Adding Elegance to Your Necklaces

Necklaces are a popular way to express your style. They can be made of many different materials and include a variety of components.

There are so many different types of chain links, chain styles, necklace kinds and necklace components to choose from that it can be overwhelming. How can you know which combination is right for you?

Chains

When it comes to choosing chains for your necklaces, there are many options available. You should choose a chain that reflects your style and complements the pendants.

A strong and durable chain is important if you’re planning on wearing it often. This will ensure that it lasts for a long time and will be able to hold heavy pendants.

The type of metal used to make a necklace will also affect how durable it is. The most common types of metals used to create chains include gold, silver and platinum.

Choosing the right metal for a chain is important because it will impact how long the necklace lasts and whether it can support pendants or not. Having knowledge of different metals and how to shop for them can go a long way towards helping you find the perfect necklace chain for your needs.

Another important factor is the size of the links on the chain. Larger chains are usually stronger than smaller ones, so they may be a better choice for heavier pendants.

You should always pick a chain length that sits at the collarbone, as it will make your neck appear longer than it would if you wore a shorter necklace. This is particularly true for men’s necks, which are wider and more muscular than women’s.

If you’re shopping for a more masculine necklace, look for larger links and styles that have beveled edges or flat links with hard edges. This will help you to match it with clothing that is more masculine.

A cable chain is a popular chain type that is made up of round or oval links. It is easy to wear and can be paired with a variety of pendants.

Figaro chains are another popular option that feature flattened links, surrounded by a slanted oval link. They are a good choice for both men and women. They are sturdy, but they can be difficult to repair if one link breaks.

The Mariner/Anchor chain is a unique necklace that is inspired by the anchors that are attached to ships. This necklace is very solid and sturdy, with a series of links that alternate around each other in a circle.

Cords

Cords are a great way to add texture, dimension and interest to your necklaces. They come in a range of styles and can be used to make one-strand, two-strand or multi-strand designs.

The most common type of cord used in handmade jewelry making is silk cord, which can be twisted into various styles and sizes. You can also use silk cord with pearl beads to create stunning and elegant pieces.

If you prefer to use a silk cord in your necklace design, it is important to select the right size. The cord should be long enough so that Jewelry Sets it can easily be worn without rubbing against the neck.

You may need to add extra length of cord if you have a large neck or if you’re using an oversized pendant on your necklace. For this reason, it’s a good idea to try out different necklace cord sizes before you purchase them.

Another option is to use a fold over crimp end, which are flat pieces of metal with a flap on both sides. These are perfect for finishing flat cords but you can also use them to finish round cords too.

To use a fold over crimp end, insert the cord into the cord end and secure the loop with your flat nose pliers. Then squeeze the flaps over the cord to hold them in place.

Alternatively, you can use glue-in end caps. These are hollow tubes that have a loop on one end and they can be secured with a variety of clasps. You’ll need to add a small amount of glue to the inside of the end cap before you insert the jewelry.

Leather cord has always been popular beading supply but it has recently gotten a lot of attention in handmade jewelry design as well. This is because it can be paired with gemstone beads and other harder materials, like wood or glass, to create stunning pieces.

For example, we’ve used leather cord with gemstone beads and deerskin lace to create gorgeous pieces. You can find Jewelry Sets a range of leather cord ends and findings to suit your project at Beadworks.

Fasteners

When you’re designing a necklace or bracelet, the clasps are a vital part of the overall design and should be secure, easy to use and blend in with the rest of your jewellery. Whether you’re using chain, thread or wire, the clasps need to be able to fasten both ends securely and without disrupting the flow of your design.

There are many different types of fasteners to choose from and you’ll want to find one that suits your style as well as the design of your necklace or bracelet. Some of the most popular clasps include bolo, spring ring, toggle, box, push button and lobster claw.

Bolo – Also known as a sliding clasp, bolo jewelry clasps use a tiny bead to keep a necklace or bracelet attached. They look fashionable and are usually made with gemstones or texturing, providing a stylish and decorative closure that fits with the design of your necklace or bracelet.

Spring ring — Invented in the early 1900s, this type of clasp is very effective but it can be a hassle to put on because it requires a small lever to push down before closing. Once pressure is released, the clasp closes automatically.

Lobster claw – This type of clasp is the most common and widely used, but you can also find versions that use a pin mechanism for securing a clasp. These are generally more secure than toggle clasps and are ideal for thicker chains or heavier designs.

Twister – This type of clasp is similar to a lobster claw clasp, but it uses a twister mechanism for fastening two ends together. Its name comes from the way the clasp opens and closes, which resembles a twister of sorts.

Toggle – Another two-piece jewelry clasp, a toggle latches in place when a t-shaped or decorative bar is threaded through a circular loop. This stylized clasp type is often the focal point of a design and works really well for layered necklaces.

A box clasp is another popular jewelry clasp that consists of a tab inserted into a decorative box. The box typically has some sort of safety mechanism to prevent the clasp from accidentally opening. Some of these clasps have a chain design that covers the box itself, so it looks like an endless necklace or bracelet.

Embellishments

Whether you’re looking to add a little sparkle to your wardrobe or create a special focal piece for your jewelry designs, embellishments can be a fun and rewarding way to make your necklaces stand out. You can find a variety of embellishments that are perfect for any type of necklace, and they’re sure to add a touch of elegance to your style.

Some of the most common types of embellishments for jewelry include bib necklaces, festoon necklaces, and lavaliere pendants. You can also add embellishments to a chain or cord to make it more unique.

For example, if you’re creating a delicate chain, you can use filigree embellishments to tie the whole piece together. This can help you make your design stand out and look more polished, and it’s a great way to showcase your skill at beading!

Another great option for adding a splash of color to your jewelry is sequins. These are small, shiny disks that can be sewn onto clothing for decoration, and they’re also a popular choice for scrapbooking pages.

You can find a variety of different embellishments for your jewelry, including rondelles and pearl enhancers. Rondelles are fancy spacer beads, usually (but not always) round or cylindrical shaped, that accent the primary beads on a bracelet or necklace. These are often textured and set with gemstones.

These are versatile additions to any necklace, and you can clip them to a cord or chain for a simple yet classy look. You can also use them as a base for decorative pendants.

A locket is a special, sentimental piece of jewelry that can hold a photo or other personal mementos. These are a great way to keep memories close to your heart, and you can find them in many different styles and colors.

A bib necklace is a wide front piece that rests just below the neck. This style was popular in the Victorian era, and it can be worn with formal attire. You can also add pearls and gemstones to the bib necklace to give it a more feminine feel.