This guide shows you how to make a pearl and gold bracelet with Estella pearls, gold beads and a pretty starfish charm. If you love pearls, stars and a touch of gold, it is a charming, sophisticated make, perfect to wear all summer or to give as a thoughtful handmade gift.
It is one of the easiest jewellery projects to start with, just simple stringing and a knot, so it is ideal for beginners. Here is everything you need, then the full method.
Project at a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner (simple stringing, no special tools)
- Time: Around 30 to 45 minutes
- Materials used: Estella white round pearls (6mm), gold plated round beads (3mm) and a gold starfish charm
- Strung on: clear monofilament illusion cord, knotted to finish
Watch the tutorial
See this project come together. Watch the full make below, then scroll down for the kit list and step-by-step instructions.
What you'll need
Add the pearls, beads, charm and cord to your cart from the cards below. The gold beads and starfish charm come from our gold plated findings range, and the cord, mat and trays are in tools and accessories, all reusable across future projects.
- Estella Round Pearls, 6mm WhiteMain beads24
- Gold Plated Smooth Round Beads, 3mmSpacers24
- 24K Gold Plated Starfish CharmCentre feature1
- Monofilament Illusion Cord, ClearStringing1
- ScissorsTrimming the cord1
- Magic Sorting TrayOrganising beads2
- Bead MatStops beads rolling1
Shop this project
Everything you need for this build. Quantities are a guide, so adjust to your design.
£2.31 Excl. VAT
£5.12 Excl. VAT
£1.76 Excl. VAT
£9.20 Excl. VAT
Not sure how many crystals you need? Use our Crystal Calculator to estimate by surface area.
How to make a pearl and gold bracelet
Step 1: Gather your supplies
Tip your pearls and gold beads into two separate sorting trays or small dishes, and work on a bead mat so nothing rolls away.
Step 2: Measure your cord
Measure enough illusion cord to fit around your wrist, then add a few extra inches to allow for knotting the ends later. Cut the cord, ready to start threading.
Step 3: Add your beads
Follow a simple pattern of one pearl, then one small gold bead, and repeat. When you are about halfway along, thread on your starfish charm so it sits at the centre, then carry on with the pearl-and-bead pattern to the end.
Step 4: Finishing touches
Once you have your desired length, tie the two ends together with a tight double knot so it cannot work loose, then snip off the excess cord. Your bracelet is ready to wear.
Frequently asked questions
How do you make a pearl bracelet?
Measure a length of beading cord around your wrist plus a few extra inches for knotting, then thread on your pearls and beads in a repeating pattern. Add a charm partway along if you like, then finish with a tight double knot and trim the ends. It is one of the easiest jewellery projects to start with.
How do you finish a bracelet without a clasp?
Tie the two ends together with a firm double knot, pulling it tight so it cannot work loose, then snip off the excess cord. For extra security you can add a tiny dab of jewellery glue to the knot. If you prefer, you can fit a clasp and crimps instead for an adjustable finish.
What cord should I use for stringing pearls and beads?
A clear monofilament illusion cord is ideal. It is strong, holds a knot well, and is virtually invisible, so the pearls and gold beads appear to float on the wrist. Cut a little more than you need so you have room to knot the ends comfortably.
What bead pattern does this bracelet use?
A simple repeat of one pearl, then one small gold bead, all the way along. The starfish charm is added at roughly the halfway point so it sits at the centre of the wrist. You can adjust the spacing or add more charms to suit your own design.
How many pearls do I need for a bracelet?
It depends on your wrist and bead size. This design used around 24 pearls and 24 gold beads for a standard bracelet length. Measure your wrist first, then string until it fits comfortably, remembering to leave cord for the knot.
Can I change the pearls and colours?
Yes. We used budget-friendly Estella pearls with gold beads here, but you can use premium Swarovski, our own Austrian-made Serinity or Czech-made Preciosa pearls, and swap gold findings for silver or rose gold to match your style.
Make it your own
Try different pearl colours, mix in crystal beads, or swap the charm for your own favourite. For more seaside sparkle, see our beach charm bracelet, or pair it with matching pearl earrings, then explore the full Craft Studio.
