Agate hanging pendant necklaces are very trendy at the moment…and personally I love them! They are beautiful and come in a variety of different shapes, sizes and colors. They can come with a high price tag, however, so I went on the search to make my own and save some moolah! Success! Now I want to share that success with you. (Price range from $70 – $700. I will be making one necklace for under $12.) The ones that I am making will look similar to the top row above on the price list for Agate necklaces.
For me, this is very exciting because I’ve never made jewelry before. Typically my DIY’s have me using my miter saw or drill in the garage…but I put down all of those tools, came inside and picked up some jewelry-making tools to take on this DIY. (Although I do have to admit that I was quite pleased that part of the jewelry-making tool kit involves needle-nose pliers! It was already in my tool kit!) If you are like me and already have some needle-nose pliers, you can skip that part of the materials list. If not, you will DEFINITELY need some to get this project done. Without them, you will find yourself angry and frustrated with tiny little pieces slipping out of your grasp.
At one time, agate was difficult to find, and getting just the right shape was tough…UNTIL the craft stores starting stocking their shelves with pre-made, ready-to-go Agate pendants. All you need to do is find the one that speaks to you! That part is easy. Now comes the somewhat tricky part – crafting the perfect necklace for you!
Oh…and incase any of you out there don’t know what Agate is, here is the official definition from
Dictionary.com:
noun
- a variegated chalcedony showing curved, colored bands or other markings.
- a playing marble made of this substance, or of glass in imitation of it.
It’s origins come from 1150-1200 England but can date back to Medieval time; Middle English ac (c) ate, achate, agaten (compare Dutch agaat, Old Saxon agāt, Old High German agat), apparently < Old French agathe or Italian agata (initial stress) ≪ Medieval Latin achātēs < Greek achā́tēs.
And from Wiki:
Agate /ˈæɡət/ is a cryptocrystalline variety of silica, chiefly chalcedony, characterised by its fineness of grain and brightness of color. Although agates may be found in various kinds of rock, they are classically associated with volcanic rocks and can be common in certain metamorphic rocks.[1]
Oh…and last time I was asked the difference between a “pendant” and “pendent” and sadly I didn’t know! It was like being back in class during homonym time studying their, there, two, to and too. So I looked it up and here is the difference:
Pendant vs. pendent
Pendent is an adjective meaning hanging, dangling, or suspended. It is often mistakenly used in place of pendant, a noun referring to something suspended from something else, especially a piece of jewelry.
So, with that history, spelling and grammar lesson…let’s get to the DIY!
You Will Need:
- 1 Agate slice pendant
- 1 gold or silver chain in your desired length
- 2 gold or silver jump ring
- 1 gold or silver clasp
- Needle-nosed pliers (or a jewelry pliers kit)
- Wire cutter
How To:
- Measure the desired amount of chain that you would like for your pendant. You can make a short one that hangs on your sternum right below your neck (about 14”) or you can make a longer one that hangs a bit lower (about 36”). I prefer a longer chain, so I will be making mine 36”.
- Cut the chain with the wire cutter at your desired length.
- Open one of the jump rings with your pliers and attach it to one end of your chain. Once the jump ring is through the chain, re-close the ring with your pliers by squeezing it back together.
- Repeat this process for the other end of your chain.
- Add an extra jump ring on the non-clasp side.
- Attach the clasp to one end of your chain (which ever side you are most comfortable using when you put on a necklace). I’m right-handed so I like the clasp to be in my right hand.
- Thread the Agate pendant over the small end of the chain.
Two Tiered Necklace:
- Measure two lengths of chains – one at 14” and one at 36”
- Cut the chain with the wire cutter at your desired lengths.
- Open one of the jump rings with your pliers and attach it to one end of your chain. Once the jump ring is through the chain, re-close the ring with your pliers by squeezing it back together.
- Repeat this process for both sides of both chains (4 in total)
- Thread your Agate on the long chain
- Thread a charm (or desired pendant) on the smaller chain (NOTE: If your charm has a smaller hole, you made need to do step 3 again, allowing for the smaller hole on the charm.)
- Take both jump rings on the right side and attach them to a larger jump chain that will attach to your clasp. Use your jewelry pliers to extend and contract the jump rings.
- Continue this process on the left side, attaching both jump rings to a larger jump ring that will serve as the connector piece to your clasp.
- Put around your neck and wear with pride!
Missed the episode? Check it out Home & Family!
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XOXO,
Paige