Stacked Stone + Pewter Pendant

Hey friends!  I’ve been back in the studio after a hectic start to this month and I have a tutorial to share with you today for making this earthy, nature inspired pendant.  The stacked stones have an almost zen appeal, and the tiny pewter accents give it a little shine!  I’ve worn this piece out a few times, and every time, without fail – someone has asked where I got it.

And I get to say, I made it.  And you can, too!  Happy Mango Beads is sponsoring today’s design and I’ll link to all the products I used from their store in the list below so that you can click and buy, if you would like to.  I love the natural elements that Happy Mango Beads is known for – it’s my go-to source when I’m looking for something rustic, organic, or unusual.

Supplies:

• 7 howlite disc beads, varied sizes (these range from 9mm – 23mm)
• 18mm oval pewter disc bead
• 11mm pewter open heart charm
• 6mm pewter bead cap
• 4mm rondelle crystal bead (I used a teal color to match)
• Decorative pewter head pin
• 30? 2mm Cable Chain
• 6 ” 18-Gauge Silver Plated Copper Wire
• 3 – 5mm Jump Rings
• Round Nose Pliers
• Chain Nose Pliers
• Wire Cutters

Begin by cutting a length of wire approximately 8 inches long.  (This doesn’t have to be exact – you’ll be trimming any excess off.)  About an inch from one end, wrap your wire around one side of your round nose pliers, forming a loop.  Next, wrap 2-3 times around the wire itself under the loop, as shown above.  Trim off the excess wire.

Next, stack one pewter disc bead onto the wire so that it rests against the loop you just made.  Then, add stone beads in a graduated pattern from largest to smallest.  There’s a lot of flexibility in this step; you can try different sizes or shapes together to see what you like the looks of best.  I used flatter stones and added seven.  You may enjoy the look of more or less!  Once you’re happy with your stack, create a large loop in the wire at the top of the stones.

Wrap the tail end of the wire around, between the loop and the top of the stones to fill the gap between.  I continued to wrap several times, creating a spiral on top of the smallest stone.  Because we’re working with irregular elements, don’t focus on the number of times to wrap or the exact dimensions to create, but rather let the stones you have selected guide you.  Each necklace will be slightly different, and unique from all the others!

Next, attach a charm or two at the bottom of the stone stack with a jump ring.  I used an open heart bead, and then at the last minute also decided that I wanted to bring the color down further.  I threaded a 4mm teal rondelle crystal glass bead onto a head pin, added a bead cap so that the bead was just barely peeking out, and wrapped the top of the charm in the same way as I finished the stacked stones – form a loop, and wrap the wire around the pin.  Trim off the excess wire.

This is another area where you may wish to add different elements, attaching each charm at the bottom with a 5mm jump ring.

Finally, I strung the pendant onto a long (30″) chain.  Because I slip the long necklaces over my head, I typically don’t bother to add a clasp to them, I just attach the two ends of the chain together with a jump ring!  You can of course add a lobster clasp to finish yours – especially if you’re planning to sell your pieces, or planning to shorten the chain to a length that might not slip over everyone’s heads.

This piece is easy to make once you’ve mastered basic wire wrapping, and jewelry artists with some experience will find that this piece comes together in 10 minutes or less!

Thanks for joining me for today’s quick stone necklace tutorial, and I’ll see you again soon!