Essential Supplies for Basic Necklace Making

If you have ever been frustrated by a newly made necklace that kinks, doesn't hang straight, or suddenly breaks and scatters beads everywhere, the issue often comes down to the materials used. Understanding the fundamental supplies and techniques is the key to creating beautiful, durable jewelry.

Use this quick-reference table before starting any necklace project to make sure you have everything you need.

Category	Supply	Key Detail	Essential?
Tools	Crimping Pliers	Folds crimp tubes securely; do not substitute with regular pliers	✓ Must-have
Tools	Wire Cutter / Nipper	Flush-cut nippers for a clean finish close to the crimp tube	✓ Must-have
Wire	Beading Wire (19-strand)	0.018" diameter recommended for most beads; nylon-coated steel	✓ Must-have
Findings	Crimp Tubes (size 2)	2mm tubes; use tubes over crimp beads for a more secure hold	✓ Must-have
Findings	Clasp (Lobster Claw or Spring Ring)	Fastens the necklace; lobster claw is easier to use	✓ Must-have
Findings	Closed / Soldered Jump Ring	Must be fully closed — open jump rings allow wire to slip through and break	✓ Must-have
Beads	Beads of Your Choice	Match bead hole size to wire diameter; heavier beads need thicker wire	✓ Must-have

Essential Tools

Before stringing your beads, you will need two basic tools to finish your necklace securely:

Crimping Pliers: A specialized tool, such as the Omkara crimping plier, is required to properly secure the ends of your necklace.
Cutter or Nipper: You will need a cutting tool to cleanly snip the wire once you have finished your piece.

Choosing the Right Wire

Although beading wire is very flexible and may look like standard string or cord, it is actually composed of tiny steel strands coated in nylon. This combination of materials is what gives the wire its strength and flexibility. When selecting wire, you must consider both the strand count and the diameter.

Wire Selection Guide
Wire Type	Specification	Best For	Recommended?
3-strand wire	Lowest flexibility	—	✗ Not recommended
7-strand wire	Basic flexibility	Simple, lightweight pieces	△ Basic option
19-strand wire	High flexibility & strength	Beginners; most necklaces	✓ Highly recommended
49-strand wire	Maximum flexibility	Drape-heavy or fine designs	✓ Advanced use
0.018" diameter	Standard / "one size fits most"	Most basic beads	✓ Start here
Thinner diameter	Fine gauge	Pearls, small gemstones	△ Specialty use
Thicker diameter	Heavy gauge	Wood beads, large-hole beads, heavy pieces	△ Specialty use

Strand Count

Beading wire generally comes in 3, 7, 19, and 49 strands.

3-strand wire is not recommended.
7-strand wire is a basic option.
19-strand wire is highly recommended for beginners because it is very strong and highly flexible.
49-strand wire offers the maximum flexibility.

Wire Diameter

The diameter of the wire determines which beads it can accommodate.

Often referred to as the "one size fits most" wire, a 0.018-inch diameter is perfect for general stringing and fits most basic beads.
These thinner wires are best suited for pearls or small gemstone beads.
Thicker wires should be used for heavier pieces or beads with larger holes, such as wood beads.

Must-Have Findings

Findings are the metal components used to start and finish a necklace.

A lobster claw clasp or a spring ring is necessary to fasten the jewelry.
It is crucial to use a closed or soldered jump ring. If you use an open jump ring, the wire can slip through the gap, causing your necklace to break.
Because you cannot knot steel beading wire, you must use crimp tubes to hold everything together. Two-millimeter (or "size 2") crimp tubes fit perfectly on standard 0.018-inch wire. Crimp tubes are highly recommended over standard crimp beads because they offer an almost infallible, secure hold.

Step-by-Step Crimping Technique

Once you have your supplies ready, securing your necklace is a straightforward process:

Slide a crimp tube onto the wire, followed by your clasp.
Take the end of the wire and thread it back through the crimp tube, making sure to leave a little bit of space between the tube and the clasp.
Drop the crimp tube into the designated slot on your crimping pliers and give it one firm squeeze so that the tube folds over and becomes smaller.
Use your nippers to cut the extra wire right up next to the secured crimp tube.
Bring all of your selected beads up against the finished clasp end.
Slide another crimp tube onto the wire, loop it through a closed jump ring, and thread the wire back through the tube. Pull the wire up against the beads so that it is tight, but not too tight, and use your crimping pliers to fold the tube just as you did on the first side.

FAQ

What is the 2:1:1 rule for jewelry?

It's a styling ratio that forces balance, asking for two bold statement pieces, one medium piece for support, and one small accent. Some stylists also use it for mixing metals: two parts of one metal, one part of another, and one standout feature. Either way, it stops the clutter. Keep your look intentional, not overwhelming.

What do you need for basic jewelry making?

Don't blow your paycheck on gear you don't need yet.

Wire: 19-strand beading wire for flexibility and strength.
Hardware: Closed jump rings, size 2 crimp tubes, and lobster clasps.
Tools: Dedicated crimping pliers and flush wire nippers.

Build a few ugly pieces first, figure out the tension, and then upgrade your stash.

How to make necklaces at home for beginners?

Stop overthinking the process of stringing objects on a wire.

Anchor the end: Slide a crimp tube and a clasp onto your wire, loop the short tail back through the tube, and crush it shut with your crimping pliers.
String it up: Thread your beads onto the wire until you hit your target length.
Lock the finish: Slide on another crimp tube and a closed jump ring, loop the wire back through the tube, pull it snug against the beads, and crimp it hard.

What is the necklace rule?

The golden necklace rule is about boundaries, demanding your jewelry sit entirely on your bare skin or hang completely over your fabric. Never let a pendant sit halfway on a collar seam or get half-tucked into your neckline. This visually chops the accessory in half and looks incredibly messy.

Does Hobby Lobby have jewelry making supplies?

Yes, they stock an entire aisle of materials to get you off the ground. You can walk in and grab everything from basic glass beads to jewelry findings like clasps, ear wires, and jump rings. They carry stringing materials, precision comfort pliers, bead design boards, and industrial adhesives like E6000. It's a solid place to gather your starter gear.