This simple crystal bead bracelet is a perfect beginner jewellery project: string a few faceted beads on a length of cord, add a clasp, and you have an elegant piece to wear or give. This step-by-step guide shows you how to make one using Swarovski bicone beads, finished here in four shades of green to celebrate nature and the spring and summer months.
The best part is how easy it is to personalise: change the colours, mix the bead sizes, or adjust the length for any wrist. Here is everything you need, then the full method.
Project at a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Time: Under an hour
- Beads used: Swarovski 5328 bicone beads, a four-shade green mix
- Finish: Illusion cord with a bolt ring clasp and jump ring
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
Quantities make one bracelet, so scale up for a set. Add the beads, cord and findings to your cart from the cards below. The sorting trays are reusable across every project, so browse the full range of tools and accessories to build your kit.
- Swarovski 5328 Bicone Beads, Green MixThe beads1
- Beadsmith Illusion Cord, ClearStringing1
- Silver Plated Bolt Ring ClaspFastening1
- Silver Plated Round Jump RingsFastening1
- Magic Sorting TrayOrganising bead shades4
Shop this project
Everything you need for this build. Quantities are a guide, so adjust to your design.
£2.31 Excl. VAT
£1.76 Excl. VAT
£9.20 Excl. VAT
£15.33 Excl. VAT
Not sure how many crystals you need? Use our Crystal Calculator to estimate by surface area.
How to make a crystal bead bracelet
Step 1: Gather and sort your beads
Tip your beads into the sorting trays so they are easy to reach. As you are working with a colour mix, sort the shades into separate trays, which makes it much easier to follow a pattern as you string.
Step 2: Measure and cut the cord
Measure the illusion cord around the wrist it is for, then add about 10cm of slack so you have room to knot the ends onto the findings. Cutting it to size now saves adjusting later.
Step 3: String the beads
Thread your beads onto the cord in any order you like. For this bracelet we used a simple repeating pattern: seven beads of one shade, then seven of the next, and so on across the four greens for a gradient effect.
Step 4: Finish with the clasp
Thread a bolt ring clasp onto one end and tie a secure knot. On the other end, thread on a jump ring and tie another knot to hold it. Snip away any excess cord, and your bracelet is ready to wear.
Swarovski crystals for your jewellery designs
As an Authorised Swarovski Distribution Partner, Bluestreak Crystals supplies the complete genuine range of Swarovski beads and crystals, sourced directly from Austria with consistent batch quality and reliable colour matching, so the shades in your bead mix stay true from one order to the next.
Frequently asked questions
How do you make a crystal bead bracelet?
Cut a length of beading cord to fit your wrist, string your crystal beads in whatever pattern you like, then finish both ends with a clasp so it fastens securely. It is a beginner-friendly project that takes well under an hour once your beads are sorted.
What cord should I use for a beaded bracelet?
We used a clear monofilament illusion cord, which is strong, almost invisible and holds a knot well, then finished it with a clasp. You can also use stretch elastic cord, but if you do you can skip the clasp entirely and simply knot the elastic instead.
How long should I cut the cord?
Measure the cord around the wrist it is for, then add about 10cm of slack. That extra length gives you room to knot the ends neatly onto the clasp and jump ring without the bracelet ending up too tight.
Do I need a clasp, or can I use stretch cord?
Both work. This bracelet uses illusion cord with a bolt ring clasp and a jump ring, which gives a neat, adjustable finish. If you prefer no clasp, switch to stretch elastic cord and knot it into a loop, which is the quickest option for slip-on bracelets.
What beads work best for a bracelet?
Faceted crystal bicone beads like the Swarovski 5328 catch the light beautifully and sit evenly on the cord. We used a four-shade green mix here, but you can also use our own Austrian-made Serinity, Czech-made Preciosa or budget Estella beads, in any colours you like.
Can I make a matching necklace or earrings?
Yes. The same beads and stringing method scale up to a necklace or pair of earrings, so you can build a coordinated set. See the related projects at the end of this guide for matching pieces to try.
Make it your own
Swap the greens for any palette, mix bead sizes, or lengthen the design into an anklet. The same beads and method make a coordinated set, so try our beaded necklace and crystal bead earrings projects to match, or explore the full Craft Studio.
