DIY Chic: Layered Statement Necklace
Staying stylish on a budget can be hard, especially in College. That’s why DIY Chic is here to show you how to update your wardrobe without breaking the bank. If you are looking for more DIY inspiration, take a look at our past tutorials on making a multi-strand statement necklace, bow hair accessories, flower hair clips, a printed word scarf, transforming a pair of old jeans, recreating an old or thrifted item, or creating a pair of cap-toe flats, shortening a hemline, distressing a pair of old denim shorts, or embellishing an old clutch or wallet.
Every college girl needs that special statement-making accessory. A bold necklace is the perfect way to dress up a casual outfit for class or add a little something extra to a special occasion look. This week, we are sharing a surprisingly easy layered statement necklace DIY. Take a look at the step-by-step process below:
What you’ll need:
- Needle-nose pliers. I used a small pair specifically for jewelry making, but a regular pair will work fine.
- Jump rings.
- A necklace clasp.
- Chain. At least 30 inches, or more, depending on how long you want your necklace to be.
- Charms, beads, etc. to layer. I picked up these leaf-shaped metal charms in the beading department of a local craft store. I used about 16 of them.
The step-by-step process:
1. Measure out how long you want your chain to be, cut the chain, and attach the necklace clasp if needed. I made my chain 25 inches long and used jump rings to attach the clasp since the links are small.
2. Before you get started, decide how you want to arrange your charm layers and where you’d like them to sit on the chain. Then, begin attaching your first layer of charms or pendants with jump rings.
3. Continue attaching your first layer until your necklace begins taking the shape you want. Make sure that each and every jump ring is securely closed with your pliers – otherwise, your work might fall apart.
4. Measure out the second layer of your necklace, which should be slightly shorter than the first. Using jump rings, attach it a few inches up the chain from your first layer, as seen in the pictures below.
5. Just like you did with the first layer, begin building your second layer by attaching your charms or pendants using jump rings. If you want, you could add a third or fourth layer to create the look you want, but I stopped at two layers.
And there you go! Though this sort of project might take a little bit of time and patience, the process itself is surprisingly simple. The best part is you can create a customized piece that fits your personal style.
What do you think?
What do you think of the layered necklace look? Are you a fan of bold statement jewelry? Do you have a do-it-yourself project you’d like to see on College Fashion in the future? Let us know in a comment!
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Posted on on June 27, 2012 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: Accessories, Budget Fashion, DIY, DIY Chic, Do-it-yourself, Fashion Inspiration, How To, Jewelry, Necklace, Statement Necklace, Tutorials
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Arianna
This article couldn’t have came at a better time! I am having an important birthday in a few days and I will be wearing a LBD so I needed something exactly like this to finish the look off. You guys always save me!
Miriam
Love it! I have several pairs of leaf earrings but haven’t seen any leaf necklace around. Plus, I love statement necklaces. This one is gorgeous, I can’t wait to make it!
WUAS
love this SO much and will definitely have to try it out soon! recently discovered a Bead shop too! :D
xx
Jennifer
This is amazing. I love leaf earrings it has always been my go to statement piece but I’d love to have a leaf necklace too.
Alyssa Nicole
Love this idea! Great post!
Amy - St. Lawrence University
This is BEAUTIFUL. I’m definitely trying it soon!
Michelle
I LOVE IT!!!
Aprilette
This leaf charm necklace is so awesome and quite brilliant to make! That would match my new pair of leaf earrings.
Chris
This necklace is absolutely gorgeous! How much did it cost to make it?
Isra
As much as I love all the DIYs you guys post on this website I am too scared to try any! I think I’m completely horrible at it. But the necklace is so pretty.
Megan
This is so beautiful! Definitely need to try this immediately! :D
Donna
Why is DIY so popular these days? Does anyone really have this much time on their hands? I’d rather just buy one…save me a lot of time and money.
Caitlin
This is such a great DIY! I’ve recently become a little obsessed, but I’ve only really been able to do little things like rope bracelets. Thanks for giving a tutorial on some of the bigger and more extravagant styles! :)
Sharan
You know, it’s easier to just go out and get some necklaces because people dont usually have all that lying around the house.
Gina
The beauty of making it yourself is that you can make it any way you want it, tailor it to your colors, size, or needs, and know that it is well made, not some cheap filler junk that tears apart after one wear. It’s much more economical to make stuff like this yourself!
Joanne
I just wanted to say thank you so much for this article! I’ve always wanted to try making my own jewelry, but was worried it would come out horrible. After reading this and realizing how simple it really is, I decided to go for it! I made my first necklace in about half an hour, and got tons of compliments on it! I even got asked by a few of my co-workers if I could make some for them!
Thanks CF for introducing me to my favorite hobby!