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Got a broken snake chain? Here’s how to upcycle it into a bracelet.
I had this broken sterling silver snake chain. They’re notoriously hard to repair, so I thought I’d recycle it into a statement bead bracelet instead. Here are the steps I took to do it. You can follow along and make your own version, either with your own broken snake chain or some you bought.
Please note that this tutorial contains affiliate links for which we may receive a commission.
You’ll need the following tools and materials to make your snake chain bracelet:
1: A broken sterling silver snake chain necklace. I had this one that came from an op-shop with a pendant I liked on it. You can see how kinked and damaged it is.
If you don’t have any broken snake chain, you can get some snake chain here:
2: A sterling silver crimp end.
You can get silver crimp ends here:
3: Two part epoxy glue.
You can get glue here:
4: A skewer to mix and apply the glue.
You can get skewers or toothpicks here:
5: Scrap paper to mix the glue on.
6: A statement bead. I used this moss agate bead.
You can get similar beads here:
7: Cutting pliers.
You can get cutting pliers here:
8: A sterling silver jump ring.
You can get silver jump rings here:
9: Flat nose or parallel pliers for closing the crimp end.
You can get parallel pliers here:
And you can get flat nose pliers here:
Follow these steps to make your own upcycled snake chain bracelet.
1: Assess where your chain is most damaged. I was lucky and the first kink was exactly the length I needed for a bracelet with the clasp on one end. Cut it to the appropriate length with the cutting pliers.
2: Thread the chain through the bead.
3: Squeeze some glue onto the scrap paper and mix it using the skewer.
4: Apply the glue to the crimp and place the chain on it. Set aside until the glue has cured and is dry.
5: Once the glue is dry, use the flat nose pliers to squeeze the crimp end around the end of the chain.
6: Add the jump ring to the crimp using the pliers as the finishing touch!
Now your bracelet is ready to wear! How cool! And you’ll probably have enough chain to make another one like I did. What a cool way to transform something broken into something great.
If you enjoy using upcycled materials in your projects, here are some other tutorials to inspire you:
- Here’s some tutorials that use broken headphones: here, here here and here.
- How to turn two bracelets into a necklace
- How to turn two beaded bracelets into a necklace
- How to transform an old jar into a jewellery container
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Here’s how to make a pair of pearl earrings with matching curved ear jackets.
This tutorial makes such a cute pair of earrings! A pair of pearl studs with matching ear jackets that hug the ear with a little pearl on the end. Simple to construct but looks incredible. I love ear jacket designs because you can mix and match them with other stud earrings, it’s a fun way to add versatility to your jewellery collection.
Please note that this tutorial contains affiliate links for which we may receive a commission.
Here are all the tools and materials you’ll need to make your own pair:
1: Two pieces of 0.8mm sterling silver wire cut to earring post length (you can cut them to length using cutting pliers or a saw blade. It is best to file and emery them so that they aren’t sharp after cutting.)
You can get sterling silver wire here:
And you can get sterling silver earring posts here:
2: Two pieces of sterling silver wire approx 4-5cm long, the length you use might change depending on your ear lobe size. I made mine a tiny bit smaller than I would like.
You can get sterling silver wire here:
3: Four pearls. I used two white freshwater pearls and two smaller black ones.
You can get half-drilled white pearls here:
You can get black half-drilled pearls here:
4: Earring backs. I used sterling silver ones.
You can get earring backs here:
5: Two part epoxy glue. Be sure to follow the instructions on the packet for safe use.
You can get glue here:
6: A scrap piece of paper for mixing glue.
7: A skewer or toothpick to mix and apply the glue.
You can get skewers and toothpicks here:
8: Round flat pliers.
You can get a pair of round-flat pliers here:
9: Flat nose or parallel pliers.
You can get parallel pliers here:
You can get a pair of flat nose pliers here:
10: Half-round flat pliers.
You can get a pair of half-round flat pliers here:
11: Something round like a pen to form the wires around. I used a jewellery scribe.
Here are all the steps you need to make your own pair of sterling silver pearl earrings with curved ear jackets.
1: First step is to shape the ear jacket wires.
2: Take each wire between the jaws of a pair of flat nose or parallel pliers and bend it to form a right angle.
3: Bend the shorter part of the wire using the flat round pliers to form a loop. Adjust it using your flat nose pliers.
4: Now bend each of the wires around the pen or round item to give it it’s curved shape.
5: Once you have the initial shape you can adjust it using the half-round flat pliers.
6: Now all your wires are shaped you can prepare to attach the pearls.
7: Squeeze a small amount of glue onto the scrap paper and mix it well using the skewer.
8: Dip one of the earring posts into the glue, wiping off excess, and place it into one of the white pearls. Repeat for the second white pearl so that both have earring posts.
9: Repeat step 8 with the earring jackets, adding glue to the ends of each wire and placing them into the black pearl.
10: Set the components aside to cure and dry.
11: Once the pearls are secured in place, your earrings are ready to wear! So cute.
Here’s how they look on.
If you love ear jacket designs, here are some other tutorials you can follow:
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Got some beaded bracelets that aren’t doing it for you? Why not turn them into a necklace?
I bought these lovely ceramic beaded bracelets from a market in Japan recently. Unfortunately, I’m not a massive fan of stretch bracelets, so I decided to take them apart and turn them into a single, playful choker necklace. This is a super easy DIY and can be a great way to repurpose jewelry that isn’t quite working for you anymore.
Please note that this tutorial contains affiliate links for which we may receive a commission.
You’ll need the following tools and materials to make your necklace.
1: Two or more bracelets that you don’t want to wear anymore.
You can get something similar here:
2: Some tiger tail wire.
You can get some here:
3: Four crimp beads.
You can get crimp beads here:
4: A clasp.
You can get a sterling silver bolt ring clasp here:
5: Two jump rings
You can get sterling silver jump rings here:
6: Cutting pliers to cut your bracelets and the wire.
You can get a pair here:
7: Flat nose pliers or parallel pliers. I used my parallel pliers but it doesn’t really matter for this project.
You can get flat-nose pliers here:
You can get parallel pliers here:
Follow these steps to transform your bracelets into a necklace.
1: Cut one of the bracelets open to release the beads. You might want to leave them on the thread so you can maintain their original order, or you can pull them all off and work from a small tray if you want to create a new bead design.
2: Cut the tiger tail wire to your desired length, adding some extra centimetres/inches so that you have enough wire to secure the ends.
3: Add two crimp beads to the end of the wire.
4: Add a jump ring to the end of the wire.
5: Wrap the end of the wire through the jump ring and back into the crimp beads.
6: Squash the crimp beads using flat nose pliers to secure the jump ring.
7: Begin adding beads until you have finished the first bracelet.
8: Cut the second bracelet and add the rest of the beads. Repeat this if you have additional bracelets you want to use.
9: Once your necklace is fully beaded, add another two crimp beads and the second jump ring.
10: Wrap the end of the wire around the end of the jump ring and back through the crimps and the first bead.
11: Squash the crimps using flat nose pliers.
12: Trim the excess wire using cutting pliers.
13: Add the clasp, securing it closed with flat nose pliers.
14: Now your necklace is finished and ready to wear! What a fun way to repurpose jewelry that isn’t serving you anymore?!
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Here’s how to use leather cord to make an adjustable statement necklace. So cool!
I love the summery, beachy look of leather necklaces, especially when combined with other natural materials like shell. This tutorial shows you how to turn leather cord into an adjustable necklace that you can wear long or short depending on your vibe.
Please note that this tutorial contains affiliate links for which we may receive a commission.
You’ll need the following tools and materials to make your necklace:
1: A length of leather cord. I used 3mm cord that was about 1m long. You need extra length to tie knots at each end.
You can get some here:
2: A statement shell charm. I used this round shell charm that I recycled from an old piece of jewellery.
You can get something similar here:
3: Cutting pliers or scissors for trimming the leather.
You can get cutting pliers here:
Follow these steps to make your leather statement necklace:
1: Fold the leather cord in half and create a slip knot around the hole of your shell pendant to secure it to the middle of the cord.
2: Now it is time to start creating the sliding knots so that your necklace can be adjustable. You want to make sure you have enough length that the necklace can fit over your head.
3: Take the left end of the necklace and lay it over the top of the right side.
4: Loop the end of the cord over the top of the other side and point the end back towards you.
5: Repeat, creating a second loop, making sure that this one is on the left side of the first loop, closest to your hand as you hold the piece.
6: Poke the end of the cord through the two loops and pull it tight.
7: Repeat steps 3 to 6 for the second side of the cord, I flipped mine over to work on the same side to make it a bit easier. Once that is done you will have two sliding knots.
8: Due to the nature of the thick cord, my knots would come a part a bit so I added an additional knot at each end to secure them.
9: Trim the ends of the cord using the cutting pliers or scissors.
Now your adjustable length leather necklace is finished and ready to use! So cute. I love it.
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Here’s how to make an amazing wire-wrapped fish charm. Such a cute little pendant.
Do you love the sea? I sure do. This wire-wrapped fish charm is easier to make than it looks and is so adorable. I am excited to wear mine on a gemstone beaded necklace. So cool! All you need is a carved fish bead and some thin silver wire (and some pliers and pizzaz!).
Please note that this tutorial contains affiliate links for which we may receive a commission.
You’ll need the following tools and materials to make your fish charm:
1: A carved gemstone fish charm with a hole drilled into the tail. I used a pink rose quartz fish.
You can get a similar fish charm here:
Or these ones which are more simple and drilled at the head:
2: Some wire. The hole in my charm was quite small so I used 26 gauge (0.4mm) round wire made from silver.
You can get silver wire here:
3: Pliers. For this charm I used my round flat pliers, cutting pliers and flat nose pliers.
You can get a pair here:
You can get cutting pliers here:
You can get flat nose pliers here:
Here are the steps to follow to make your own adorable fish charm:
1: Take one end of the wire and loop it around the round side of your round flat pliers. If you don’t have any, you can use something small and round like the barrel of a pen or chopstick.
2: Wrap the short end of the wire around the longer end to secure the loop.
3: Thread the charm onto the long end of the wire so that the loop sits between the split of the tail. I forgot to photograph this step… sorry!
4: Wrap the wire around the thinnest part of the fish tail tightly
5: Bring the wire back up to the base of the loop you first made and wrap the long end around it to secure the wire in place.
6: Trim the end of the wire using cutting pliers and squash it down using flat nose pliers to secure the end and finish your charm.
Now your adorable fish charm is finished and ready to string onto your favourite chain or beaded necklace. So cool! I love this DIY so much.
Here’s another one I made using a labradorite carved fish.
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Here’s how to make a cute two-tone beaded necklace!
This tutorial is a simple beaded necklace with a twist, one half is finished with pearl beads and the other features small glittering glass beads. You can use whatever beads you like to make this lovely design. How will you design yours?
Please note that this tutorial contains affiliate links for which we may receive a commission.
You’ll need the following tools and materials to make your necklace:
1: Tigertail wire.
You can get some here:
2: Pliers. I used my cutting pliers and flat nose pliers.
You can get pliers here:
3: Beads. I used chunky pearl beads and some small green bugle beads.
You can get similar beads here:
You can get baroque pearls here:
4: Sterling silver jump rings.
You can get some here:
5: Sterling silver crimp beads.
You can get some here:
6: Sterling silver clasp. I used a bolt-ring clasp.
You can get a bolt ring clasp here:
7: Optional: A pendant that will fit over the beads. I used this pink stone pendant.
You can get something similar here:
Here are the steps to follow to make your own two-tone beaded necklace:
1: Cut a length of tigertail wire to your desired necklace length (remember to add a few extra cm so you have excess for securing the ends.
2: Add a crimp bead and jump ring to the end of the wire. Make sure the jump ring is closed before you do this.
3: Loop the end of the wire around the jump ring and back through the crimp bead.
4: Squash the crimp bead using the flat nose pliers.
5: Begin adding beads.
6: Continue beading until you have reached half of your desired necklace length.
7: Switch to the other beads and continue beading until you have half of each type of bead.
8: Add the second crimp bead.
9: Add the second closed jump ring.
10: Loop the end of the wire around the jump ring and back through the crimp and end bead.
11: Pull the wire tight and squash the crimp to secure it in place.
12: Trim the excess wire using the cutting pliers.
13: Add the clasp to the end of the necklace and close the ring using your pliers to secure it in place.
Now your necklace is done, if you like, you can add a pendant for added interest, or leave it plain to shine on its own.
Here’s the finished necklace.
And here’s the finished necklace with the pendant in place. How will you style yours?
If you like this design, here’s some similar designs you can make:
Turn two bracelets into a two-tone necklace
Make a necklace that is half chain half beads
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How to make some pearl earring jackets to add some elegance to your stud earrings
I love a stud earring, but sometimes I feel like I need some extra elegance in my outfit… in comes, the earring jacket. This simple and elegant pearl earring jacket can be added to any of your studs to turn them into stunning drop earrings. A versatile way to make your existing earring collection work even harder. Please note that this tutorial contains affiliate links for which we may receive a commission.
You’ll need the following tools and materials to make your own pearl earring jackets.
1: Two pieces of 0.8mm sterling silver wire cut to length. I made mine about 5cm long. You can make yours longer or shorter depending on how dramatic you want your look!
You can get some here:
2: Two pearl beads (or any other statement bead of your choice).
You can get some here:
3: A pair of earrings. I used the earrings I made in this tutorial.
If you aren’t up for making your own, you can get some here:
4: A hammer.
If you don’t have an ordinary hammer at home, you can get a jewelry hammer here:
5: A steel hammering block.
You can get one here:
6: Flat nose or Parallel pliers.
You can get some flat nose pliers here:
You can get some here:
7: Round nose pliers.
You can get some here:
8: A file and sandpaper.
You can get a file here:
Follow these steps to make your pearl earring jackets.
1: File the ends of the wire to smooth them out, then use sandpaper to make sure they aren’t too sharp.
2: Put the wires on the hammering block and hammer the ends flat. Make the ends wide enough to stop the bead from sliding off.
3: Use the flat nose or parallel pliers to gently straighten the wire if it is curved like mine. You can achieve this by gently squeezing the wire between the jaws of the pliers.
4: Add the pearl beads to each of the wires.
5: Create a right angle on the ends of the wires using the flat nose or parallel pliers.
6: Curl this bent portion of the wire into a loop using the round nose pliers.
7: Once each earring jacket has been looped, they are ready to attach to your earrings, do this by sliding the studs through your piercings and then adding the jacket to the post at the back before adding the earring backs.
Here’s how the finished earring jackets look with the pearl studs! How cool?!
If you like this tutorial, here are some other earring jacket tutorials you can follow:
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Gorgeous DIY Pearl Necklace: Unleash Your Crafty Charm with this Unique knotted pearl necklace
I love pearl jewellery, but the classic pearl necklace can often look a bit dated, so I decided to try and create a pearl necklace that is a bit more modern! This tutorial shows you how to make a lovely mixed pearl necklace with a knot in the middle for some added visual interest and cool vibes. Please note that this tutorial contains affiliate links.
You’ll need the following tools and materials to make your knotted pearl necklace:
1: Pearls. I used a variety of freshwater pearls in different colours and sizes.
You can purchase some here:
2: Some tiger tail wire. I used some thin black tiger tail.
You can get some here:
3: Your pliers. I used my cutting pliers and flat nose pliers.
You can get a set of jewellery pliers here:
4: A sterling silver clasp and jump ring.
You can get clasps here:
and you can get pre-made jump rings here:
5: Two sterling silver crimp ends.
you can get some sterling silver crimp beads here:
Follow these steps to make your own gorgeous twist on a timeless classic, a knotted pearl necklace:
1: Add a crimp bead to the tiger tail wire.
2: Take the clasp and place it on your tiger tail.
3: Loop the tiger tail around the clasp once and pull it tight (You don’t need to do this if you are using thicker tiger tail wire).
3: Put the short end of the wire through the crimp.
4: Squash the crimp using the flat nose pliers.
5: Add pearls until you have a necklace that is about 7cm longer than the length that you want your necklace to fall.
6: Add the second crimp to the other end of the wire.
7: Thread the wire through the jump ring like you did in steps 1 and 2, pulling it tight and then threading it through the crimp and the first few pearls on the strand. (Remember that if you are using thicker wire, you don’t have to do the extra wire looping around the jump ring).
8: Squash the crimp using flat nose pliers.
9: Trim excess wire using cutting pliers.
10: Take the ends of the wire and knot them as though you are making a basic square or reef knot, but omitting the second step. Adjust the knot to your preferences, moving it to the centre and trying not to make it too tight.
Once your knot is in place, your knotted pearl necklace is ready to wear! How cute!
What colour pearls will you use when you make yours?
If you’re looking for some more pearl jewellery tutorials to follow, you can find some here:
Pearl Earrings
- Mixed bead pearl drop earrings
- A single pearl earring with a chilli charm on the end.
- Pearl and love heart earrings
- Colourful pearl statement earrings
- Rainbow pearl drop earrings
- Pearl tassel hoop earrings
- Pearl hoop earrings
- Pearl charm huggies
- Cresent moon pearl charm earrings
- Shell and pearl earrings
- Simple pearl threader earrings
Pearl Necklaces
- Pearl charm lariat
- Floating pearl necklace
- Colourful beaded pearl necklace
- Single floating pearl necklace
- Mixed bead necklace with pearls
Other pearl accessories
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DIY Double Loop Bracelet Tutorial: Create Your Own Stylish bracelet stack
This bracelet gives the illusion that it is two bracelets looped together, but it’s actually an intentional look formed by one bracelet! Use some contrasting beads to create a unique bracelet style that makes a strong statement. Please note that this tutorial contains affiliate links.
You’ll need the following tools and materials to make your double loop bracelet:
1: Some beads. I used some tourmaline chip beads for one side of the bracelet and a mix of glass beads for the other side.
You can get some here:
You can purchased some mixed seed beads here:
2: Two pieces of tiger tail wire long enough to fit your wrist plus about 8cm extra.
You can purchase some here if you don’t already have some:
3: Two jump rings.
You can get some sterling silver jump rings here:
4: Four crimp beads.
You can get some here:
5: A clasp. I used a lobster clasp, but a toggle clasp is also suitable. I prefer toggle clasps for bracelets as they are easier to use by yourself.
Find lobster clasps here:
and toggle clasps here:
6: Pliers. Use your flat nose pliers, round nose or needle nose pliers and cutting pliers.
You can get a set of jewelry pliers here:
Follow these steps to make your double loop bracelet.
1: Take one of the strands of wire and add a crimp bead and jump ring to one end.
2: Loop the end of the wire through the jump ring, depending on the thickness of your wire, you might want to loop your wire through twice like I have here.
3: Thread the end of the wire through the crimp bead and squash it in place using the flat nose pliers.
4: Begin adding beads.
5: Continue beading until the strand is long enough to wear as a bracelet.
6: Add another crimp bead to the end of the wire.
7: Loop the end of the wire around the jump ring attached to the other side. Thread the end of the wire through the crimp bead and last few beads and pull it tight.
8: Squash the crimp bead using the flat nose pliers again.
9: Trim the excess wire. Now you will have a beaded circle.
10: Attach the clasp to the jump ring on the beaded circle you just made. It will attach to the jump ring on the second half of the bracelet you are about to make.
10: Repeat steps One to Six for the second half of the bracelet, using your contrasting beads.
11: Once the second half is fully beaded, loop it through the first beaded half you made.
12: Loop the end of the tiger tail wire through the jump ring at the other end like you did for the first half of the bracelet in step seven.
13: Squash the last crimp bead using flat nose pliers and trim the excess wire using cutting pliers.
14: Here’s where you can fold your bracelet in half and close it, attach the ends of the bracelet by clipping the lobster clasp to the jump ring on the other side.
Now your bracelet is ready to wear!
Here’s another version I made using pearl beads.
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DIY Beaded Necklace Tutorial: Creating a Stunning Strand for Silver Pendants
I love necklaces, but I don’t always need my pendants to sit on a matching chain, sometimes I love the look of metal pendants on a beaded necklace strand. If you love this look too, here’s a fun tutorial that shows you how to make your own so that you can wear your favourite pendants on bead embellished necklaces! Please note that this tutorial contains affiliate links.
You’ll need the following tools and materials to make your beaded necklace strand for your pendant:
1: Some tiger tail wire. I used some thin tiger tail wire. Cut it to length by measuring out the length you would like your necklace to be, and add around additional 15 centimetres.
You can get wire here:
2: Pliers. I used my cutting pliers and flat nose pliers. I kept my round nose pliers on hand in case I needed them.
You can get plier sets here:
3: Some beads. I used these small round garnet beads. (Choose smaller beads to ensure that your pendant will slide over them easily).
You can get round gemstone beads here:
4: A pendant. I used this silver gemstone pendant. Make sure it has a bail (the loop at the top) that is large enough to fit over the beads you choose. I purchased this one at a local flea market, which can be a place to buy interesting jewellery.
You can get silver and gemstone pendants here:
5: Two sterling silver crimp beads.
You can get sterling silver crimp beads here:
6: A sterling silver clasp and additional jump ring.
You can get silver clasps and jump rings here:
Here are the steps to follow to make your beaded necklace strand to wear your pendant on:
1: Add the crimp bead and clasp to the end of the tiger tail wire.
2: Loop the end of the wire around the jump ring on the clasp twice so that it is secure, then thread it through the crimp bead.
3: Squash the crimp bead using the flat nose pliers.
4: Begin adding beads, continue beading until you have a length you like.
5: Add the second crimp bead to the necklace (excuse my bent wire, it got a little tangled, if this happens to you, continue adding beads and it will smooth out, or try to avoid having kinks in the working section of your necklace).
6: Add the second jump ring to the end of the wire.
7: Loop the wire around the jump ring twice like you did in step two.
8: Thread the wire back through the crimp and the first few beads on the wire. Make sure to pull it tight, extra pliers can be useful for getting a tight fit.
9: Squash the crimp using the flat nose pliers again.
10: Trim the excess wire using the cutting pliers.
11: Now you can add your pendant!
12: Once your pendant has been added, your necklace is complete!
Here’s another one I made using a black cabochon pendant on a necklace made with faceted gemstone beads. So pretty! There are so many options using this technique! What combination will you make?
Here are some other pendant necklace tutorials to follow:
You May Also Like
Do you need more colorful jewelry in your life? Why not make this rainbow beaded choker with a feature pendant?
Make this cute beaded arrow necklace for some pretty stunning results
Love the nostalgic craft-core style? If that sounds like you, here’s the perfect tutorial for you to follow.
