your design.
• 4 crimp beads (2 for each strand of the bracelet )
• Length of flexible beading wire to fit the desired bracelet length, plus a couple extra inches to work with.  Use fine gauge to fit through bead holes.
• 1 double strand toggle clasp of choice   Here are some for sale:  Double strand clasps on eBay

Need Supplies?  Check my Jewelry Supply pages to find what you need

Step 2

String beads on wire

Decide how long your bracelet will be, and determine the placement of the beads and spacers in your design.  You can use a bead board or ruler to check the length, and don't forget to allow room for the clasp.

Tie a knot on one end of the wire, or place some tape over the end, and string all of your beads onto the wire.    Check the length and overall design and make adjustments by adding, removing, or re-positioning beads until you are happy with the look of the bracelet.  End with bead caps on either end for a decorative touch.

TIP - You can start a bracelet by attaching the clasp to one end first,  However, if you are unclear about your final design or the finished bracelet length, it is best to simply tie a knot or place some tape over the end of the jewelry wire, string your beads, and once you are happy with the design and length, attach the clasps to the ends.  This way, if you find you need to subtract or add beads you can just remove the tape or knot and work from either end without having to cut off your clasp and start the whole thing over!

Step 3 

Crimp ends and attach the clasp

Slide a crimp bead onto the wire, feed the wire through the clasp loop, then back through the crimp bead.  Pull the wire snug, and crimp the bead closed.   Follow the How to Use Crimp Beads instructions if you are not familiar with this technique.  Repeat on other side, making sure you pull the wire tight to beads before crimping.  TIP -  Because this is a toggle clasp, you will want to leave a little "play" in the wire so the clasp is easy to put on, so leave a little room where the loop of wire attaches to the clasp.  Cut off remaining tails of wire with flush cutters.

TIP - As an option, try the new crimp bead covers to hide crimps for an even more finished look.

That's it! Your gorgeous new Pearl and Shell Bracelet  is ready to wear or give as a great gift!