Multiple-Strand Beaded Necklace, Bracelet, and Earrings

Big beads make for a snappy necklace. For a knockout look, mix gemstones with smooth and faceted textures. Pick out the strands of big beads first, then mix them with strands in other shapes, sizes, and colors.

Crafts Supplies for Multiple-Strand Beaded Necklace

Multistrand beaded necklace with purple beads

Design by Naomi Fujimoto

These designs are excerpted from the book Jewelry in a Flash.

Finished size is 18 inches.

What you'll need:

Flexible beading wire, .018 or .019
Diagonal wire cutters
Five 16-inch strands 10-25-millimeter beads, in different colors and shapes
Twenty 5-6-millimeter spacers
Twenty to forty 3-4-millimeter spacers
10 crimp beads
Large toggle clasp
Chain-nose or crimping pliers

Editor's Tip:

The necklace strands must taper so the bar half of the clasp fits through the loop half. If necessary, string additional 3-4-mm spacers on each end before stringing the crimp bead.

DESIGN OPTIONS

String four strands instead of five if the necklace feels too heavy. Use the fifth strand to make a two-strand bracelet.
Try a monochromatic necklace. Use amazonite, chalcedony, turquoise, and simulated aquamarine.
Make simple drop earrings with single leftover gemstones.

Continued on page 2: Instructions for Multiple-Strand Beaded Necklace