Vintage-inspired Amethyst & Pearl Dangle Bracelet

This pretty, vintage-look bracelet uses a few simple (beginner level) techniques to produce something just a little bit fancy. It uses a combination of beads and findings that are completely interchangeable, meaning the possibilities are literally limitless for design ideas! For example, we have used lovely natural Amethyst beads, freshwater pearls and cube-shaped crystals. We’ve also used antique silver look filigree connectors. But imagine if you used rustic wooden beads, an earthy Jasper chip (perhaps Picture Jasper or Tiger Eye) and Bronze connectors…. yup, I’m already feeling inspired!!

A note on the beads we’ve used: as mentioned, the beads we have used are completely interchangeable. Because it may be hard to source the exact beads we have used, we have listed a few options for each of the items we've used.

• Amethyst 8mm Round Beads, Fluorite 8mm round beads, Amethyst 8mm nugget beads
• Peach Nugget Freshwater Pearls (we have used 6-7mm pearls)
• Mauve Crystal Beads (we have used a 6mm cube, but anything 8mm or smaller would work!)
• Metal Connectors (we have used a filigree connector)
• Toggle Clasp
• Small Jump Rings (5mm or 6mm will work)
• Headpins (we have used nickel toned ballpins)

The first (and most time consuming!) step is to make all of the dangles. When it comes to making dangles, you have a few options.

• The easiest way is to make a simple loop (cut 1cm above the bead and make a loop). Our problem with this style of dangle is it leaves a small opening which could enable the dangle to slip off the jewellery.
• Another popular option is the wrapped loop. We love this technique, however it is fairly difficult to master (well, at least neatly!) and it is quite time consuming. Plus, due to the wrapped area it does mean your dangle will be a little longer than other styles of wrapped loops. And if you’re after a tight cluster it may be a little too long.
• We have used the coil technique for making these dangles, which is a very easy way of creating dangles that are secure and can not fall of your design. In this technique, you simply coil the headpin around you round noose pliers. You need to use relatively short headpins (about 25mm) and you’ll wrap about 2-4 times.We have made 9 of each for this bracelet which is to fit quite a small wrist.

Take your jump ring and attach three of the dangles (one of each bead type).

Attach two of the connectors together using this jump ring.

Repeat this process and join all of your connectors together. When you get to the end, attach a toggle clasp. We have also put dangles on the jump rings attaching the toggle. You may need to use an extra jump ring on the bar sections of your toggle to ensure it slips easily through the ‘O’ section.