Simplicity

The Ice Crystal necklace.  

Sometimes the simplest designs are the most beautiful, elegant even.  And they are very easy to make.  They’re the perfect way for a beginner to start making their own jewelry.  Those more complicated designs make look flashy and eye catching, but they can be intimidating to jewelry newbies. 

Or in my case, they look like a fun challenge.  Those challenges though are not always the best way to go. They can be frustrating and make you want to give up or can lead to lots of wasted time and money making some poor quality designs.  I know I have my share of “horror necklaces”.  Hopefully you though will avoid all that and start your jewelry making with a few of my favorite simple designs that I created after learning this very lesson. 

The simplest of all necklaces to make are the ones where you don’t need any tools or supplies.  In fact, the only things you’ll need are the pendant and the chain.  Now this necklace may be too easy, but it’s not all about the ease.  In the end, it’s more about making a beautiful necklace that you can wear instantly!

The chain with clasp and adjustable tail.

For this necklace, which I’m calling the Ice Crystal (so I can keep them all straight), I got one stunning pendant and a chain that already had a clasp.  I got both of these items at Michaels, but you can find the chain at most other bead stores.  Of course you can substitute the pendant for any kind you want.  Sometimes the chain comes in different thicknesses.  I prefer a thinner chain for small or medium pendants. 

The pendant I picked out because it was so lovely.

In general, I think thinner is always better than thicker except when using larger beads.  Then you definitely want to use a thicker chain as I do in the necklace at the far left (last photo).  I found the thicker chain at Jo Ann and the beads at Michaels though Jo Ann has similar ones as well.

Just slip the pendant onto the chain and instant necklace!

These particular beads are popular now but kind of expensive.  It’s best to use just a single packet of them instead of getting enough to fill the whole chain.   
Too many will make the necklace heavy 
and look overdone.              

The Charm Necklaces, as I like to call them.

And there you have it, two different designs for the simple but beautiful necklace.  Next time I’ll teach you how you can make your own necklace “from scratch,” using tools and supplies.