Crafting A Sparkling Austrian Crystal Bracelet

Austrian crystals are valued for their beauty and sparkle, and their intricate and complex manufacturing process has given them a reputation for being the most beautiful and brilliant crystal in the world. Austrian crystal bracelets are a stunning choice for any occasion, and the 4mm crystal size gives the perfect sparkle and shine when the light hits them just right. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to make your own sparkling 4mm Austrian crystal bracelet.

How to make a 4mm Austrian Crystal Bracelet

Measuring your wrist

Step 1: Choose the Right Tool

You can use a flexible measuring tape, preferably one used for sewing, to measure your wrist. A soft measuring tape will conform to your wrist and provide an accurate reading. However, if you don't have access to a flexible measuring tape, you can use alternative tools such as a strip of paper, ribbon, string, or cord.

Step 2: Wrap the Measuring Tool

Wrap the chosen measuring tool snugly around the widest part of your wrist. This is typically just below the wrist bone, where you would normally wear a bracelet. Ensure that the measuring tape or alternative tool is not too tight but fits comfortably.

Step 3: Mark and Measure

If you are using a strip of paper, ribbon, or cord, mark the point on the strip where it completes a circle around your wrist. Then, unwrap the strip and use a ruler to measure the length between the starting point and the marked point. This measurement will give you the circumference of your wrist.

Step 4: Determine Bracelet Size

Once you have your wrist measurement, you can determine the ideal bracelet size. A good rule of thumb is to add about 0.5 inches (or 1.27 cm) to your wrist measurement to get the bracelet size. This addition ensures a comfortable fit that is not too tight. For example, if your wrist measures 6 inches, your bracelet size would be 6.5 inches.

Step 5: Consider Your Preferences

Keep in mind that bracelet sizing also depends on your personal preferences. If you like a snug fit, you may not need to add the extra 0.5 inches. On the other hand, if you prefer a looser fit, you may want to add a bit more length to the bracelet. As a general guideline, you should be able to fit two fingers comfortably between the bracelet and your wrist for a comfortable fit.

Attaching Austrian crystals

Prepare the Materials: Before you begin, gather all the necessary materials, including your Austrian crystals, a suitable bracelet base or chain, jewellery tools such as pliers and wire cutters, and any additional findings or beads you plan to use.

Plan Your Design: Decide on the placement of your Austrian crystals. You can space them evenly along the bracelet or create a specific pattern. Sketching out your design or marking the placement on the bracelet can help guide your work.

Setting the Crystals: Austrian crystals often come with specific settings, such as cushion stone settings or custom-fit settings. Carefully place each crystal into its setting, ensuring it sits securely. You may use tools like pliers for this step, being careful not to scratch the crystals.

Attaching the Crystals to the Bracelet: Once your crystals are securely set in their settings, you can attach them to your bracelet. Use jewellery wire or elastic cord to string the crystals onto the bracelet, ensuring they are securely fastened and won't come loose. You can also use other techniques like braiding ultra-suede cord with Crystaletts to create a unique pattern.

Finishing Touches: After attaching all the crystals, finish your bracelet by adding a clasp, such as an Elegant Elements clasp, to ensure it can be securely worn. You can also add crimp beads and crimp bead covers to enhance the overall look and provide extra security. Test the bracelet to ensure it fits comfortably and securely.

By following these steps, you can create a beautiful and secure Austrian crystal bracelet. Remember to take your time, work carefully, and refer to jewellery-making tutorials or videos if you need further guidance or inspiration.

Stringing the bracelet

To string the bracelet, you can use a variety of materials, such as ultra-suede cord, bauble charm chain, or elastic cord. If you are using an elastic cord, you can use a needle to preload your crystals and create a stretch bracelet.

For a more complex design, you can braid the ultra-suede cord and attach Crystaletts to create a beautiful winding pattern. You can also add Austrian crystal channel charms and Austrian crystal cushion stones to your design.

To determine the length of your bracelet, first, decide how long you want it to be. A standard length for a bracelet is about 6.5 inches, but you can make it longer or shorter depending on your preference. Mark your strip with a pen where you want the end of the bracelet to be, then measure the strip with a ruler to get your desired length.

Once you have determined the length, you can begin stringing your crystals and other beads onto your chosen stringing material. You can add small pearls and demi-rounds to create a two-strand bracelet. If you are using a needle, simply thread your crystals and beads onto the needle and slide them down onto your stringing material.

Finally, when you are happy with the length and design of your bracelet, you can finish it off by tying a knot at each end of the stringing material. You can also add a clasp to your bracelet for a more secure closure.

Crimping a crimp bead

To begin, thread the crimp bead onto your wire. Then, loop the wire around your clasp or jump ring (the thing you want to put on the very end of the wire). Pass the end of the wire back through the crimp bead, so the loop of wire is closed. Pull the loop as tight as you want it to be, as after you finish crimping, the loop will be permanently fixed.

Next, use either specialty crimping pliers or flat-nosed pliers to squash the crimp flat. If using flat-nosed pliers, hold them at a right angle to your wire and carefully squeeze down. If using specialty crimping pliers, follow the instructions provided with them.

Finally, use the flatter back channel of the crimping pliers (closest to the handle) to flatten the bead and place a dent in the middle of the crimp bead so that it resembles the letter “C”. Then, place the dented crimp bead in the front, rounder channel of the crimping pliers (closest to the tip) and squeeze to round the bead. This will fold the bead closed, turning the "C" into an "O".

Applying crimp bead covers

To make a 4mm Austrian crystal bracelet, you will need to know how to apply crimp bead covers. Crimp covers are an easy way to class up your bracelet design and prevent snagging on fabric. They are open on one side, allowing them to slip over the crimp tube.

Firstly, you will need to leave a small amount of slack between the crimp tube and the clasp so that the crimp cover can fit over the crimp tube without interfering with the clasp or jump ring. You may need to use chain nose pliers to open the crimp cover by inserting the tip of the pliers into the crimp cover and slowly opening them. Open the crimp cover just enough so that it fits over the crimp tube.

Next, slide the crimp cover over the crimp tube. You can use any type of pliers to close the cover, but a mighty crimper tool is recommended. Place the jaws of the pliers around the crimp cover and start squeezing gently. It can be tricky to grip the small crimp cover with the mighty crimper, so you may want to close the cover partially with flat or chain nose pliers and then switch to the mighty crimper. Ensure that the crimp cover is not closing lopsidedly. If it is, correct it by moving your tool in the opposite direction and squeezing gently.

Finish closing the cover by using the front part of the mighty crimper to squeeze it shut while keeping the crimp cover round. You should now have a professional-looking 3mm seamed bead.

Frequently asked questions