This is a very simple jewelry project, and you can do almost everything without any special tools!
Supplies
- bulk chain
- jump rings
- lobster claw clasps
- pendant blanks
- cabochons (smooth oval gems with a flat side and a domed side)
Tools
- Chain nose pliers (Like needle nose pliers, but without serrations on the jaws that could mar your work, used to open jump rings and adjust bails)
- Clippers
- Super glue (gel-type is better than liquid)
My cabochons seem to be glass imitation, but that's fine for fashion jewelry. I have tried this using acrylic "gemstones," but they sometimes react poorly to super glue chemicals. An alternative adhesive, like E-6000, might work better. I haven't been entirely pleased with the stuff for metal and glass, though. Your mileage may vary.
I applied super glue as 7 or 8 small dots on the pendant blank, and then I slid the cabochon over the glue to spread it out before setting it aside to cure when I was satisfied that it was as centered as possible. The chain I used here was perhaps thinner that I would like, but the only other silvery stuff I had on hand was too large to fit through the bail (the chain loop at the top) on these blanks. I cut it to about 16" (40 cm.) lengths. The clasps I had included their own jump rings, so I just used those. Remember to slightly twist the jump rings to open and close the slots instead of pulling them apart so you maintain the round ring shape. If you buy pre-made necklace necklace chain with clasps already included, you can skip the bulk chain trimming and jump ring fitting. I also needed to slightly pinch one bail where it looped around the back so the chain would not slip through the gap. This may not even arise as an issue depending on your selection of blanks, but be aware that it may need checking!
In the assortment I had purchased a couple years ago, probably on Amazon, had a single pair of green cabochons among the various unique options, so I decided to try using large jump rings and ear hooks to make them into a pair of earrings. This is the result. Since these particular pendant blanks are designed for necklace chain, I am not sure what to think of this effect.
Should you wish to use actual gemstones, it may be prudent to use a better pendant and learn proper gem-setting, but this is a simple and inexpensive way to create all manner of colorful adornments. Most of the supplies can be found online through sites like Amazon or specialist jewelry suppliers, but a visit to your local Michael's, Jo-Ann Fabrics, or Hobby Lobby can also get what you need locally, too.
