Hey there, crafty friends! Have you ever seen someone rocking a cool money necklace and thought, “I want one of those!”? Well, you’re in luck because today, we’re going to dive into the fun world of money necklace-making. Believe me, it’s way easier than you might think, and the result is a unique, conversation-starting piece of jewelry that’s sure to turn heads.
Before we get started, let me share a quick story with you. When I was a kid, my grandpa used to give me coins from different countries every time he went on a business trip. I’d carefully add each one to my coin collection, marveling at the intricate designs and dreaming of the far-off lands they came from. Fast forward a few decades, and those same coins have now become the centerpieces of some seriously cool money necklaces that I’ve made. Talk about a sentimental and stylish accessory, right?
Supplies Needed
Alright, let’s gather our supplies. You’ll need:
- Coins (more on choosing these later)
- Jump rings (these will connect the coins)
- Chain or cord (for stringing the coins)
- Pliers (flat-nose and round-nose pliers work best)
- Wire cutters
- Jewelry adhesive (optional, for added security)
- Polishing cloth (if you want to shine up those coins)
You can find most of these supplies at your local craft store, or you can order them online from places like Amazon or specialty jewelry supply shops. If you’re feeling thrifty, you might even be able to score some cool vintage coins or chains at secondhand stores or flea markets.
Popular Jewelry Pie Chart
Step 1: Choosing the Coins
This is the fun part – picking out your coins! The great thing about money necklaces is that you can use pretty much any coin you want. Old, new, foreign, commemorative – they’re all fair game. Personally, I love the look of mixing different metals, like copper, silver, and gold coins. It adds so much depth and interest to the necklace.
Here’s a little insider tip: if you’re using older coins, be sure to check their metal composition. Some vintage coins contain valuable metals like silver or gold, which could make your necklace worth a pretty penny (pun intended)!
When selecting your coins, think about the overall look you’re going for. Do you want a cohesive theme, like all coins from a certain country or era? Or would you prefer a more eclectic, mismatched vibe? Either way, try to choose coins with interesting designs, textures, and colors that catch your eye.
I’ll never forget the time I stumbled upon a stash of old Spanish pesetas at an antique fair. The intricate detailing on those coins was just gorgeous, and they ended up being the star of one of my favorite money necklaces. Sometimes, it’s those unexpected finds that really make a piece special.
Coin Considerations
Here are a few factors to keep in mind when choosing your coins:
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Coins can range from small (dime-sized) to large (silver dollar-sized). Consider how the sizes will look together. |
| Thickness | Thicker coins may be more difficult to work with, but can add nice dimension. |
| Metal | Different metals (copper, silver, gold, etc.) will have varying colors and patinas. |
| Condition | Well-worn coins can have a cool vintage look, while mint condition coins are shiny and crisp. |
The beauty of money necklaces is that there are no hard and fast rules. Mix and match to your heart’s content until you find a combination that speaks to you.
Step 2: Preparing the Coins
Once you’ve gathered your coin collection, it’s time to get them prepped for jewelry-making. If your coins are a bit tarnished or dirty, you can use a polishing cloth to gently buff them up and restore their shine. Just be careful not to rub too hard, as you don’t want to wear away any of those gorgeous details.
If you’re feeling extra ambitious, you can try flattening or shaping your coins. This can add a cool, custom look to your necklace, but it’s definitely an advanced technique. I remember the first time I tried to flatten a quarter with a hammer – let’s just say it took a lot of trial and error (and a few bent coins) before I got the hang of it.
Here’s a quick rundown of some coin shaping techniques:
- Flattening: Use a hammer or a rolling mill to flatten the coin into a disc shape.
- Dapping: Place the coin in a dapping block (a metal block with a concave depression) and use a dapping punch to create a curved or domed shape.
- Cutting: Use metal shears or a jeweler’s saw to cut out shapes or patterns from the coin.
If you’re new to coin shaping, I’d recommend starting with a few inexpensive coins to practice on before moving on to your more valuable or sentimental pieces. Safety first, my friends!
Step 3: Assembling the Necklace
Alright, it’s time to start putting our money necklace together! Grab those pliers and let’s get to work.
The first step is to attach your coins to the jump rings. Open up a jump ring by gently twisting it open with your pliers. Slide the coin onto the ring, then close the ring back up by twisting it in the opposite direction. Be careful not to twist too much, or you risk weakening or breaking the ring.
Once all your coins are attached to jump rings, it’s time to start stringing them onto your chain or cord. You can arrange the coins in a pattern (like alternating sizes or metals) or go for a more random, scattered look. It’s totally up to you!
As you string the coins onto the chain, be sure to leave a little bit of space between each one. This will allow the coins to move and jingle slightly when you wear the necklace, adding to that cool, money-inspired vibe.
If you’re worried about the coins slipping off the chain, you can add a dab of jewelry adhesive to the jump rings for extra security. Just be careful not to use too much, or you’ll end up with a stiff, immobile necklace.
One fun trick I like to do is to mix in a few random beads or charms between the coins. It adds a nice pop of color and texture, and really makes the necklace feel one-of-a-kind.
Remember that time I accidentally spilled an entire bead stash all over the floor? I thought for sure I’d never be able to untangle that mess. But after hours of painstaking work (and maybe a few choice words), I not only salvaged the beads, but ended up with a super unique, colorful money necklace that’s still one of my favorites.
Step 4: Adding Finishing Touches
We’re in the home stretch now! Your money necklace is starting to take shape, but there are a few finishing touches we can add to really make it pop.
First up, let’s talk about embellishments. This is where you can really let your creativity shine! Here are some ideas for adding extra flair to your money necklace:
- Beads: Mix in some colorful beads between the coins for added texture and visual interest.
- Charms: Dangle charms or pendants from the coins or jump rings to incorporate meaningful symbols or shapes.
- Wire wrapping: Use thin jewelry wire to wrap around the coins, creating intricate patterns or designs.
- Tassels: Attach tassels to the ends of the necklace for a fun, bohemian feel.
The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make the necklace truly your own.
Next, we’ll want to add a clasp or closure to the necklace. This will make it easy to put on and take off without having to fiddle with tiny jump rings. Some popular options include:
- Lobster claw clasps: These are classic and secure, but can be tricky to open and close with long nails.
- Magnetic clasps: Super convenient and easy to use, but may not be as secure as other options.
- Toggle clasps: A stylish choice that adds a nice decorative element to the necklace.
- S-hooks: Simple and inexpensive, but can come undone more easily than other closures.
When attaching the clasp, be sure to use sturdy jump rings and consider adding a dab of adhesive for extra security.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve nearly lost a necklace because the clasp came undone without me realizing it. That’s why I’m a big fan of the magnetic clasps – they’re just so darn convenient! But if you’re worried about the strength, you can always combine a magnetic clasp with a safety chain for peace of mind.
Wrapping Up
Congratulations, you’ve officially made your very own money necklace! I told you it was easier than it looks, didn’t I?
To keep your necklace looking its best, here are a few care and maintenance tips:
- Store your necklace in a jewelry box or pouch when not wearing it to prevent tarnishing or scratches.
- Gently polish the coins with a soft cloth every now and then to remove any buildup or residue.
- Check the jump rings and clasps periodically for any signs of wear or weakness, and replace them as needed.
- Avoid getting the necklace wet, as moisture can cause discoloration or corrosion on certain metals.
With proper care, your money necklace should last for years to come, serving as a fun and unique accessory that’s sure to spark conversations wherever you go.
But why stop at just one necklace? Now that you’ve mastered the art of money jewelry-making, you can create all sorts of amazing pieces! Try making matching bracelets, earrings, or even a statement necklace with larger coins or currency. The possibilities are endless!
And if you ever find yourself with a surplus of coins or just want to switch things up, you can always take apart your necklace and repurpose the components into something new. That’s the beauty of DIY – it’s a constantly evolving creative process.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather up those coins, dust off your pliers, and let’s get making! Who knows, you might just start a new money necklace trend that has everyone asking, “Where did you get that?”
Happy crafting, my friends!