When it comes to jewelry items that are positively synonymous with concepts like timelessness, elegance, and sophistication, it doesn’t get much more iconic than a pearl necklace. Pearls look incredible on absolutely anyone. They’re also durable gemstones, so many people take pride in passing pearl jewelry down from generation to generation.

But you don’t necessarily need to go to a jewelry store and buy a readymade pearl necklace to experience the magic of wearing pearls for yourself, especially if you have a preference for freshwater pearls. It’s easier than you think to make a freshwater pearls necklace of your own. Here’s what you need to know to get started.

Why Choose Freshwater Pearls?

Both saltwater and freshwater pearls are stunningly beautiful. Both are obtainable through gemstone bead dealers and make excellent fits for handmade jewelry items like necklaces or bracelets. But freshwater pearls bring some unique benefits to the table for gemstone lovers and jewelry makers alike.

Versatility

Freshwater pearls come in a wide range of different colors and shapes, so the possibilities are endless as far as the types of necklaces you can create. You can stick to special occasion necklaces if you like, but freshwater pearls also open the door to some truly unique alternatives that are ideal for everyday wear, dressing up weekend outfits, or wearing to the office.

Affordability

In comparison to saltwater pearls, freshwater pearls are usually more affordable, so they’re a terrific way to integrate pearls into your jewelry collection on a budget. Creating your own freshwater pearls necklace makes the process of attaining the option of your dreams even more cost-effective.

Meaning

Many people feel freshwater pearls hold a special spiritual significance. Some healers believe they have unique healing properties and use them to help balance body rhythms or sort out hormone issues. Others feel freshwater pearls have the power to attract love, tap into one’s inner consciousness, or cultivate spiritual purity in the wearer.

How to Make a Freshwater Pearls Necklace You’ll Love

Making your own jewelry is easier than you might think. (All you need are a few basic supplies and a little creativity.) It’s also highly rewarding on multiple levels. For example, jewelry-making helps improve your motor skills and encourage mental relaxation.

The ability to make whatever you like for yourself and your loved ones can be empowering, as well. Here are some key steps to keep in mind when planning and making your very own freshwater pearls necklace.

Choose your pearls

Naturally, you want to put the most thought into the star of your necklace – the pearls themselves – so think carefully about what to choose. Freshwater pearls come in many different shapes and just about any color you can imagine. Consider which of your available choices lends itself best to your personality, the style of jewelry you prefer, and your plans as far as how you’ll wear it.

You’ll also want to choose a good gemstone bead dealer when deciding where to source your pearls. Choose an outlet like The Bead Traders with an extensive catalog and a reputation for excellent customer care.

Choose a suitable line for your pearls

After the pearls themselves, your choice of lines is the most important consideration when making a freshwater pearls necklace. Silk line is generally the traditional choice, and it comes in various lengths to suit different pearls. (Nylon is a solid alternative if you don’t want to use silk.)

Generally speaking, the larger the pearls, the thicker the line you’ll want to use. Small pearls are good fits for a thinner line with a thickness of 2 or so, while average-sized pearls fit well on a 4 line. If you’re using larger pearls, though, you’ll want a line that’s at least a 6.

Measure and cut your line

Careful measurements are the key to necklaces that are comfortable, stylish, and make the statement you’re looking for. So, start by carefully measuring your neck (or the neck of your recipient). Consider whether you want a choker, collar, princess necklace, or opera-length necklace. Then measure and cut your line accordingly.

Keep in mind that silk stretches, so pull it gently taut to pre-stretch it a bit when measuring. It’s also advisable to leave some extra length to grant yourself wiggle room for working. (You can always trim it later.) Preserve the integrity of your line by rubbing a small amount of beeswax along its length.

String your pearls

Use a thin wire threading needle that fits through your pearls to start creating your freshwater pearls necklace. Begin by tying a square knot on one end, followed by a clamshell tip to secure your pearls as you add them, and then another knot to separate the clamshell from the pearls.

Then thread the pearls onto your line one after the other. Be sure to tie additional knots after each one to help separate the pearls. (Also keep in mind that if you’re creating a necklace with a pattern, the pearls need to go onto the thread in reverse order.) Finish with another clamshell tip.

Complete the necklace

Once you’re done, complete your necklace by adding a jump ring and clasp to make it wearable. Use pliers to bend your clamshell tips into an open position. Then attach the clasp to one and the jump ring to the other. Consider adding a small dab of jewelry glue to the spots where the clamshells bend to reinforce them.

For best results, be sure to continuously check the length of your necklace throughout the creation process to make sure you’re on track. Pay special attention to whether the pearls are laying the way you want them to on your neck. Make necessary adjustments accordingly.

Now that you understand the basics of how to make a beautiful freshwater pearls necklace of your very own, it’s time to dive in and start creating. Start by browsing our extensive collection of high-quality freshwater pearls here at The Bead Traders! It’s a great way to get your creative juices flowing and see what’s truly possible when you have a wealth of options at your fingertips.

Although any piece of jewelry has the potential to become a powerful personal statement piece, a bracelet is an especially solid choice for lots of reasons. Bracelets are easy to integrate into any outfit, whether you’re putting together a polished office look or winding down in style for the weekend. They also catch the eye without taking away from the rest of your look.

Bracelets are also very easy to make, so they’re excellent pieces to start with if you’re interested in making your own jewelry. In this handy introduction to DIY bracelets, we’ll touch on some of what you need to know to get started in style.

The Magic of Handmade Statement Bracelets

Jewelry doesn’t necessarily need to be expensive to make a head-turning statement. In many instances, handmade options that feature unique bracelet beads and carefully chosen personal touches can say a lot more than even the finest mass-produced jewelry store options.

• Handmade bracelets are fun but effective ways to express your unique personality at a glance. They can also be subtle ways to show pride in your spiritual views, heritage, or family history.
• Statement bracelets are powerful conversation starters and effective ways to break the ice in various social situations.
• Making your own jewelry is empowering, relaxing, and emotionally enriching. Many people who wind up bitten by the jewelry-making bug also enjoy making items for loved ones or wind up turning their new hobby into a side hustle.

In other words, the decision to explore the wide, wonderful world of handmade bracelets for yourself opens the door to lots of fun possibilities.

How to Get Started with DIY Bracelet Beads

If you’re new to making your own jewelry, beaded bracelets are a great item to start with. The process is fairly simple and straightforward while still leaving lots of room for creativity and self-expression.

You also don’t need too many different supplies to get started, so bracelets are a terrific way to dip your toe into the waters of jewelry-making to see if it’s right for you. Let’s go over a few basics for getting started.

Gather some basic supplies

To get started with DIY beaded bracelets, you’ll need the following items:

• Thread, wire, or cord to hold your beads and form the basic structure of the bracelet
• Clasps to finish your bracelets and hold them securely closed during wear
• Crimp beads and jump rings to create finished, secure ends to your bracelets
• Jewelry-making pliers to help you curl, cut, and otherwise handle wire
• An organizer to hold all your supplies, as well as separate all your different beads

Choose your bracelet beads

Once you start exploring the world of bracelet beads, you’ll see that you have lots of different options to choose from, so take your time and consider your choices. Some questions to ask yourself when evaluating your options include:

• What kind of bracelet am I making? What do I plan to use it for?
• Do I want to wear my bracelet daily or is only for occasional use?
• What are my color preferences and why? What outfits do I see myself wearing this bracelet with?
• What’s my budget like? Am I on a tight leash or can I afford to splurge on something special?

Make sure you get your bracelet beads from a trustworthy dealer (like The Bead Traders, to name just one option). Ideally, you’re looking for a solid resource you can return to again and again for amazing selection, solid value, and fantastic customer service – someplace that always has something in stock that you can’t resist.

Learn some basic techniques

Social media platforms like YouTube or TikTok are excellent places to go for quick-start video demonstrations on how to make bracelets, so be sure to check them out for inspiration. But the basic method involved is actually really simple:

• Start by measuring your wrist and cutting your string, wire, or thread to size.
• Thread your beads onto your holding medium in whatever sequence or pattern you like.
• Finish your bracelet. If you’re using elastic cord or thread, you can use a square knot to tie off the ends and create the bracelet. If using wire or adding a clasp, use crimp beads, pliers, and the clasp/jump ring combo of your choice instead.

Creating Unique Bracelets That Tell a Story

Once you have the basics down, it’s time to start letting your creativity flow and crafting one-of-a-kind items that tell the world something special about yourself. Here are some tips for adding a pinch or two of flavor to your creations.

Explore bracelet beads with different meanings

Gemstones and beads are so much more than just pretty to look at. Each option comes attached to a unique meaning you can leverage to add significance to your bracelets. Here are some examples to consider when shopping for bracelet beads:

• Pearls represent concepts like elegance, purity, and wisdom.
• Opals are associated with inspiration, creativity, and protection from bad energy.
• Turquoise has long had ties to healing and spiritual protection.
• Onyx brings qualities like strength and focus to the table.
• Moonstone has strong associations with feminine energy and hope.

Do you want your bracelet to protect you from negative energy? Do you want it to help you cultivate personal qualities like strength, creativity, or wisdom? Choosing bracelet beads that support those objectives is a powerful way to create a statement piece you’ll never want to take off.

Consider adding charms to the mix

You can also help your bracelet literally tell a story by incorporating charms and other personal touches into the design. Consider symbolic choices that nod in the direction of significant life events, treasured personal interests, or personal symbols that hold special meaning for you.

Ultimately, the sky’s the limit when it comes to what you can create with the right bracelet beads and a little bit of creativity. Start your jewelry-making journey today and find the beads of your dreams at The Bead Traders! Whether you’re looking for something specific or just want to get inspired, we’ve got you covered.

Named from the Portuguese word “barocco”, which means imperfect, the baroque pearl is known for being off-round or of imperfect shape. This variety of pearls first gained popularity during the Renaissance Period when they were considered by jewelers as valued gems due to their organic beauty and unique shape. Today, the vast majority of freshwater pearls are actually baroque pearls, making up over 90% of them. The unique beauty of the pearl comes from the damage and irritants like sand and dust impacting the soft tissues of a mollusk. The result is a “pearl nucleation”, which is the mollusck’s natural defense against such irritates. With time, this is what forms the irregular and unique beauty of a baroque pearl, which can then be used to create the timeless elegance of baroque pearl necklaces.  

Types of Baroque Pearl Necklaces

Baroque pearls allow for a unique and illustrious necklace or other piece of jewelry. Baroque pearls come in a variety of shades or colors, ranging between black and blue to soft pastels and creamy whites. The lustrous iridescent surfaces of baroque pearl necklaces tend to catch the light and create a mesmerizing glow. This creates a very versatile look that will compliment both elegant and casual outfits equally well. Baroque pearl necklaces will instantly elevate any look and go well with vintage or modern styles. The following are some of the most popular types of baroque pearl necklaces:

Single-Strand Baroque Pearl Necklaces

A single-strand necklace provides a touch of elegance and makes a striking statement. The simplicity of a single strand of pearls allows the natural beauty of each pearl’s unique shape and luster to shine through and make a statement all its own.  

Multi-Strand Baroque Pearl Necklaces

Next up are the multi-strand baroque pearl necklaces. This layering effect creates a depth and sophistication that can stand alone on its own as a statement piece or be layered with other pieces. Multi-strand pearls also give the option of highlighting more than one color of pearl to create a unique, colorful, and eclectic look. 

Baroque Pearl Choker Necklaces

The shorter length of the choker necklaces elegantly accentuates the neckline. This particular necklace length and style works well with dresses or tops that don’t plunge down or have a high neckline. The choker necklaces are particularly applicable for special occasions but they can still be worn with casual everyday wear items. The baroque shape adds to the unique elegance, and the choker length highlights the beauty of the pearls even more. 

Baroque Pendant Necklaces

With a pendant necklace, there is only one pearl featured or a series of pearls that hang down off of a chain mounted as a pendant. This is a great way to combine the beauty of a silver, platinum, or gold chain with the natural allure of the baroque pearl. Pearl pendants look especially good with delicate chains. Many find that pendant necklaces add a touch of sophistication to nearly every outfit, making them a must-have option.

Baroque Pendant Bohemian Necklaces

For a unisex appeal and to create a look that works well for the ultra-casual outfit, the surfer-style, Bohemian necklace features either rubber or leather necklaces with a singular or series of a few pearls. It is a super casual look that exudes vacation vibes and a salty air ambiance. 

Baroque Statement Necklaces

Last but certainly not least is the baroque statement necklace. This variety of necklace commands attention due to its captivating and bold presence. Statement necklaces feature pearls, but also include other materials and items that create unique shapes, designs, and more for a piece of jewelry that makes a statement. 

How to Choose The Perfect Baroque Pearl Necklace

The baroque pearl necklace is one of timeless elegance that can go with everything from jeans and a t-shirt to an elegant gown. When choosing the right type of necklace to create or to purchase, the following are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

• Choose the Length: Obviously, the length of the necklace and whether it will be one strand or multiple will have a great impact on the overall look of the necklace. The length of the necklace or the neckline should be considered and altered based on body frame and wardrobe choices to create or select the ideal length. Lengths can vary from choker and princess to a matinee and opera. Consider the following options: 
  • Collar: Measures between 11–15 inches. Hugs the throat.
  • Choker: Measures 16 inches and falls below the clavicle.
  • Princess: Measures between 20–24 inches and is situated lower on the chest.
  • Opera: Measures between 24–30 inches and falls below the bust.
  • Rope: Measures 35 inches and falls to the navel. 

• Choose The Color and Vibrance: After choosing the length, the next factor to consider when creating a baroque pearl necklace, is the color and vibrancy of the pearls. There are lustrous or luminous pearls as well as matte options. This offers a variety of choices when it comes to creating either single necklaces, layered pieces, or even statement necklaces. 

Reasons to Choose Baroque Pearls

Now that the many ways to wear baroque pearls, as well as how to choose a specific necklace, have been reviewed, consider the quick hit list of reasons that choosing baroque pearls is always a good idea:

• Unique Appeal: All baroque pearls are slightly different and unique. This makes them visually interesting and organic, and no two necklaces will look exactly alike for exclusive appeal.  
• Ability to Self-Express: Baroque pearls are not standard or perfectly round, allowing for non-conventional options that allow highly personal self-expression. 
• Affordability: Generally, baroque pearls, despite their beauty, are more affordable than their perfectly round counterparts. This gives everyone the chance to own real, genuine gems, even with a more limited budget. 
• Beautiful: Baroque pearls are gorgeous and iridescent. The color is remarkable, and the ridges and denivelations only add to their appeal.  

Visit The Bead Traders

After reading through all the information outlined above, choosing the timeless elegance of baroque pearl necklaces becomes an obvious choice. Purchasing these breathtaking freshwater pearls from Bead Traders allows for a variety of looks, designs, and unique appeal that complement virtually any wardrobe and lifestyle.