It’s always fun to come upon an item that is super intriguing and then figure out how to use it in jewelry. I have seen all kinds of variations on these extra-large fancy stones. They make them in every color and in many kinds of shapes. Without any metalsmithing, you might bypass them as something difficult to create with—but not anymore. You can make this project in a few minutes with just jump rings and epoxy clay.
Skill level: Easy
Time: 20 minutes plus curing time
Supplies
♦ Disposable gloves
♦ Two-part epoxy clay (any colors)
♦ Protected work surface
♦ Wet wipes
♦ Large diamond-shaped glass crystals/beads
♦ Large jump rings
♦ Black heavyweight chain
♦ Lobster claw clasp
Mike Mihalo
Gay Isber
1. Make sure the stones are clean and dry. Be very careful where your bare fingers touch the stones so you don’t leave fingerprints. Mix some black clay. Roll it into small snakes or coils. Make a circle around the point of each stone.
Gay Isber
2. Push a large jump ring into the clay and close the gap with your fingertips. Make sure the ring is secure.
Gay Isber
3. Smooth out all of the finished pieces so they are clean of any fingerprints or clay. You don’t want messy clay to ruin the shine of these gems!
Gay Isber
4. Once the clay is cured, add the gems to a necklace chain in a cluster using additional jump rings. This riot of colors is a fun, festive look!