Tree of Life Stone Pendant Necklace

I got this idea from a bead shop but the one I saw was different. I wanted to use semi-precious stones like this instead. I used turquoise and lapis for the wired one and goldstone for the glued one. I like how this stone shimmers and kind of sparkles. I wanted to see what both ideas looked like, so there are directions for both. The glued one is definitely easier to make and uses less time. I liked how they both turned out but prefer the goldstone one for the stones' effects and it has a bit cleaner look to it. The most expensive part was the chain for $3 at Walmart. The beads of this size are usually 10/20 cents each. This is an inexpensive but pretty jewelry item that is even more special because you made it yourself!

Materials needed:

- Pliers, jewelry ones or other

- Wire cutter or sharp scissors

- Super glue for the glued version

- Metal or plastic tree of life pendant ( I used metal ) my size: 1.5" by 1.5"

- Beads - your choice, depending on how big your pendant is, I used 16 for the goldstone & 19 for the wired one

- A necklace chain

- 2 jump rings

- 1 clasp

Measure and cut 5 strands of jewelry wire, I used 20 gauge wire but I think it might look a little better with 22 or 24 gauge wire. Strands should be about 2 inches long each, enough to go through the stones as well as wrap around the pendant.

Wrap wire around one edge of the tree, as tight as possible, tuck the edge under so it doesn't catch on anything. The open end of attached wire, add 3-5 beads, then wrap the rest of wire and tuck under with pliers. Proceed to the next branch and take another strand of wire, wrap one end as tight as possible, tuck the edge, add 3-5 beads, then wrap the rest of the wire and tuck with pliers. Continue this process until all your wires and beads and branches are used.

Open jump ring with pliers and put pendant on it and then close it up with pliers. Next slide the chain through the jump ring. Lastly, add clasp with pliers on one of the chain. Lastly, attach the last jump ring to the other end of the chain. You should have a finished necklace to wear and show off!

It helps to map out your stones before you glue them to see how it will look as well as if the stones might fit in the desired areas. Next, put a thin layer of super glue all over the parts where there will be stones put down. I used GO2 glue, which is multipurpose and can be found at many stores like Meijer, Walmart, craft stores.

Then gradually place your stones and leave on a flat surface to dry for at least 3 hours.

Add the jump ring and clasp and other jump ring to both pendant and chain like described above.

You have a beautiful Tree of Life necklace to display.