Necklace charms to customise with charms
How many charms should you put on a necklace?
It all depends on the style you're going for! For a minimalist look, one to three charms are enough—spaced out on a thin chain or slipped onto a large clasp like pendants. For a more bohemian or symbolic look, you can add more charms (up to 7 or more) to create a lucky or personalized necklace.
The key is to find the right balance: play with sizes, shapes, and textures (letters, stars, beads, symbols…) to create a harmonious arrangement. If you’re using thicker chains or multi-strand necklaces, you can add more charms. Get inspired by our tutorials on charm necklaces and bracelets!
How do you attach a charm to a necklace (chain or cord)?
It's pretty easy to attach a charm to a necklace.
If your charm has an open ring, you can open it directly using pliers (the most effective method is to use two flat jewelry pliers). Then attach it to your cord or chain.
If it has a closed ring, you have two options: if you’re making a necklace with a cord, simply slide the charm onto the cord. If you’re working with a thin chain, do the same. For a link chain, you’ll need a jump ring. Open it, insert your charm, and attach it to your chain.
If needed, we have a how-to guide on how to properly open your jump rings.
Which charms are in style this year?
The trendiest charms are those that tell a story or reflect a personality. Top patterns include:
- Astrological & spiritual symbols: zodiac signs, stars, moons, protective eyes…
- Tarot card charms: perfect for creating jewelry that brings good luck.
- Organic shapes: irregular teardrops, hammered medallions, baroque beads…
- Nature-inspired icons: seashells, leaves, stylized animals, palm trees, marine life…
- Colorful charms: enamel, mother-of-pearl, handcrafted glass, or resin.
- Vintage or quirky patterns: cowboy hats and boots, astronauts, dachshunds, cacti…
Mix and match them however you like to create a 100% personalized and on-trend charm necklace!
How do you hang costume jewelry beads as charms?
To turn a costume bead into a charm, you can use a flat-head or eyepin: thread the bead onto the pin, form a loop with round-nose pliers, and then attach it to a ring or directly to the links of your chain. That’s exactly what our designer did in this charm necklace tutorial.
What jewelry findings should you use to create a custom charm necklace?
Here are the essentials for making your own charm necklace:
- A link chain (jaseron, trace, rombo, etc.) or cable wire for the base of the necklace
- Open jump rings for attaching the charms
- LobsterClasp with an extension chain if needed
- Flat-nosepliers and wire cutters for assembly
Add beads, tubes, connectors, washers,and more as you like to create a truly personalized piece.
What is the difference between a charm, a charm bracelet, and a pendant?
Although they are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences:
- Charms and pendants are the same thing. They are small decorative pieces designed to be hung, often mounted on a ring, and meant to be attached to a necklace or bracelet, either alone or in a stack.
- A pendant is often larger and more prominent, hanging in the center of the necklace. It is usually the focal point of the piece.
Charms and pendants combine perfectly to create unique pieces of jewelry, rich in symbolism and style. This is the case with this DIY jewelry design.