This Elegant Briolette Necklace is an easy bead stringing project! Even if you’ve never made a necklace before, you can make this one. We’ll show you what kind of wire to use to string the necklace, what kind of beads to use, and how to put on the clasp.
Follow along as we make the necklace in this jewelry making tutorial. Then use the step-by-step instructions below to make your own!
Video Tutorial: How To Make An Elegant Briolette Necklace
How To Make An Elegant Briolette Necklace
Materials
Bead stringing wire, gold color, 19-strand
Seed beads, gold, size 15/0
24 Glass briolettes, 10mm x 10mm, aquamarine color
Toggle clasp, gold
2 Clamshell bead tips, gold
2 Crimp beads (metal), gold
Tools
Wire cutters
Chain-nose pliers
Masking tape
Steps
1. To get started, cut a 23″ long piece of bead stringing wire. This will make a 17″ long “Princess length” necklace. We like 19-strand bead stringing wire for this project. You can buy it in the craft store with jewelry making supplies. Look for the words “Bead Stringing Wire” on the spool. We chose gold color for this easy bead stringing project.
2. Fold a piece of masking tape over one end of the wire. This is a little trick to keep the beads from sliding off before you’ve attached the clasp.
3. Start beading the necklace by feeding about two and a quarter inches of seed beads onto the bead stringing wire.
4. Next, slide three briolettes onto the bead stringing wire. The tops of the briolettes are triangle shaped so they will nestle into each other. One will sit upright, the next will hang down, and the last will sit upright.
5. Feed 3/4″ of an inch of seed beads onto the necklace.
6. Next, add 3 more briolettes, then 3/4″ more of seed beads. Continue adding beads in this pattern until you have all 24 of the briolettes on the necklace.
7. Finish the end of the necklace with two and a quarter inches of seed beads to match the beginning of the necklace.
8. Slide the end of the necklace into the clamshell bead tip coming up through the hole in the bottom.
Then slide on a crimp bead.
Press the crimp bead flat onto the wire with the chain-nose pliers. Trim the end of the wire.
Slide the clamshell over the flattened crimp bead. Then use the chain-nose pliers to press the clamshell closed.
Slide the toggle clasp into the open loop of the clamshell bead tip. Press the loop closed.
9. Slide the beads down to the other end of the necklace so they press tightly up against the clasp. Remove the masking tape from the end of the wire. Slide on a clamshell bead tip, then a crimp bead. Make sure the beads are pressed tightly together with no slack. The clamshell bead tip should be pressed close to the beads. Reach inside the clamshell bead tip with the chain-nose pliers and press the crimp bead closed. Trim the wire with the wire cutters.
Press the clamshell closed. Feed the other end of the clasp into the open loop of the clamshell bead tip, then close the loop. Tada! So pretty and so easy!
If you have any questions about this easy bead stringing project or jewelry making in general, just leave us a comment and we’ll reply. We want to help!
Jennifer & Kitty
We love getting Pinned!
Just wondering where you get the beads you use for your necklaces and jewelry projects?
Hi Trudi, We buy most of our beads at Hobby Lobby, Michael’s,and Joann. We also love bead shows. Great for buying special gems and findings! We also shop at local bead shops! Hope that helps! J&K
Thank you so much for this informative video. I went through all my jewelry supplies and I actually have everything I need to make my own Briolette necklace??
I make jewelry as therapy, and this really made my day to see your video. Can’t wait to see more of what you create
Isn’t that fun to shop your own beads? So glad you enjoyed the video! We’re shooting a new one today! Watch for it this week. You might consider signing up for our newsletter so you won’t miss anything. We’d be honored!
J&K