We’ve all been there – staring at our jewelry box filled with necklaces we never wear anymore. Maybe they’re out of style, or maybe they just don’t suit our current vibe. Instead of letting them collect dust, why not give those forgotten necklaces a new life as fabulous bracelets?
Transforming a necklace into a bracelet is such an easy and fun project. Not only will you end up with a trendy new accessory, but you’ll also get that satisfying feeling of repurposing something old into something new and fabulous. Trust me, once you’ve made your first necklace-to-bracelet conversion, you’ll be hooked!
I remember the first time I tried this project. It was a few years ago, and I had this chunky beaded necklace that I loved but never wore because it was just too long and cumbersome. One day, I was procrastinating on some work tasks (as one does), and I stumbled upon a tutorial for turning necklaces into bracelets. I figured, why not give it a try?
Long story short, it was so much easier than I expected, and the end result was amazing! That once-neglected necklace became my new favorite bracelet, and I couldn’t stop admiring it on my wrist. From that moment on, I was hooked, and I started repurposing all sorts of unworn necklaces into fabulous new arm candies.
So, are you ready to breathe new life into those forgotten necklaces? Let’s dive into the step-by-step process!
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Before we get started, you’ll need to gather a few essential items:
- An unworn necklace that you want to repurpose (preferably one that’s not too delicate or precious, just in case)
- A pair of jewelry pliers (flat-nose and chain-nose pliers work best)
- Jump rings (preferably in a matching metal color and size that complements your necklace)
- A new clasp or closure for your soon-to-be bracelet (more on this later!)
I recommend working on a clean, flat surface like a table or desk. That way, you won’t have to chase any tiny beads or jump rings that might decide to make a break for it mid-project.
Oh, and one more thing! If you’re new to jewelry making, I suggest starting with an inexpensive necklace for your first project. That way, you can practice your technique without the pressure of potentially ruining something valuable. Once you’ve got the hang of it, you can move on to repurposing your more precious pieces.
Step 2: Determine the Bracelet Length
Before you start snipping away at your necklace, you’ll need to figure out the ideal length for your bracelet. After all, you don’t want to end up with something too tight or too loose for your wrist.
The easiest way to determine the perfect bracelet length is to measure your wrist. Wrap a soft measuring tape or a piece of string around the widest part of your wrist, and note the measurement. For a comfortable fit, you’ll want to add about an inch or two to that measurement.
Here’s a general guideline for average wrist measurements and corresponding bracelet lengths:
| Wrist Measurement | Bracelet Length |
|---|---|
| 6 inches | 7-8 inches |
| 6.5 inches | 7.5-8.5 inches |
| 7 inches | 8-9 inches |
| 7.5 inches | 8.5-9.5 inches |
Keep in mind that these are just general guidelines. Your ideal bracelet length may vary depending on your personal preference and the type of closure you plan to use. For example, if you’re adding a clasp or toggle closure, you’ll want to leave an extra inch or two to accommodate the closure.
Step 3: Detach the Necklace Clasp
Now that you know the length you’re aiming for, it’s time to start prepping your necklace for its transformation. First things first: you’ll need to remove the existing clasp or closure.
Grab your jewelry pliers and carefully detach the clasp from the necklace chain or cord. Depending on the type of clasp, you may need to use a combination of your flat-nose and chain-nose pliers to gently pry it open and slide it off.
Be careful not to damage the necklace chain or any delicate beads or charms during this process. If the clasp is giving you a hard time, don’t force it – take a break and come back to it with fresh eyes (and hands).
Once the clasp is off, you should have a long, continuous strand of necklace chain or cord. Now we’re ready for the next step!
Step 4: Cut the Necklace to Size
With the necklace clasp out of the way, it’s time to cut the necklace down to your desired bracelet length. But before you start snipping away, let me share a little story that will (hopefully) save you from making the same mistake I did on my first attempt.
Remember when I mentioned repurposing that chunky beaded necklace a few years ago? Well, in my overeager excitement, I measured my wrist, added a couple of inches, and immediately started cutting the necklace to that length. Big mistake!
What I failed to consider was the extra length needed to attach the new bracelet clasp or closure. So, after cutting the necklace to what I thought was the perfect length, I realized I had no way to actually secure it around my wrist. D’oh!
Learn from my mistake, friends. When measuring and cutting your necklace to size, make sure to leave an extra few inches (at least 3-4 inches) to accommodate the new clasp or closure. Trust me, it’s better to have a little too much length than not enough!
Once you’ve measured and marked the appropriate length (plus that extra clasp allowance), carefully use your pliers to snip through the necklace chain or cord. If you’re working with a beaded necklace, be extra cautious not to accidentally cut through any of the beads or charms.
Step 5: Add the New Clasp or Closure
Alright, you’ve measured, you’ve cut, and now you’re ready to add the finishing touch: the new clasp or closure that will transform your necklace into a beautiful bracelet!
But first, let’s talk about the different clasp options you can choose from:
- Toggle Clasps: These are classic closures that consist of a bar and a loop. They’re easy to use and secure, making them a great choice for bracelets.
- Lobster Claw Clasps: Named for their claw-like shape, these clasps are incredibly versatile and can be used for both necklaces and bracelets. They’re a little trickier to open and close, but they offer a secure fit.
- Magnetic Clasps: If you’re looking for a super easy and secure closure, magnetic clasps are the way to go. They simply snap together with the power of magnets – no fiddling required!
When choosing your new clasp, consider the style and weight of your necklace-turned-bracelet. Heavier beaded or chain bracelets will likely need a sturdier clasp like a toggle or lobster claw, while lighter, more delicate pieces can get away with a magnetic closure.
Once you’ve selected your clasp, it’s time to attach it to the ends of your necklace strand. This is where those jump rings come into play.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for attaching a toggle clasp using jump rings (but the process is similar for other clasp styles):
- Use your pliers to open a jump ring by gently twisting it open – don’t pull the ends apart, as this can weaken and distort the ring.
- Slide the jump ring through the last link or bead on one end of your necklace strand.
- Then, slide the ring through the loop or opening on one half of your toggle clasp.
- Finally, use your pliers to gently twist the jump ring closed, being careful not to over-bend or distort the shape.
- Repeat this process on the other end of the necklace strand, attaching the remaining half of the toggle clasp.
And just like that, your necklace has officially been transformed into a fabulous new bracelet!
A word of caution: When working with those tiny jump rings, it’s easy for them to go flying across the room if you’re not careful. Trust me, I’ve spent many frustrating minutes crawling around on the floor, trying to locate a rogue jump ring (those things are masters of camouflage!). To save yourself the headache, I recommend working over a clean, flat surface or even a small tray to contain any jumpy jump rings.
Popular Jewelry Pie Chart
Finishing Touches
Congratulations, you’ve successfully transformed an unworn necklace into a fabulous new bracelet! But why stop there? This is the perfect opportunity to add your own personal flair and really make this piece your own.
Here are a few ideas for adding some extra pizzazz to your necklace-turned-bracelet:
- Charms and Dangles: Do you have any loose charms or pendants lying around? Consider adding a few to your bracelet for a fun, personalized touch.
- Beads and Spacers: If your bracelet looks a little plain or has some gaps between beads or links, fill it out with some colorful beads or metal spacers.
- Wire Wrapping: For a bohemian or rustic vibe, try wrapping some sections of your bracelet with thin wire or leather cording.
The possibilities are endless, and the best part is that you’re breathing new life into something that was previously collecting dust in your jewelry box.
Speaking of which, I have a funny story about one of my most recent necklace-to-bracelet transformations. A few months ago, I was rummaging through my jewelry stash and came across a long, beaded necklace that I had completely forgotten about. It was a beautiful piece, but it just wasn’t my style anymore.
Instead of letting it sit unworn for another few years, I decided to turn it into a bracelet. I carefully snipped the necklace to the appropriate length, added a magnetic clasp, and voilà – a stunning new bracelet was born!
But here’s the kicker: when I showed my creation to my mom, she immediately recognized the necklace. Turns out, it was a piece she had gifted me years ago for my birthday! I felt terrible for forgetting about such a thoughtful gift, but she was just thrilled to see me breathing new life into it.
Moral of the story? Don’t let those sentimental (but unworn) jewelry pieces go to waste. Repurpose them into something you’ll actually wear and enjoy, and you’ll not only be reducing waste but also honoring the memories and love attached to those pieces.
Keep It Tarnish-Free
Now that you’ve put in all that hard work to create your fabulous new bracelet, you’ll want to keep it looking its best for as long as possible. Here are a few tips for keeping your repurposed necklace-turned-bracelet tarnish-free and shining bright:
- Store your bracelet in an airtight container or jewelry box when not wearing it. Exposure to air and moisture can cause tarnishing over time.
- Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently polish your bracelet after each wear. This will help remove any built-up oils or dirt that can lead to tarnishing.
- If your bracelet does start to show signs of tarnish, you can use a gentle jewelry polishing cloth or solution designed specifically for the metal type (e.g., silver, copper, brass).
- Avoid wearing your bracelet while doing activities that could potentially damage or expose it to harsh chemicals, such as cleaning, gardening, or swimming in chlorinated pools.
With proper care and storage, your repurposed necklace-turned-bracelet will stay looking fabulous for years to come!
Conclusion
There you have it, friends – a step-by-step guide to transforming those forgotten necklaces into stunning new bracelets. Not only is this project incredibly easy and satisfying, but it’s also a fantastic way to breathe new life into pieces that were previously collecting dust in your jewelry box.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab that tangled pile of unworn necklaces, gather your supplies, and get to repurposing! And once you’ve created your first masterpiece, don’t be shy – share photos of your fabulous new bracelet with your friends and family. Trust me, they’ll be impressed by your crafty upcycling skills.
Who knows, this might just be the beginning of a new jewelry-making hobby for you. Before you know it, you could be repurposing all sorts of unwanted jewelry into one-of-a-kind pieces that perfectly reflect your personal style.
So go forth, my friends, and let your creativity shine! Happy repurposing!