DIY Rhinestone Jewelry Ideas And Inspiration For Beginners
Jewelry is more than just an accessory. Pieces can communicate feelings and beliefs, shaping how people perceive you. Furthermore, crystal components add flashy light plays that catch the eye. However, bling can be pricey. Instead, DIY rhinestone jewelry to create unique pieces.
​ Rhinestone Jewelry Making: Professional Vs. DIY
Professional jewelers utilize metalsmithing, casting, and soldering techniques to create their pieces. Many of us lack the necessary equipment or skills to employ these techniques. However, that doesn’t mean creating beautiful bedazzled jewelry is out of the question.
Moreover, creating your own pieces gives you the freedom of self-expression. Instead of accessorizing with off-the-rack styles, you can create unique jewelry. Plus, it’s usually much more affordable to create your own rather than buy it. In fact, you can DIY rhinestone jewelry using a variety of processes: ​ 1. Embellish An Existing Piece
Typically, this idea works great on pendants or plain metal bangles you find on clearance. Often, these are plain pieces you can buy for a few dollars. Glue on a few rhinestones, and the jewelry takes on a whole different look.
​ 2. Use Cup And Chain Settings
Cup and chain settings encase rhinestones securely in a mount. Manufacturers link the cups together to make a continuous chain, making it easy to create jewelry. Moreover, you can buy cups individually and connectors separately for greater creative control over your designs.
​ 3. Create Bedazzled Clay Jewelry
Creating jewelry from clay has been around for centuries. However, it wasn’t until the 1960’s that scientists stumbled upon the formula for polymer clay. Although traditional Earth clays, such as ceramic, require a kiln for hardening, polymer clay bakes in a home oven. Available in a variety of colors, it’s great for making brooches, charms, pendants, and earrings.
​ 4. Simple Ideas Using Common Materials
Sometimes, the best ideas come from using the simplest materials. You can use buttons, washers, or paper beads decorated with rhinestones as components for unique jewelry pieces.
​ FAQs About DIY Rhinestone Jewelry?
Are you excited to begin making bedazzled jewelry pieces, but have a few more questions? Below, we provide some additional information about creating sparkling bling accessories.
​ Which Rhinestone Glue Is Best for Jewelry?
The answer to this question depends on the base surface. Of course, your choice of glue should be suitable for rhinestones and dry clear. However, certain glues form stronger bonds to particular surfaces. For example, metal or plastic presents smooth surfaces that can prevent bonding.
​To encourage adhesion, most experts recommend scuffing the surface with sandpaper before gluing. Then use a glue specifically suited to these materials:
Are Some Faux Gems Better for Jewelry-Making?
Absolutely! Only crystal rhinestones achieve a diamond-like sparkle. Yet, even crystal manufacturers vary in the number of facets and their arrangement. Both play an important role in sparkle.
For many jewelry makers, only the best will do, and that means using Preciosa crystal. Made from the finest materials, the company has perfected the light play with geometrically balanced, precision-cut facets. While other top-tier brands exist, none have the glassmaking history of Preciosa. ​ Where Is the Best Place to Buy Rhinestones Online?
Undoubtedly, buying rhinestones online can be risky because you can’t inspect the product before purchasing. What may seem like a bargain can become a problem when you receive miscolored, minimal sparkle crystals.
When searching for the best crystals for DIY rhinestone jewelry, shop Rhinestones Etc. Since 2011, we have been selling high-quality crystal gems at competitive prices. We pride ourselves on fast processing times, with many orders receiving same-day shipping. Explore our inventory to find the perfect color and size for your next jewelry project.
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DIY Rhinestone Jewelry - Paper Bead Earrings with Bling
​Jewelry is much more than a simple accessory, it’s the finishing touch to any outfit. Moreover, you can express your personality through your creations when you make pieces. In this DIY rhinestone jewelry tutorial, we’ll show you how to create beautiful earrings with paper beads and crystal bling.
​ Necessary Supplies For This DIY Rhinestone Jewelry Project
Sometimes the simplest materials can make the most beautiful things. For example, old magazines can become colorful paper beads. This craft of making paper beads is old, possibly dating back to Victorian England, when women used wallpaper scraps. Today, artisans continue the tradition with modern twists. You can DIY rhinestone jewelry with paper beads by following our simple directions.
Required supplies:
Generally, manufacturers make different rhinestone sizes varying from tiny 5ss to large 40ss crystals. For this project, the smaller sized bedazzling gems work better than larger ones. While I used the 12ss size, other smaller flatback crystals will also work. However, some manufacturers limit the variety of colors in these smaller sizes. Moreover, while resin, acrylic, and jelly faux jewels are the least expensive, they offer little sparkle. Although glass rhinestones have more sparkle, crystal produces the most eye-catching glitter. ​ ​ 
How to Make Paper Beads
There are a few different bead shapes you can make. Usually, this depends on the shape of the paper you cut. For example, a rectangle piece of paper will make a tubular bead while a triangle will make a cone bead. Variations in these shapes will lead to interesting differences in the final product. The pink earrings have a triangle shape with a base of ¾ of an inch and sides 8 inches long.
1. Cut out your desired shape from your paper scraps. 2. Place the paper printed side down. 3. Begin ¼ inch from the base and spread the glue thinly. 4. Set your skewer on the unglued part and roll up the paper tightly. 5. Secure the paper end and remove the skewer. 6. After the glue has dried completely, seal with several coats of Mod Podge letting it dry between coats. ​ 
How to Make the Paper Bead Earrings With Crystal Bling
Once the last coat of Mod Podge is thoroughly dry, you're ready to glue the flatback gems onto your paper bead. I like to use E6000 on my jewelry projects because of the bond strength. However, there are many other rhinestone glues to choose.
When using E6000, I squeeze a small amount on a paper plate and apply it with a toothpick. You can also buy syringes to control the flow of this rhinestone glue. Always use in a well-ventilated area and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Unique and sparkly, our DIY rhinestone jewelry project is easy to make. Why not make several pairs to match different outfits? The sparkle from the crystals adds a beautiful touch of glamor. Did you like our tutorial? Then share it with your friends and family! And when shopping for quality crystal gems, choose Rhinestones Etc. We have a huge selection of bedazzling jewels at competitive prices and ship within 24 hours on most orders. Browse our inventory to find your perfect color and size. 
 DIY: Easy and Fast Macramé Bracelet with Beads TutorialMacramé is a craft using knotting techniques and some type of cord. Chiefly, common types of cord include cotton, linen, jute, leather or yard. Moreover, the craft is ancient, probably dating back to around 500 BC, where the Persians and Syrians used it. From there, it spread to other Arab countries and then finally to Western Europe. Today, macramé has become fashionable in jewelry making, mainly bracelets. To make a macramé bracelet, the crafter mainly uses square knots, weaving beads in between. Fancier bracelets use pave beads, which are beads covered in rhinestones. This tutorial shows you how to make a macramé bracelet with beads that is quick and easy. How to Make a Macramé BraceletFor this project you need:
If you have a macramé board, insert one of the 2 ft pieces of cord in the slot. You'll want to leave about 8 inches hanging behind the board. Or you can use a clipboard as I did or simply tape the piece of cord to the table. Take the 4 ft cord and find the center by folding it in half. Place the center of this cord underneath the cord attached to your macramé board. If you are using a clipboard, or have taped the cord to the table, start about 8 inches down. Now you will begin making your square knots.  Take the left piece and cross it over the center cord.  Take the right piece and thread the end underneath both the left and center cords. Now, pull it up on through the left corner between the center cord and left cord. Pull to tighten. Repeat starting with the right cord crossing over the center cord. Then take the left cord, thread it underneath both right and center cords. Again, pulling it up, this time on the right corner between the center and right cord. You now have one square knot.  ​How to Add Beads to Your Macramé BraceletContinue making square knots until you have 3 square knots. Take a bead and thread it through the center cord.  Slide to the bead so that it is up against the square knots. Make your next square knot around the bead. Again, continue knotting until you have made 3 knots. Slide another bead on and continue knotting. You can make your bracelet as long as you want, with most bracelets measuring 7 ½ inches. Seal the ends of the left and right cords using super glue, E6000 or some other super strong glue. Allow to dry. Snip the ends of the left and right cords close to the knots. Your bracelet should now look like this:  Form a circle out of your bracelet. One end of the center cord should face up and the other down.  You are now going to make the sliding clasp also using square knots. Take the remaining piece of 2 ft cord and fold it in half to find the center. Place the center underneath both center cords so that one end faces left and the other right. In the same manner as before, make 5 square knots.  Once you’ve made your 5 square knots, seal the ends of the knotting cord with glue. When dry, snip the ends of the cord close to the knots. Thread one of the 6mm beads onto the top center cord. Next, tie a knot about 2-3 inches away from the sliding clasp.  Do the same for the bottom center cord. Seal the ends of the cord with glue and let dry. Snip the ends of the cord close to the knot.  Your finished Macramé Bracelet with BeadsThese bracelets are easy and fun to make and look fabulous! You can experiment with more beads and fewer knots or different size beads and different types of cord. Try adding pave beads for some sparkle! Each macramé bracelet with beads will be a unique and fashionable piece of jewelry.
Do you need some beads to start your macramé bracelet? Rhinestones Etc. has been selling crystal rhinestones online for over 10 years with discount pricing and quality customer service. In addition to our stock of rhinestones, pearls, and metal trim, we now carry pave and clay beads. Note: We no longer stock clay or pave beads
What Are Pave Beads, and How Can You Use Them in Jewelry?Pave beads, also called disco ball beads, are those wonderfully sparkly beads covered in small rhinestones. Just like a disco ball, with every turn the beads throw off a spectacular amount of sparkle. For such a small bead, pave beads are like the superhero of beading for sparkle. Notably, pave means to set as close together as possible to conceal a metal base. And originally, pave beads had a metal interior covered with tiny rhinestones. However today, some pave beads have oven baked clay interiors, bringing down the price considerably. Pave Beads in Jewelry DesignPresently, the macramé bracelet design is one of the most popular ways of using pave beads. Mads and Mikkel Kornerup made this style of bracelet very popular. The brothers first introduced their popular Shambala bracelet, the main type of macramé bracelet, in 2005. Not only a fashion statement, but these bracelets also have spiritual meaning. Correspondingly, each bead color of the bracelet has a different meaning. Perhaps you just like Shambala bracelet for its look. Even so, you can’t deny the eye-catching sparkle of a Shambala bracelet made with pave beads. Although macramé bracelets are the main way to use pave beads, it is not the only way. Another popular way to use pave beads in an earring design. Moreover, earrings are simple to make with a coordinating smaller bead, headpin, and ear wires. Additionally, you can slip a pave bead onto a charm bracelet for added sparkle.  Types of BeadsSwarovski manufactured pave beads have a stainless-steel shaft covered in rhinestones. With several shapes available from tube, round and oval shaped, Swarovski also offers many different colors. But Swarovski made pave beads are expensive. Priced at over $10 per bead, jewelry making with Swarovski made beads can be quite pricey.
Currently offering round pave beads in several colors, Rhinestones Etc’s pave beads are competitively priced. Unlike Swarovski, we use an oven baked clay interior. Then we cover it with over 60 - 9ss rhinestones. Finally, our beads are 12mm in size with a hole through the middle. Our beads are perfect for making macramé bracelets or any other jewelry designs. Although we no longer carry pave beads, we have other high-quality crystal rhinestone products available. Browse our online store to find your color and size.  DIY Jewelry: Simple Sparkling Earrings Using Pave BeadsThere is something magical that happens when you put on sparkling jewelry. Yet, even imitation diamond jewelry is expensive. Instead, DIY these earrings using pave beads. You can make these beads covered in small rhinestones by following our instructions. For this project, I used:
How to Make Pave BeadsTo begin, make 2 balls out of polymer oven baked clay. Each ball should measure about 12mm. Using a straight pin or small nail, make a hole through the center, large enough to fit an eye pin through. Bake for 15 minutes at 275 degrees. When finished baking, remove from the oven and let cool. Next, the rhinestones need to be glued to the clay balls. Although there are several suitable glues, I chose to use E6000 for this project due to its strong adherence. E6000 tends to be gloppy, so I like to squeeze a small amount over a paper plate. Use a toothpick to scrape a small amount of glue. Apply this to the clay ball. Pick up a crystal with tweezers or a wax tipped tool and gently press it into the glue. Continue gluing until the bead is covered with bedazzling gems, leaving the hole open. Let dry for 24 hours.  How to Make DIY Earrings Slide a small bead onto the eye pin and then the pave bead on top.  Using the chain nose pliers bend the eye to a 90 degree angle
Then, using the round nose pliers, bend the wire around the pliers to make the loop.  Hold the loop with the flat nose pliers and start to wrap the excess wire underneath the loop. Before you get to the bottom, cut the excess wire and then tuck in the end. Next, open a 4mm jump ring. Attach the ear wire to the loop in the pave bead using the jump ring. Close the jump ring and your earring is finished.  Every movement of you head will produce a twinkle of light as each rhinestone on the pave beads sparkle. Glamourous and captivating, these earrings will accessorize any outfit. Easy to make and inexpensive, you’ll want to have several pairs of these DIY earrings on hand.  Need rhinestones to get you started on making some pave beads? Rhinestones Etc. has competitive pricing and excellent customer service.
Browse our large selection of quality crystal bedazzling gems before you begin your next project.  Great DIY Ideas to Make Beautiful Rhinestone JewelryImagine a Christmas tree without decorations, or a wedding cake with no icing. Just as you expect ornaments at Christmas and fancy icing decorations at a wedding, jewelry is the finishing touch. Think of what the Oscars would be without all those glittering jewels. Unfortunately, real gemstone jewelry is quite pricey and unaffordable for most of us. Rhinestone jewelry is a lot less expensive and can really add the finishing touch to an outfit. But buying a new piece of jewelry each time you buy a new outfit can be expensive. Also, even buying multiple pieces of costume jewelry for each outfit can really put a dent in your budget. However, you can make your own faux gem jewelry saving yourself a bundle of money. And using crystal jewels to make jewelry is easy, fun, and adds that touch of sparkly elegance. History of Rhinestone JewelryMany historians credit Georg Friedrich Strass with inventing the rhinestone. This new imitation gem could take the place of precious gems in jewelry making without sacrificing any sparkle, and they cost a lot less than diamonds. Whereas Strass made jewelry more affordable, Coco Chanel made it fun to wear costume jewelry. Until Chanel arrived on the fashion scene in the late 1920s, only the wealthy could afford jewelry. Typically, manufacturers made pieces nearly exclusively with precious stones and fine metals. Even still, the high cost of these accessories meant even wealthy women could only wear one to two pieces. Meanwhile, costume jewelry was a sort of style faux-pas. It was looked-down upon as being only for women who couldn’t afford the real thing. Chanel was an innovator in many aspects of fashion, and she made it fashionable to wear fake jewels. Many of her signature pieces feature rhinestones. ​Some DIY Rhinestone Jewelry PiecesDefinitely, rhinestones add that look of extravagance of precious gems without the steep price tag. Moreover, even if you are not experienced in jewelry making, there are some simple pieces you can make. Glue a large bedazzling jewel (30ss) to an earring backing to make a pair of gem studs. Punch a small hole in pieces of shaped balsa wood and glue crystal faux jewels to it. Then, attach a jump ring and earring wires for a different style of bedazzling earrings.
Use different components in making bracelets. Fabrics, buttons, or washers make great surfaces to glue rhinestones to.
Wire wrapped jewelry is also quite popular. Bedazzling jewels can be wrapped with jewelry wire to make pendants, bracelets, and rings.  There are so many possibilities for DIY rhinestone jewelry! All of these were inexpensively made and simple to do. See what you can create using rhinestones. Need rhinestones for your jewelry project? Rhinestones Etc. has competitive prices and excellent customer service. Explore our bedazzling jewels before you start your next bling project. DIY: Button Bracelet With RhinestonesSometimes, you can take simple components and make a truly stunning DIY jewelry piece. For example, take buttons: most people have some lying around, and if not, they are inexpensive to buy. Simply, paint on glitter nail polish, string them together, and glue on some bedazzling gems. And just like that, you now have a very pretty button bracelet with rhinestones. To do this project, I used:
 ​Instructions for a DIY Button Bracelet with RhinestonesYou can use all the same size buttons or vary the sizes, whichever style you prefer. I used purple glitter nail polish but there are many colors available at your local beauty supply store. Paint the tops of the buttons making sure you don’t paint over the button holes. Let the nail polish dry completely.
To protect the nail polish from chipping off, spray a coating of Krylon Acrylic coating on the buttons. If you want, you can apply more than one coat, allowing to dry completely between coats. Cut a piece of complimentary embroidery thread about 12 inches long. Thread a sewing needle with all six strands. Starting underneath, sew the buttons together.  Using a cord end cap, place one end of the thread in the cap leaving a one-inch tail. Fold over one side of the cap. Place the tail in the cap folding the thread and then folding over the other side of the cord end cap. Cut the excess tail thread.  Measure your wrist to a comfortable fit. Cut the other end to this length and add the cord end cap to the other end. Add a jump ring and lobster clasp to one end and a jump ring to the other. Lay the bracelet flat. For the larger buttons, I used 34ss rhinestones and the smaller buttons I used size 20ss. Place a drop of glue smaller than the crystal on the middle of the button. Follow the glue manufacturer’s instructions. Using a wax tipped tool or tweezers, gently press the bedazzling gem into the glue drop. Continue gluing until all of the buttons have a jewel, then allow to dry flat for 24 hours.  Buying new jewelry every season is expensive, but with this DIY button bracelet with rhinestones, you’ll have a sparkling piece perfect for the fall. Wear it for formal or casual occasions, either way, you’re sure to make a sparkly statement! Rhinestones Etc. want to be your source for bling supplies. We provide responsive customer service, fast processing times, and competitive prices on beautiful crystal rhinestones. Browse our selection to find your color.
Rhinestone Jewelry: How to Make a Bling Washer NecklaceMaking jewelry from washers is a classic, budget-friendly trend. Previously, we’ve explored making a single rhinestone washer and bedazzling multiple washer bracelets. Today, we’ll create a one-of-a-kind bling washer necklace. For this project, I used:
How to Make Washer NecklacesBegin by coloring the washers with alcohol ink, creating patterns using your favorite colors.  Once the ink dries, you will want to put a clear protective coating on it. Krylon brand which is easy to apply and dries in 10-15 minutes. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying. I picked some coordinating rhinestone colors in size 12ss to enhance the washers. When gluing rhinestones to metal, I like to use E6000 because its strong bond. Use in a well-ventilated area and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. E6000 can be a bit gloppy, so I squeeze E6000 over a paper plate and use a toothpick to apply the glue. Then, using tweezers or wax tipped tool, pick up a rhinestone and gently press it into the glue. Continue gluing bedazzling gems and then allow to dry for 24 hours.
For the cord, I used embroidery floss. It comes in many colors, so you are sure to find one that will coordinate with your necklace. Measure your neck to see where you want the necklace to lie. You can use one long piece of floss, or, as I did, two shorter pieces. I cut mine 27 inches long. Fold the floss in half to form a loop at one end. Pull this loop from underneath the washer up through the hole. Take the two loose ends, put them through the loop, and pull to tighten. Do the same for the other piece of floss.  Trim the ends of the floss so they are even. Then taking a cord end clasp, lay the ends of the embroidery floss in the clasp and using jewelry pliers, bend the first side over then the other to secure the ends.
On one end add a jump ring and lobster clasp and on the other just a jump ring.  Stunning, aren’t they? And so simple to make. Unleash your creative side and make some washer necklaces for every outfit!
For all your bling needs, shop Rhinestones Etc. We offer a large selection of bedazzling gems in many colors and sizes. Plus, many orders ship the same day. Explore our collection to find the perfect product for your bling project. Leather Wrap Necklace with Sparkling Crystal RhinestonesHave you seen leather wrap necklaces, the newest jewelry trend? I set out to make one and worked on several different designs. Some ideas didn’t work and some ideas I didn’t like. The kind that wrapped around your neck several times, was too constricting for me. I tried making one with a washer, but the washer was too heavy, and the necklace kept slipping. I finally found a design with a noose knot that I loved. For this project I used:
How to Make a Leather Wrap Necklace Cut the strip of leather to about 30 inches in length. To make a noose knot, leave about 6 inches on one end and shape the leather into an “S” shape.  Try to make the shape small, only about 1 inch in length. Take the right end and go underneath the shape.
Continue wrapping around the “S” shape 3 times, tightening the wrap as you go. Slip the end (the end you’ve been wrapping around with) into the left loop, pulling tight.
Now take the right loop and pull tight so that the left loop will disappear. And there is your noose knot. You can put a drop of glue on it to secure it if you wish. Cut the short end off close to the knot. In gluing the rhinestones into place, I use E6000 on leather. It makes a super strong bond, and I don’t have to worry about the rhinestones falling off. Make sure to use it in a well-ventilated area and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Because E6000 is a bit gloppy, I use a toothpick to apply it.  After applying the glue, pick up a rhinestone and gently press in into place. I glued 8 rhinestones per side on the very end of the leather. Also, I measured where the knot would sit around my neck and glued 8 rhinestones per side there to keep the knot from slipping.  This leather wrap necklace is easy to make, and the rhinestones give it that extra eye-catching sparkle. Wear it with your favorite outfit for some extra jazz! For all your bling needs, shop Rhinestones Etc. We offer quality crystal bedazzling gems in all sizes and colors. Additionally, we have responsive customer service and competitive pricing.  How To Make Super Easy Crystal Rhinestone Stud EarringsAccessorizing an outfit can really add that extra something and make it stand out. Adding just the right jewelry can really impact how you feel about yourself. You can go from pretty to beautiful just by adding the right touch. But it isn’t always easy to find the sparkling accessories to match an outfit. Once you see how simple it is to create your own rhinestone stud earrings, you’ll be making a pair to match every outfit. For this project I used:
How to Make a Pair of Rhinestone Stud EarringsMost craft stores have a large jewelry supply section. So, you should have no trouble finding some flat post earrings and backings. I have a nickel allergy and was happy the ones I found were nickel-free. When I glue rhinestones to metal, I like to use E6000. It provides a good adhesion to metal. Always make sure you use it in a well-ventilated area and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Also, I found that you can use slightly less glue when using E6000 than other adhesives because it provides such a strong bond.  Start by applying E6000 to the flat part of the earring stud. Using a toothpick when applying E6000 helps to make sure you have the right amount as E6000 tends to be gloppy. Then, pick up a rhinestone using tweezers, or a wax tipped tool. Gently press the rhinestone into the glue. Do the same for the other earring stud. Allow to dry for 24 hours.  Super easy to make and just as nice-looking as those expensive department store rhinestone earrings. Plus, you can make a different colored pair for every outfit you own without blowing your budget. Happy crafting!
Rhinestones Etc. has bedazzling crystals for all your bling projects. We offer fast processing times, responsive customer service, and competitive prices. Explore our inventory to find the perfect size and color for you. |
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