Calcedony and Pearl Bracelet
Perfect for the Bride or her Bride's Maids Wear for the Wedding Day
Jun 2, 2007
If you are getting married this summer it is not to late to make a gorgeous pearl and caldedony (also known as chalcedony) bracelet to wear on your wedding day or give as a gift to your bride’s maids.
This bracelet is incredibly easy to make and with the exception of the sterling silver calcedony focal beads all the supplies can be purchased at any craft store.
First, if you have not done so already review the instructions on how to use crimp or Scrimp beads and order your calcedony beads.
In addition to the calcedony beads, you will also need the following:
- Bead stringing wire – Beadalon .012 diameter was used for the necklace illustrated in this article. Any brand name beading wire that is .012 or .014 in diameter will work.
- Pearl beads – These beads can be freshwater or glass and in just about any size. The ones used for this article were 6mm in diameter. This size is fairly common and should be easy to find.
- Clasp – ½ inch in length is a good size clasp for an elegant bracelet.
- Crimp or Scrimp beads – If using crimps you will also need crimp pliers.
- Wire cutters or kitchen scissors. Just note - the wire does tend to dull scissors.
A word on bracelet lengths: 7 /12 inch in length is a standard length for a bracelet. However, this bracelet can be easily lengthened or shortened just by removing or adding pearl beads.
Let’s get started. Cut a 12-inch length of beading wire. Following the instructions attach one end of your clasp using either a crimp or Scrimp bead. Then string your beads in the following order:
- 9 pearl beads
- 1 round calcedony bead
- 5 pearl beads
- 1 oblong calcedony bead
You are now at the halfway point. Position your bracelet on your wrist and see if the clasp and beaded portion covers ½ the diameter of your wrist (factoring in a little wiggle room so it will lay nicely on your wrist bone.)
If it looks good string the rest of the beads. If not, add or subtract some of the original 9 pearl beads at the end by the clasp and continue on. You can always adjust the fit again if need be. Then string the following:
- 5 pearl beads
- 1 round calcedony bead
- And finally, 9 pearl beads (or however many as adjusted at the midway point.)
Place a crimp bead, then the other side of the clasp on the beading wire but do not crimp. One final time, using your wrist as a guide, make sure that the length is not too long or too short. Add or remove some pearls if need be. Make sure you add or subtract equally at either end, which will result in having to totally restring the bracelet – no big deal - it will only take a minute.
When the fit is perfect crimp or Scrimp the end.
The only tedious part about making this bracelet is perfecting your crimp or Scrimp technique. Also, make sure you are totally happy with the length prior to crunching down on that second crimp.
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