How to Make a Wire Name Necklace

Almost everybody wants to learn how to make a necklace with their names or a special someone’s name on it. Who wouldn’t? Wearing a self-made personalized accessory is not only cool, it also doesn’t cost much. All you need to have is a length of craft wire, chain, jewelry clasp and the necessary tools for the job.

The craft wire for this project should be thick enough, and the best gauge for this is 20.

1. Prepare the design of your name by first writing it on a cursive form on a paper. The best script is the Palmer Method because the letters link fluidly to each other, making it easier to create wire name jewelry with a single piece of wire. Make sure that the written script of the paper has the equal size of the finished wire name design. This will be the guide in making your name jewelry.
2. Cut a piece of craft wire that is at least 4 times as long as the finished product. For example, if the design template for your name is about 2 inches long, you should cut a wire length of about 8 inches.
3. Grasping one end of the wire with jewelry pliers, bend it to make a small hole about 2-3 mm in diameter. This is where the chain will be attached to. Do not close this loop. At about ½ inch from the loop, start making your first letter.
4. Except for the letters Z and Q, all cursive forms of the alphabet begin with and upsweep. So it is logical to begin by curving your wire into an upsweep. Use your hands and pliers to bend the wire into your desired letter. You can refer to your previously made template to make sure you are doing the right job.
5. Continue to make the remaining letters of your name. You might refer to the template in order to assess if you have the right size and shape of the letters. Here’s one tip for you: To form curves easily and more accurately, clamp the wire using the tapered end of your pliers and manipulate with your free hand.
6. After the last letter of your name, measure about a quarter of an inch from where the letter ends then cut the wire off. Repeat process in step 3, making an unclosed loop 2-3 mm in diameter.
7. To determine the length of your necklace, wrap a measuring tape around your neck. You should also measure how many inches your wire name is. To get the exact final length of your necklace, determine how long your necklace should be then subtract with the length of your wire name. Remember to consider the additional length the jewelry clasps will contribute.
8. Cut the exact length of the chain. Then, cut it into two equal lengths.
9. It is now time to attach the wire name to the chain. To do this, slip one end of the chain to the loop found at the beginning of the first letter, then close the loop. Repeat the process at the other end of the name.
10. Attach jewelry clasps to both ends of the chain.