Garnet and Seed Bead Bracelet

About This Design

Time:  Approximately 30 minutes - 1 hour

Level of Difficulty:  Beginner - All Levels

Cost: Varies, depending on materials selected.  Approximately $15-20 as shown.

This richly colored, triple strand bracelet is very pretty, and best of all it is made with affordable glass seed beads mixed with real garnet chips and a "charm" of three beads--one yellow citrine, one golden pearl, and red jasper for an added designer's touch.  I finished it with a 14KT gold-filled lobster clasp, which connects to a handmade "extender chain" of gold wire and three red jasper beads for accents.

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

Step 1

Gather your supplies

• Seed beads in dark red and copper (or colors of your choice) 
• 1 clasp of your choice.  For this bracelet I used a 14 KT gold filled  lobster claw clasp.
• 1 strand of garnet chip beads (about 7 inches) Garnet Chip Beads on eBay
• 3 red jasper beads, or substitute any matching red beads of choice
• 1 gold pearl (or any "charm bead" of choice)
• 1 citrine bead (or any "charm bead" of choice)
• 6 crimp beads
• 3 strands - length of flexible beading wire (like Beadalon or Soft Flex) to fit the desired bracelet length, plus a couple extra inches to work with.
• Several inches of gold filled half hard wire, or optionally a gold extender chain
• 3 gold filled head pins to complete the bead charms

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

Step 2

String all seed beads and garnet chip beads on wire

We will string three stands of flexible beading wires with beads.  String two colors of seed beads on the first two strands, and garnet chip beads on the third strand.

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.

Make sure all three strands are exactly the same length and add or remove beads if necessary.

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

Make extender chain with charms at the end

We will make our own extender chain using the gold wire.  Make a large loop with round nose pliers, and close the loop with a couple of revolutions of wire. (See wire wrapping beaded chain instructions if you are not familiar with this technique), attach a red jasper bead, and make another large loop on the other side of the bead.  Repeat this technique so you have two beads in your chain with large loops connecting them. 

Now, let's attach the charms to the other end of the chain.  Slide the three bead charms (jasper, citrine and pearl) onto headpins, and attach them to the last loop in your chain using round nose pliers to create a loop.  

Step 4 

Crimp beads and attach clasp and extender chain

Now we will use a crimp bead to close the ends of each wire and attach to the clasp on one end, and the extender chain on the other.  We are working with multiple strands, so you can use a crimp bead for each strand.  You may crimp multiple strands using one bead if there is enough room to allow all of the wires to double back through.

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!

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

Matching Jewelry Set

Try these amazing matching chandelier earrings for a complete set!

Gold Chandelier Earrings Project