This bracelet in fine gold chain with pearls in the center is a classic in the world of costume jewelry design. It's almost a must-have. It's a perfect project for practicing a few beginner jewelry techniques, including opening and closing rings, attaching a clasp to a chain or forming a loop from a nail.
In this tutorial, we'll be using a type of nail known as a round head nail. This is a nail with a loop already formed on one side. All you have to do is thread your beads and form a loop on the other side. This little element with two loops on each side is called an intercalator, because it's placed in the middle of something. In our tutorial, it's placed in the center of the chain.
You can use the beads suggested in this tutorial or choose others. The key is to choose beads with a hole larger than the diameter of the nail shank. So, for a nail with a shank diameter of 0.55 mm, choose beads with a hole of at least 0.7 mm or more. In some cases, a bead with a 0.6 mm hole might fit, but it's best to be on the safe side.
Here are a few types of pearls you could use instead:
In the variation section, at the bottom of the page, you'll find a few other pearl references.
This simple bracelet with marbled green pearls matches this tutorial by Elisa: Earrings with marbled-effect resin pearls. It was made with the leftover chains and rings from that tutorial, so feel free to share the two tutorials if you like them.
Thread 1 flower washer, 3 green beads and 1 flower washer onto a round-headed nail. Bend the nail with round-nose pliers, forming a right angle just after the washer.
Grab the end of the rod and turn the pliers to wrap the rod around the round pliers to form a loop.
Widen the last link of the chain by passing a relatively large sewing or embroidery needle through it. There's no need to thread it through. The key is to round off the link a little. This will make it easier to pass the nail loops through.
Open one of the loops by rotating the opening with flat-nose pliers. Slide the chain through, then close the ring. Turn the pliers back and forth to close the loop.
Wrap the chain around your wrist to measure the required length. Add a minimum of 0.5 cm to this measurement. Cut the chain. Attach the other side of the chain, then mark the middle of the chain and recut it to add the clasp in the next step.
Place a small ring on each end of the chain to attach a spring clasp and a 6 mm ring. We've replaced the clasp attachment with a ring, as the bracelet will be easier to attach this way if you need to fasten it on your own.
You have a question about this tutorial? Ask it to our team and the people who have already tested it. The Perles & Co community is here to help you!
Credits
Perles & Co, Internet & E-Commerce company [27/10/2023] Any reproduction, representation, adaptation, in any form whatsoever, even partial, is prohibited, except for reproduction for private use not intended for collective use, representation in the family circle (art. L 122-5 CPI) and online publishing on condition that the source is mentioned and a link is included to the corresponding page of our site www.perlesandco.com.
