Chalcedony Briolette Bracelet

About This Design

Time:  Approximately  30 minutes - 1 hour

Level of Difficulty:  Beginner - All Levels

Cost: Varies, depending on materials selected.  Approximately $20-30 as shown 

This beautiful bracelet uses smooth chalcedony gemstone beads in an unusual peach color, combined with ivory coin pearls and gold accents for a classic bracelet you are sure to love.  Do this with any briolette beads you choose, and pearls or other accent beads in any color.

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

Step 1

Gather your supplies

• Enough briolette beads to fit your desired bracelet length (I used 18 beads)
• Enough coin pearl accent beads to fit your bracelet length (I used 7 pearls)
• Gold-filled daisy spacer (Bali) beads (about 18-20)
• 2 gold-filled crimp beads
• Length of gold flexible beading wire to fit the desired bracelet length, plus a couple extra inches to work with.
• 1 clasp of choice (I used a gold-filled toggle clasp)

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

Step 2

Next, let's string the beads! 

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.  

You can make any design that you like.  I alternated pearls in-between clusters of three briolette beads, and I used daisy spacer beads in-between each group of beads for accents.  Tip - if you want to add space at the ends to lengthen your design or to make the ends of the strand easier to slide into a toggle clasp (test this before closing crimps!), slide a couple of daisy spacers together in a row at either end of the bracelet.

You can do this first on a bead design board if you prefer, but I always like to wrap a bracelet around my wrist just to check the look and fit.  Make sure you account for the added length of the clasp.  I spaced my beads to end up with a bracelet that was 7.5 inches long.

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 gorgeous new briolette bracelet is ready to wear!