Amethyst Bead Bracelet

About This Design

Time:  Approximately 15- 30 minutes

Level of Difficulty:  All Levels (with Basic Wire Wrapping Knowledge)

Cost: Varies, depending on materials selected.  Approximately $25 as shown.

I found some stunning dark purple amethyst beads and wanted to feature them in a nice classic bracelet design.  I used a single creamy coin pearl (set asymmetrically) as a focal accent bead, and paired the rich purple with gold accent beads and clasp.  You could use any gemstone beads and focal beads you like in your own design.

Want to make this bracelet, or a variation of it for yourself?  Let's get started!

Step 1

Gather Supplies

• 1 strand of amethyst beads.  I used high quality (AAA), dark purple faceted amethyst beads, but any gemstone beads of your choice will do.
• 1 strand of gold accent beads or seed pearls
• 1 coin pearl. Or, use a focal bead of your choice, such as a decorative ornate Bali bead, or lampwork glass bead.
• 6 Bali daisy spacer beads or 2 decorative beadcaps for ends
• Length of gold flexible beading wire. 
• 2 gold crimp beads
• 1 14KT gold filled toggle clasp.

Need Supplies?  Check my Jewelry Supply pages to find what you need!

Step 2

String beads onto wire

Tie a knot on one end of the wire, or place some tape over the end, and string all of your beads onto the wire.    Check the length and overall design and make adjustments by adding, removing, or re-positioning beads until you are happy with the look of the bracelet.   

I alternated amethysts and gold nugget accent beads.  I put my coin pearl so it was off-set a little from center, just to make the bracelet more interesting.On the ends, I strung three Bali daisy spacer beads, but if desired you could add a decorative beadcap to either end.

TIP - You can start a bracelet by attaching the clasp to one end first,  However, if you are unclear about your final design or the finished bracelet length, it is best to simply tie a knot or place some tape over the end of the jewelry wire, string your beads, and once you are happy with the design and length, attach the clasps to the ends.  This way, if you find you need to subtract or add beads you can just remove the tape or knot and work from either end without having to cut off your clasp and start the whole thing over!

Step 3

Crimp ends and attach the clasp

Slide a crimp bead onto the wire, feed the wire through the clasp loop, then back through the crimp bead.  Pull the wire snug, and crimp the bead closed.   Follow the How to Use Crimp Beads instructions if you are not familiar with this technique.  Repeat on other side, making sure you pull the wire tight to beads before crimping.  TIP -  Because this is a toggle clasp, you will want to leave a little "play" in the wire so the clasp is easy to put on, so leave a little room where the loop of wire attaches to the clasp.  Cut off remaining tails of wire with flush cutters.

TIP - As an option, try the new crimp bead covers to hide crimps for an even more finished look.

That's it, your new amethyst bead bracelet is ready to wear!