Naturally, you can always buy cute beaded jewelry readymade for yourself or a loved one. But there’s just something about a piece you planned and created with your very own hands.

Making your own beaded jewelry is a terrific way to add a touch of personal flair to your accessory collection or spend a Sunday afternoon doing something creative. As a hobby, it’s affordable, fun, and relaxing. And truly beautiful beaded jewelry is easier than you think to make, even for beginners.

Beaded bracelets are terrific items to start with for lots of reasons. They’re approachable, easy to wear, and versatile. Here’s a closer look at how to make a bracelet with beads that you’re sure to love, as well as how to get the absolute most out of your new hobby.

What Types of Bracelets Can You Make with Beads?

Don’t assume that if you’ve seen one beaded bracelet, you’ve seen them all. There are lots of different kinds to consider, each with its own unique vibe and style. The following are just a few popular options to consider.

Stretch bracelets

If you’re a beginner looking for an approachable way to get started with beaded bracelets, stretch bracelets are a great option. There’s no need to worry about clasps or wiring, as you simply stack the beads onto a stretch cord that expands to fit your wrist.

Friendship bracelets

Although there are many different ways to approach friendship bracelets, most combine simple knots with beautiful beads to create beautifully unique patterns. Friendship bracelets are perfect for gifting or trading with friends, family members, children, etc.

Wire-wrapped bracelets

If you’re looking to achieve a more elegant, refined look to your bracelets, wire-wrapped options are a great choice. Wire wrapping involves using thin jewelry wire to create patterns that include gemstones, crystals, beads, focal items, and more.

Beaded cuff bracelets

Cuff-style bracelets allow for lots of elaborate beadwork, creative patterns, and different gemstones. A sturdy base makes all this possible, making it a favorite approach for jewelry makers who love to let their uniquely creative spirits run wild.

Charm bracelets

One way to add a quirky, fun touch of personality to a beaded bracelet is to turn it into a charm bracelet. The charms dangle freely from the bracelet and come in many different styles, making them a wonderful way to customize your work.

What Materials Do You Need to Start Making Beaded Bracelets?

Before you get to work on your first bracelet, you’ll want to gather all the materials you’ll need so everything’s on hand. Here’s a simple list of basics to get you started:

• Beads: Naturally, the beads you choose will give your bracelet its spirit and style, so choose carefully. You can go with anything you like from inexpensive acrylic or glass options to beautiful gemstones and crystals.
• Wire, cord, or string: You’ll need one or all of these, depending on what type of bracelets you’re making. Stretchy cord is better for easy wearability, while wire and other options are better for intricate, elegant designs.
• Fasteners: Unless you’re sticking to stretch bracelets, you’ll need a way to fasten your bracelets once they’re complete. Check out classic options like claw clasps or toggle alternatives, along with jump rings and (if you’re making wire bracelets) crimp beads.
• Jewelry tools: Essential beading tools and equipment, including wire cutters and jewelry pliers.

How to Make a Bracelet with Beads

Once you’ve chosen your beads and preferred options for threading and securing your creations, it’s time to get down to business. Here’s a simple step-by-step rundown to refer to as you dive into your new hobby.

Get organized

Although you can adopt a more organic approach to jewelry making if you wish, most jewelry makers prefer to plan ahead. Invest in a bead board or a dedicated bead tray for organizing and keeping track of your beads. Plan your design, as well, so you can create with purpose and direction.

Take some measurements

Always measure your wrist (or the wrist of the person who’ll be wearing your creation) before creating to ensure a comfortable fit. Add an extra inch or so to ensure the bracelet will fit comfortably, and cut your wire or cord accordingly.

Prepare to start stringing

If you’re making a wire bracelet, the first thing you’ll want to do is attach your clasp using a crimp bead. Run the wire through the crimp bead, add the clasp you’ve chosen, thread the wire back through the bead, and use your pliers to secure your work by flattening the bead.

If you’re using string or stretch cord, you can start your bracelet by simply folding a piece of tape over one end to keep the beads from slipping off during the creation process.

String your beads

Now comes the fun part. Start adding your beads to your wire, string, or cord in any pattern or configuration you like. Don’t be afraid to get creative! You can experiment with patterns, alternating bead sizes, spacer beads, or freeform configurations. Make your bracelet your own.

Check your work

As you get closer to finishing the stringing process, check your bracelet every once in a while against your wrist to ensure it will sit correctly and that the beads will fill the cord without becoming overcrowded. If you need to, add or remove some beads until things are just right.

Consider any additions

If you want your bracelet to include any charms or other accessories in addition to just the beads, now is the time to add them. Simply slide them onto your cord or wire and position them as needed or desired between the beads to add some visual interest and personality to your bracelet.

Finish your bracelet

Finish your bracelet by securing your string or cord. If you’re using wire, you’ll need to attach the connection point for your clasp the same way you attached the clasp at the beginning of this process.

If you’re using stretch cord or string, simply tie a nice, secure square knot to complete the process. Be sure to neatly trim any excess string or wire that may be present.

Test your bracelet

Before wearing or gifting your bracelet, give it a quick test first to make sure it fits well and that the clasp works properly (if you did use a clasp). Clasps should be easy to open, close securely, and keep your beads in place.

You’ll also want to look your bracelet over and make sure it looks as lovely and polished as you imagined. Are the beads well-secured? Is the spacing nice and even? Beaded bracelets look best when they’re flawless, so definitely take the time to correct any imperfections you find.

Whether you’re brand new to jewelry making or have been a major jewelry hound for decades, quality beads are a must if you’re serious about crafting truly stunning bracelets and other creations. Always get your beads from a trusted supplier like The Bead Traders to ensure optimal quality and value.

At The Bead Traders, you’ll find a beautiful, well-rounded collection of quality beads, including gemstone and metal options, as well as focal beads. We’re always adding to our catalog, as well, so there’s always something new to discover and add to your repertoire. Browse our selection today, and prepare to be amazed!

Being able to make your own jewelry is a really fun idea for a craft project. Bracelets are especially interesting to create, since you can use all different types of gorgeous gemstone beads. Plus, if you have never made jewelry before, bracelets are a good place to start for a beginner. It’s a unique hobby to have that also creates beautiful gifts you can make for yourself, or give to friends and family. Let’s look at a few different types of bracelets you can make with beads from The Bead Trader, along with some other supplies you may need. We’re your go-to location for everything bead-related with high-quality products you’ll love using. 

Types of Beads to Use

Gemstone beads are some of the best beads to use for homemade jewelry making. They come in all kinds of shapes, sizes, and colors throughout our entire gemstone bead collection at The Bead Trader. One of the best things about our bead collection is that no two beads are ever exactly alike. So, anything you create in bracelets with natural gemstone beads is going to be unique for you. 

In order to pick out the best gemstones, you want to choose ones that are intense, rich in color, and medium-bright. Most of the best ones won’t have a secondary color, or just a hint of an undertone in color. Natural gemstones will have a few flaws in them and won’t be entirely uniform in color, which is how you’ll know they are real. If they are factory-made, they would be exactly identical in shape and color. 

Some of the more transparent-looking gemstone beads are quartz and tourmaline, while more opaque ones can be beads made of things like lapis lazuli, turquoise, or moonstone. Keep in mind though, there are hundreds of kinds of beads to choose from. All of these types of beads will be lovely to add to any bracelet you want to make. You’ll find an enormous variety of beads in our gemstone bead collection that will definitely make some memorable bracelets. 

Other Supplies You May Need 

Before you begin crafting your ideal bracelets with beads, gather all the supplies. Here is a basic list of items you may need to create different kinds of bracelets. 

• Fabric tape measure
• Beading tray
• Beading wire
• Elastic beading cord
• Beading stopper
• Wire cutters
• Scissors
• Pliers
• Crimp covers
• Clasps
• Jump rings
• Superglue

Different Styles of Bracelets 

In looking at how to make bracelets with beads, there are a few different types to choose from. The ones we’re going to go over are stretchy bracelets, wire bracelets, and multi-strand bracelets. They increase in difficulty, so move through the different types as you learn and get more comfortable making your own bead bracelets. 

Easy Stretchy Bracelets

Stretchy bracelets are really fun to make using elastic beading cord. They are easy and comfortable to wear. In general, you can pick a variety of different beads to use, but the ones with smoother edges work better for this type, since they won’t fray the elastic beading cord. 

Step 1: Use the Fabric Tape Measure to Measure Your Wrist and Cut Elastic Cord

You’ll want to measure your wrist with a fabric tape measure and then cut the elastic cord with some excess of at least three inches using a pair of scissors. The extra three inches will allow you to knot it correctly at the end. For most adult women, the average bracelet size will be around 7 inches, but you can make it as fitted or as loose as you would like. 

Step 2: Work the Elastic Cord a Bit

By stretching the cord, you make sure that it won’t break. Just pull on it a few times to make sure that it won’t be overstretched when you are working with it. 

Step 3: Attach the Bead Stopper to One End

A bead stopper is a great tool to have that will keep all the beads secure on your elastic. If you don’t have a specific bead stopper, you can use tape or a paper clip.

Step 4: Thread Your Gemstone Beads Onto the Elastic Cord

You can do this with a bead threader or just one by one with your fingers. Sometimes it helps to lay out all your beads beforehand, so you’ll know exactly how many you want to use. 

Step 5: Tie a Knot Between the Two Ends

Once all the beads are threaded onto the elastic cord, you’ll want to tie a simple knot between the two ends. That way, your beads won’t fall off while you are finishing the bracelet. Then, to finish it off, tie another knot and place a tiny dot of superglue for extra security. 

Step 6: Trim Off Any Remaining String

The excess string remaining above the knot needs to be trimmed off after the superglue has dried. Wait at least 20 minutes. Just snip carefully, so that you don’t cut into the knot. The beads should cover up the knot, and it won’t be seen. 

Intermediate Wire Bracelets

The biggest difference between a stretchy and a wire bracelet is just the material that is holding the beads. Beading wire is used to make this one, which doesn’t stretch, but creates more of a bangle-style bracelet. 

Step 1: Measure Your Wrist and Cut Beading Wire

With beading wire, you will want to cut an extra 6 inches to make the bracelet. Cut the beading wire with wire cutters. 

Step 2: Thread the Beads

This is the same step as you would do with a stretchy bracelet. 

Step 3: Place the Clasp Using a Crimp Bead

A crimp bead is just a smaller bead that holds all of your other larger beads in place in front of the clasp. It helps to keep the clasp in place. Using your pliers, you’ll want to flatten the crimp bead, so it acts as a knot. Place your clasp, and then, weave the wire into a loop, keeping the clasp secure. 

Step 4: Do the Same at the Other End With the Other Half of the Clasp

Repeat Step 3 at the other end of the wire bracelet with the second half of your clasp. 

Step 5: Snip Off the Excess Wire

You’ll want to trim off any excess wire very close to the crimp bead, so that it doesn't rub against your skin. The beads should cover it up. 

Extra Bling Multi-Strand Bracelets

This type of bracelet is made with a stretchy elastic beading cord. The only difference between a multi-strand bracelet, and a single stretchy bracelet, is that there are more beads to use. You can make it a three-strand, four, or even five, if you really want a show stopping piece of jewelry. 

All the steps are going to be the same as the first one, except that you’ll tie all the bracelets together at the top with a master knot before you start threading the beads. 

Turn to The Bead Trader for All Your Gemstone Beads

Now that you know how to make a few varieties of gemstone bead bracelets, all you have to do is pick out the beautiful beads you want to use. Don’t forget to check out the entire collection of gemstone beads from The Bead Trader. The styles and colors we have are endless, so starting your bracelet-making hobby is a piece of cake. 

When it comes to making an ideal gemstone choice you’ll cherish for years to come, it’s hard to go wrong with pearls. A pearl is a classic choice with the ability to flatter absolutely anyone. Pearls are durable and timeless with the potential to last a lifetime. They’re also strongly associated with concepts like affluence, beauty, elegance, and classic good taste.

However, you shouldn’t assume that all pearls are the same. They come in a variety of different shapes, sizes, colors, and styles. They can also be either freshwater or saltwater. In fact, that’s the first decision you want to make if you’re in the market for pearls – freshwater pearls vs saltwater pearls. Here’s a closer look at what you need to know to make a decision you’ll be happy with.

Freshwater Pearls vs Saltwater Pearls: What Are the Key Differences?

Contrary to what many people believe, oysters aren’t the only mollusks capable of producing pearls. Alternatives like conch, clams, mussels, and abalone can produce them, as well. In fact, you’ll notice that the inside of a mollusk shell often has a similar sheen and luster to an actual pearl.

This is because a mollusk deals with irritants (like sand, parasites, or pearl farmers’ beads) that invade its shell by coating them with layer after layer of calcium carbonate – the same substance that lines the shell itself. Over time, this process results in a substance known as nacre – mother-of-pearl.

Although many different mollusks can and do produce pearls, the most common two options are saltwater oysters and freshwater mussels. Here’s a closer look at some other differences to know.

Geographic origin

Collectively speaking, pearls can originate from many different areas of the world, including but not limited to Australia, the Philippines, Fiji, Mexico, China, Japan, and Thailand. However, most freshwater pearls on the market today come from either China or Japan’s iconic Biwa Lake.

Saltwater pearls, on the other hand, typically come from carefully protected lagoons, bays, and similarly warm bodies of water located throughout Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, Australia, and French Polynesia.

Color

Although pearls are most commonly associated with the color white, they actually come in many different beautiful shades and hues. However, those colors can vary as far as freshwater pearls vs saltwater pearls.

Freshwater pearls tend to closely mirror the natural look and feel of the nacre lining the inside of a mollusk’s shell. Shell nacre can vary quite a bit, so the pearls do, as well. Light, traditional colors like white or cream are common, but so are alternatives like peach, lavender, or pink. In some cases, dye may be added to the pearl to punch up its natural color a bit.

Although saltwater pearls can be bleached to achieve the coveted white color so many people still prefer, they are often actually darker in color. Grey, blue, and similar tones are common, especially among Akoya pearls. However, saltwater pearls can also be black, green, or even deep purple, as with Tahitian pearls. Some options – like the signature pearls of the South Sea – can even be a rich silver or gold.

Luster

Saltwater pearls and freshwater pearls form via similar processes, but they also differ quite a bit due to certain variables.

For example, saltwater pearls usually form quite slowly around solid foundations like farmers’ beads or grains of sand. Meanwhile, freshwater options usually form around a biodegradable irritant that will eventually break down. In these cases, the nacre layers form quickly, making the pearl denser.

These formation differences result in differing lusters. Freshwater pearls have a soft, misty luster to them, while saltwater pearls are hyper-brilliant, sometimes even exhibiting a mirror-esque surface.

Shape

When pearls form around organic material, as with many freshwater pearls, it’s more common for the shape to be irregular and organic, as well. Alternatively, saltwater pearls usually form around round beads or similar objects, resulting in the smooth, symmetrical appearance many people associate with classic pearls.

Contrary to what some believe, the organic, unusual shape associated with many freshwater pearls is not proof that they’re naturally occurring (as opposed to cultured). Natural pearls do exist. However, they’re very rare, so most commercial pearls are the result of human intervention.

Overall value

As with other types of gemstones, scarcity has a lot to do with the value of each pearl type, and there are some pretty profound differences between freshwater and saltwater varieties.

Saltwater pearls usually originate from oysters that only produce a single pearl at a time. Many will also produce only one pearl over an entire lifetime. Naturally, these pearls are much harder to cultivate, significantly rarer, and more valuable, as a result. (Prices also reflect this.)

Meanwhile, the mussels and other mollusks responsible for freshwater pearls are usually capable of producing up to 120 pearls at one time. They’re also easier to farm, even in large quantities, so they tend to be more affordable.

There are fewer restrictions and regulations limiting the number of freshwater pearls a cultivator can produce, as well.

Freshwater Pearls vs Saltwater Pearls: Which Is a Better Choice for You?

Both saltwater and freshwater pearls are beautiful, elegant, and representative of a wonderful investment. Both make incredible gemstone choices that would flatter anyone. However, certain factors might definitely make one a better choice for a particular buyer than the other.

Here are some examples to consider when weighing your personal options:

• Size: If you prefer bigger pearls, saltwater options might be more your speed. However, those who love the look and feel of smaller alternatives should take a closer look at freshwater.
• Color: If you’re like most jewelry lovers, color matters when it comes to your choices. Both saltwater and freshwater options come in a variety of different tones. However, freshwater pearls tend to be lighter, while darker, more dramatic pearls are usually saltwater.
• Shine: If you’re after a mirror-like gleam when it comes to your pearls, go for round, symmetrical saltwater pearls. However, if you love a softer, dewier glow, freshwater pearls are your choice.
• Shape: Pearls with unusual, irregular shapes are trendier than ever right now, and you’re more likely to see those when shopping for freshwater pearls. However, if you prefer perfectly round, classic pearls, go for saltwater.
• Budget: Price tag will naturally be a primary concern for anyone in the market for jewelry. Freshwater pearls are a much more wallet-friendly option in this regard, while saltwater pearls sometimes carry a prestige factor because of their cost.

How you plan on wearing your pearls may influence your decision, as well. Freshwater pearls make a solid option for dressing up work outfits or otherwise wearing for everyday purposes. But if you’re the type who prefers to break out the pearls only for special occasions, the flawless perfection of a saltwater pearl option may be a better choice.

Whichever option you choose as far as freshwater pearls vs saltwater pearls, one thing’s for sure. You’re making an excellent, tasteful choice you’re sure to treasure for the rest of your life. Explore your options today, and treat your style to the ultimate upgrade.