Pink Coral and Shell Bracelet with Swarovski Crystals

About This Design

Time:  Approximately 30 minutes - 1 hour

Level of Difficulty:  Beginner - All Levels

Cost: Varies, depending on materials selected.  Approximately $25-35 as shown.

Inspired by spring, I wanted to make something in beautiful coral beads that wouldn't break the bank. So, I came up with this design, and separated bunches of luscious pink branch coral beads with inexpensive bugle beads.  The focal of the bracelet is an oblong luminous shell bead which is pink on one side, and white on the other. I offset that with two light rose Swarovski crystal beads, and of course added one more as a "dangly" on the extender chain as a finishing touch to this very pretty bracelet.  

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

Step 1

Gather your supplies

• 1 center focal bead.  It can be anything you like.  I used a pink/peachy colored mother of pearl shell bead in my design. Mother of Pearl Beads on eBay
• 1 clasp of your choice.  For this bracelet I used a sterling silver lobster claw clasp.
• Enough branch coral beads (real or plastic) and glass bugle beads to complete the desired bracelet length.  Lay out on a bead board or ruler to check. Here, I used 24 coral beads, 14 bugle beads, 2 cherry quartz rondelle beads. Coral Beads on eBay
• 3 Swarovski Crystal Cube Beads in Light Rose (or any pink or peach color you like). (8mm) Light Rose Swarovski Crystal Beads on eBay
• 2 crimp beads, and your crimping pliers
• A length of flexible beading wire (like Beadalon or Soft Flex) to fit the desired bracelet length, plus a couple extra inches to work with.
• Bulk sterling silver chain or an extender chain (only needed if you are using a lobster claw clasp)
• 2 Bali sterling silver bead caps (your choice of style)
• 5 Bali silver daisy spacers
• One sterling silver headpin

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

Step 2

String beads on 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.  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.

I strung my beads in this order:

1) 1 cherry quartz rondelle bead

2)  4 branch coral beads

3)  2 bugle beads

4)  4 branch coral beads

5)  2 bugle beads

6) 4 branch coral beads

7) 2 bugle beads

8) 1 Bali daisy spacer

9) 1 crystal cube bead

10) 1 Bali daisy spacer

11) 1 bugle bead

12) 1 Bali bead cap

13)  Mother of pearl/shell focal bead

14) Repeat in reverse order

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

Attach the bracelet clasp and extender chain

Untie your knot or remove the tape.  Slide a crimp bead onto the end of wire, and thread the wire through the loop on the clasp, and back through your crimp bead.  Crimp the bead flat or use a crimping tool to close the crimp.  Follow the How to Use Crimp Beads instructions if you are not familiar with this technique.  Do the same thing on the other end to attach the extender chain (if you are using one).

TIP - For an even more finished look, cover your crimp beads with the new crimp bead covers!

Step 4

Attach the Swarovski crystal bead charm to the clasp

I always add a little detail by attaching a dangly bead to the end of the extender chain.  It just looks so nice sparking on the wrist.  Slide a Bali daisy spacer bead and a crystal onto a headpin, and attach it with a loop.

That's it!  Your beautiful bracelet is ready to wear or give to someone as a special gift.

Matching Jewelry Set

Try these matching earrings for a complete set!

Coral and Crystal Earrings Project