DIY Network

Glass Gem Bracelet Use glass gems like real ones in this chunky bracelet. From "B. Original" episode DBOR-111

Build this bling from cheap glass gems.

You use them in flower arrangements. You scatter them around candle groupings. You even put them in the fishbowl. Now, it's time to wear them.

B. Original host Michele Beschen teaches you how to take regular glass gems and turn them into a gem of a bracelet. There's no drilling or cutting involved—just some easy soldering techniques. If you've ever wanted to start crafting with glass, it's a great way to get started. And you end up with a cool bracelet!

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Materials:

glass gems
rubbing alcohol
vise
soldering iron
flux
solder
foil tape
split rings
jump rings
bracelet clasp
decorative wire (optional)

Figure A

• Thoroughly clean the glass gems with alcohol and let dry. The gems must be clean for the foil tape to stick properly—and for your bracelet to hold together.

• Wrap foil tape around the widest part of each gem and burnish to make sure it's completely stuck down (figure A). The tape is available where glass-craft supplies are sold and comes in a variety of sizes and designs.

• Put a gem in a vise to hold it steady, paint flux on the foil tape and solder a split ring to the foil tape (figure B).

• Flux and solder a split ring on the other side of the gem, directly opposite the first ring (figure C). Repeat the process for all of the gems.
  

  Figure B

  Figure C

  
  

• Run a bead of solder around the tape on each gem to give it a finished look. You also can solder decorative wire to the tape and curl it over the gems (figure D).

• Use jump rings to connect the gems until your bracelet is the desired length (figure E). Use jump rings also to connect the bracelet clasp.
  

  Figure D

  Figure E

  
  

• Once your piece is complete, solder the jump rings closed for extra strength.

Experiment with different colors, sizes and shapes of glass gems—you may develop a whole wardrobe of custom jewelry!