Wire Bracelet with Clasp : Jewelry 101
How to Make: Beaded Wire Bracelet with Clasp
In this guide, we'll walk you through how to create a simple beaded wire bracelet finished with a lobster claw clasp. This beginner-friendly project uses classic sterling silver elements including desert pearl beads, oxidized pattern beads, and daisy spacer beads to create a balanced, professional-looking design.
Below you'll find the materials needed, step-by-step instructions, and a video resource if you prefer to follow along visually.
Materials You’ll Need
Your Choice of Desert Pearl Bead Style
Desert Pearl Beads — check out our desert pearl bead section for a large selection of sizes and styles. We used 5mm round beads for this guide.
Your Choice of Oxidized Pattern Beads
Sterling Silver Pattern Beads — We used the 6mm pattern bead in this guide.
Your Choice of Spacer Beads
Sterling Silver Spacer Beads — We used a 4mm antiqued daisy spacer bead for our bracelet for it's visual chemistry with the desert & oxidized beads but feel free to choose a spacer bead that works for you!
Lobster Claw Clasp or Spring Ring
Oxidized Lobster Claw Clasps — We chose an 8mm oxidized lobster claw clasp because it's antiqued finish matches the tone of the desert beads and oxidized beads, creating a visually cohesive final product.
Beading Wire
Soft Flex® Beading Wire — We used a.019" soft touch satin silver beading wire in this guide
Jump Rings
Sterling Silver Jump Rings — We used a 5mm closed sterling silver jump ring for this guide
Scissors or Side Cutters
KATA Micro Wire Cutters Pliers — We don't provide scissors/cutters at wholesale jewelry supply, but you can find some great options on Amazon or your local craft store.
Ruler
Stainless Steel Rulers (4 Pack) — We don't provide rulers at wholesale jewelry supply, but you can find great options on Amazon or your local office supply store.
Pliers - Chain Nose / Bent Chain Nose
5 Pack Jewelry Pliers Set — We don't carry pliers at Wholesale Jewelry Supply but we've linked a 5 pack pliers set for you here or you can always browse your local hardware/crafts store.
Step-by-Step Assembly
Bracelet Instructions
Measure your wrist with a cloth measuring tool. If you don’t have one, use paper, string or even a rubber band and mark where it meets.
- Wrap your chosen material around your wrist.
- Mark where it meets.
- Lay it on a ruler.
- Use the bracelet size guide to determine how much string you will need.
- Ensure that you cut a few inches above what is needed to make tying the knot easier.
- You will cut off the excess later.
Add an additional 6-8 inches of wire, this extra length provides enough material to comfortably handle and attach other findings such as crimp beads, wire guards and clasps.
Accumulate enough of your desired beads for your fit. We find it beneficial to keep the beads you plan to use in a bead tray of some kind for easy access and to prevent the beads from rolling off the table.
Hold one end of your wire and place a crimp bead on, also at this time you will add on your choice of clasp. Make sure the wire loops through the clasp ring then back into the crimp. This is referred to as a “double pass”, when the wire goes through the crimp bead creating a loop, and making sure the wires are not crossed. For most Soft Flex wire diameters (.014" - .024"), 2x2mm or 2x3mm crimp tubes are recommended.
Once you have passed the wire through the crimp twice, adjust it to your desired loop, not too tight. Now you can use a crimping tool to secure the crimp or in this case we have chosen a twisted crimp bead that can be secured using a plier.
Note: The twisted crimp bead has a slightly twisted, textured surface that provides better grip on the wire and a more decorative look.
You can now begin stringing your pattern onto the wire until it is finished.
When you have finished stringing your design you can once again add a crimp, and this time loop through a closed jump ring and back through the crimp bead. You may want to use one plier to hold the loop still and your finger to pull the string tight enough and into the next couple of beads before crimping down and cutting.
You can now connect your clasp to the jump ring and your bracelet is complete!
Tips for a Professional Finish
- Use Crimp Covers (optional) - Crimp covers can be placed over flattened crimp beads to give them the appearance of a small bead for a polished look.
- Check bracelet length before finishing - Before securing the final crimp, carefully wrap the bracelet around your wrist to confirm the fit.
- Lay beads out before stringing - Arranging your design on a bead mat helps ensure spacing and symmetry before commiting to the wire.
Final Thoughts
Creating a beaded wire bracelet is a very beginner-friendly jewelry technique that can open doors to more difficult crafting projects. Once you understand how to attach crimps and clasps, you can apply the same method to necklaces, anklets and more complex bracelet designs.
The combination of desert beads, oxidized beads and antiqued daisy spacers creates a bold look that works beautifully on its on or stacked with other bracelets. Try experimenting with different beads, sizes & patterns to create something unique for you!
If you have any questions about the materials used in this guide or need help selecting the right findings, feel free to rach out - we're always happy to help.
