How to Make a Pearl Choker Necklace

If you want to make a piece of jewelry that’s simple, sophisticated, and downright beautiful, you can’t go wrong with a pearl choker necklace. While the classic strand of pearls features several stones strung on a long cord, you can make a stunning choker using as few as two pearls. Easy enough for beginners, this project takes only a few minutes and is perfect when you need a last-minute gift or are trying to create a lovely accessory to complete your outfit. Let’s get started!

Gather Your Supplies

One of the great things about this project is that it only requires a few basic supplies. This is one case where less is definitely more. You’ll need pearl beads, black leather cord, scissors, and pliers. The number of pearls you need depends on what you want your finished choker to look like. You’ll need at least one pearl to center on your necklace as a focal piece plus an additional pearl to tie on the end. Freshwater pearls come in a wide range of colors and sizes. Browse different color pearls to find ones you like, then choose larger ones with large holes to ensure that they slide onto your cord easily. Jewelry cord with a medium thickness works best.

Determine the Length

A standard choker measures 14 to 16 inches in length. To ensure the perfect fit, though, it is wise to measure your neck. Whether you use the standard measurement or your own, add an addition two inches before cutting the cord. You will need the extra length because you will be shortening and knotting the cord.

String Your Beads onto the Cord

Once you have cut the cord to the appropriate length, it’s time to add your pearl beads. Slide your main bead (or beads) to the center of the cord. Add the extra pearl, then tie a knot at the end to prevent your beads from falling off. If desired, you can use your pliers to make a tighter knot. Slide your end pearl up against the knot, then tie a knot on the other side to secure the pearl in place.

Secure the Necklace

This step is where your pearl choker necklace really begins to take shape. Create a small loop with the end of your cord opposite from the end with the bead. Wrap the cord around your finger to form a knot. Make sure there is still a loop at the end after tying this knot! The loop should be sized so that your end pearl can be slipped through it. If you have pliers, use them to pull the knot tight.

Secure the Center Bead(s)

Slide your center bead (or beads) to the center of the choker. Then, tie a secure knot on each side to hold your bead(s) in place. If you are using more than one pearl, be sure to tie a knot in between each one. This helps prevent damage by keeping the beads from rubbing against each other.

Enjoy Your Choker

Congratulations: Your new choker is ready to wear! Simply wrap it around your neck and slip the end pearl through the loop on the opposite end to keep it in place. If the pearl slips out of the loop too easily, adjust your knot to make the loop smaller.

A Brief History of Pearl Jewelry

Pearls are regarded as one of the world’s oldest gemstones and have been used as personal adornments since the dawn of time. They were once so rare that they were only worn by royalty. It wasn’t until the late 1800s that humans discovered how to culture pearls and brought them to the masses.

Since then, pearl jewelry has been worn by everything from celebrities to housewives. While it was once worn as a status symbol, today, anyone who loves the natural beauty of pearls can add them to their jewelry collection. Freshwater pearls come in a never-ending array of colors, shapes, and sizes, and they can be used to create everything from costume jewelry to jewels that are worthy of royalty.

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