This post is a simple, 5-step guide on how to make an inexpensive, demi-fine DIY gemstone bracelet.
September 23, 2021
Updated: August 10, 2022
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HOW TO MAKE A DEMI-FINE GEMSTONE BRACELET
For several years, I purchased crystal and gemstone bracelets, having no idea that I could easily make a DIY gemstone bracelet for a tiny fraction of the cost.
And if you’re looking for upscale, demi-fine gemstone bracelets, you’ll save loads of moola making them yourself.
My friend purchased one for $50 and I made something very similar (better) for under $8.
If you’ve never done this before, you’ll be amazed at how simple it is.
I love selecting the stones and crystals to make the bracelets EXACTLY the way I want them to look and styling a few similarly so they stack well together.
I also like to include gold-filled and sterling silver beads (which are less expensive than you may think) to give them a more luxe, upscale look.
And a DIY gemstone bracelet makes a beautiful, meaningful gift!
For example, if a friend or family member is feeling …
- stressed, make a howlite bracelet to calm her nerves
- depressed and in need of self-love, make her a rose quartz bracelet
- excited because she just started her own business, make her a citrine bracelet for positive manifestation.
There are a variety of stones with different energetic properties to help support various emotions and situations. If you’d like to have a directory on hand, here are my favourite books on crystals and stones.
VIEW ON AMAZON
VIEW ON AMAZON
Now, let’s get started.
Here are four simple steps to create your own demi-fine DIY gemstone bracelets.
1: PURCHASE THE SUPPLIES
Shopping List
Crystal Beads
For this tutorial, I used morganite (green), pink aventurine (peachy-pink), and lepidolite (purple) beads.
Note: Morganite is multi-coloured but I decided to design a bracelet with mostly green hues so I set aside the pink and orange beads for another bracelet.
I select the gemstone beads based on 3 criteria:
- inexpensive or on sale
- soft colours that go with my personal style
- energetic properties that are currently beneficial to me
Bead Style
Many bead suppliers offer round, faceted, or diamond-cut beads.
Faceted and diamond-cut sparkle a little in the light and look more expensive.
But if you’re going for a more earthy, natural look, stick with round beads.
For this tutorial, I used round for the purple bracelet and faceted for the green and pink bracelets.
Size
I chose 6mm beads. 8mm is the trend but I love how well 6mm beads stack and, to me, the smaller beads look more expensive.
Most gemstone beads are sold in strands of 15-16 in (40 cm).
Cost
The strands typically cost me $3-$10, depending on the type of stone. And they’ll make two bracelets each.
Demi-Fine Beads
You can choose 14K gold-filled, 925 sterling silver, or 14K rose gold beads.
I used 4mm gold-filled beads for the pink and green bracelets and a mix of 4mm and 6mm rose gold beads for the purple bracelet.
You’ll need about 4-8 demi-fine beads for each bracelet. They typically come in packs of 10 and cost from $5-$10 depending on the material.
Clear Elastic Bead Cord
The thickness will depend upon the size of your beads. I used 0.7 mm bead cord For 6 mm beads and it works well.
Note: The items above will make more than one bracelet — 15-16 in (40 cm) gemstone bead strands are standard and will make about two bracelets, as will packs of 10 demi-fine beads.
2: CUT THE CORD
It’s best to measure your wrist with a soft measuring tape.
But if you don’t have one, 18 cm (7 in) is the standard woman’s wrist size and what I always go with. Also, keep in mind that the elastic cord will likely stretch about (5-10 mm) with time.
I cut my cord length to about 40cm (15.5 in) because I find it easier to string and tie off with a long cord. (You can cut off the excess later.)
3: SORT THE BEADS
If your beads are all the same colour, no need to sort them.
But if they have colour variations, unstring about half of them and sort them into piles with different colour tones.
Trust me, this will make your bracelet look more intentionally designed and stylish.
4: STRING THE BEADS
It’s easiest to build your bracelet from the mid-point outwards. I like to start with two small gold beads in the middle.
I then select similar gemstone beads from one of my piles (with the same colour tone) to place on either side. It looks beautiful if you create sections of beads in different colour tones.
Snoop around on Pinterest and Etsy for inspiration but make the bracelet your own.
You can place your demi-fine beads wherever you want. I usually put one or two after every five or six gemstone beads.
Just make sure each side matches before tying off.
5: TIE OFF
Once your bracelet is 18 cm (7 in) or whatever length fits you best, simply tie a tight knot in the cord, tightening it between two beads. I like to tie it twice to be safe.
Since the cord is clear, the knot will be barely noticeable, but if you’d like to completely hide it, you’ll need to buy a larger decorative bead (with a larger hole — 6 mm is too small) that you can pull the knot into.
That’s it!
TIPS TO MAKE IT MORE LUXE
Use two or three different types of gemstone beads in one bracelet. Ensuring that the colours and stones’ energetic properties complement each other.
Add a charm. A small, dangling charm looks awesome, but note that this could significantly increase the cost of the bracelet.
TIPS TO SAVE EVEN MORE MONEY
Stone Grades
Some sellers offer different grades of stone like A, AB, etc. This indicates the quality of stone (i.e. if they are pure or have any little flecks of other colours in them). The lower grades will save you more moola and still look great.
Pewter instead of Sterling Silver
If you purchase pewter beads instead of sterling silver your bracelet won’t technically be demi-fine, but pewter looks similar (just not as bright and shiny). And the good thing about pewter is that it won’t tarnish like silver.
ADDITIONAL ONLINE BEADING SHOPS
Here are more crystal and demi-fine bead supply options for your DIY gemstone bracelet.
FINAL NOTE
Just like any stretch bracelet you purchase, the cord may loosen with time and could even break.
That’s the beauty of making it yourself. You’ll have the knowledge and items you need to restring it any time.
I hope you enjoy your gorgeous high-vibe DIY gemstone bracelet!
Great write-up still smiling at it.