A Simple Guide to Jewellery Making

A beaded stacking bracelet looks simple, and that is part of its charm. But a bracelet that sits well, feels comfortable and lasts for years is the result of plenty of small decisions, from the size of each bead to the way the knot is finished. This guide walks through the whole process.

Planning Is Essential

Every good piece of jewellery starts with a plan. Before a single bead is threaded, it helps to sketch the design and think about the finished bracelet as a whole.

• Who is it for? A bracelet for everyday wear needs to be comfortable and hard-wearing, while one for a special occasion can be a little more decorative.
• Will it be worn alone or stacked? Stacking bracelets are usually kept fairly slim so that several sit together comfortably.
• What is the focal point? Decide whether the bracelet will feature a charm, a special bead or a pattern of textures.
• What size should it be? Measure the wrist just below the wrist bone, then allow a little extra so the bracelet can move freely.

Write down the exact tools and materials you will need. Using the wrong tools, or making do, shows in the finished piece, so it is worth gathering everything before you begin.

Choosing Beads

Beads are the heart of a stacking bracelet, and the choices you make here shape the whole look.

Size

Small beads of around 3mm or 4mm give a delicate, dainty bracelet, while 5mm beads have a little more presence. Mixing two sizes in one bracelet adds rhythm and interest. Our Classic Stretch Sterling Silver Stacking Bracelet and Ring Set, for example, is handmade using 3mm and 5mm sterling silver round beads.

Finish

The surface of a bead changes how it catches the light. Plain, polished beads give a clean shine, corrugated beads have fine ridges that add texture, and frosted or laser cut beads give a soft sparkle. The Sterling Silver and Corrugated Bead Bracelet shows how two sizes of corrugated bead can work together.

Metal

Sterling silver (925) is a popular choice for its brightness and durability. Gold filled beads have a thick layer of gold bonded to a base metal and are hard-wearing, while gold plated beads have a thinner layer and need gentler care. Shaped beads can add a new dimension too: curved tube beads, sometimes called noodle beads, follow the natural curve of the wrist, as you can see in the Luxurious Heart Charm Stretch Bracelet.

Choosing Charms

A charm gives a bracelet its personality and its meaning. It might be a birthstone, an initial, a zodiac sign or a symbol such as a heart, star or animal. When choosing one, think about:

• Scale: a small charm suits a dainty bracelet, while a larger charm can be the star of the piece.
• Weight: heavy charms pull a bracelet round so they always hang underneath, so lighter charms are often better for stacking.
• Placement: some makers frame the charm with accent beads, such as the two corrugated beads either side of the horoscope charm on our Personalised Silver and Rose Gold Bracelet with Horoscope Charm.

Stringing on Elastic

Most stacking bracelets are made on stretch elastic, which means no clasp to fiddle with and an easy fit over the hand.

• Choose good quality elastic. A durable jewellery elastic in the right thickness for the bead holes is essential. Thicker elastic lasts longer, but it must pass through every bead easily.
• Pre-stretch it. Gently stretching the elastic a few times before threading helps stop the bracelet loosening later.
• Secure one end. A bead stopper or clip on the end of the elastic stops beads sliding off while you work.
• Thread in order. Lay the design out on a bead mat first, then thread the beads in sequence, checking the pattern as you go.
• Check the length. Wrap the strung bracelet around the wrist, or measure it lying flat, before tying off.

Finishing

The finish is what separates a bracelet that lasts from one that does not. The two ends of the elastic are usually tied with a secure knot, such as a surgeon's knot, and pulled firmly. A tiny drop of jewellery glue on the knot adds strength. Once dry, the ends are trimmed neatly and the knot is gently eased inside a neighbouring bead with a slightly larger hole, so it is hidden from view.

Quality Checks

Before a bracelet is worn or gifted, it is worth checking it carefully:

• Stretch it gently to make sure the knot holds and the elastic returns to shape.
• Look for gaps between beads, which can mean the elastic is too loose.
• Check that any jump rings on charms are fully closed, with no gap for the elastic to slip through.
• Run a finger round the bracelet to feel for rough edges or trimmed ends.

Take Your Time

Like any craft, beading improves with practice. Do not rush, as hurried work shows in the finished piece. Look for inspiration in nature, art and colour, and treat every mistake as a lesson.

Our Handmade Bracelets

Our handmade bracelets are designed to be worn alone or mixed and matched with others in your stack. If you would rather wear the finished result than make it yourself, browse our handmade bracelets to find your next favourite.