I’ve been fascinated by space and the stars from a young age, and that has often inspired my crafty projects. In fact, the first beads I ever bought were tiny haematite stars and I still love them just as much! So I thought I’d share one of my recent creations so you can make your own Gemstone Solar System inspired Jewellery.
Recently I’ve been working on a few variations of solar system bracelets and necklaces for nerdy friends, and we thought it might make a fun free project for those of a similar persuasion!
Bead Choice
When choosing my beads, I wanted to make selections that matched the look, colours and sizes of the planets, so of course, red Goldstone for Mars, Neptune in light Blue Lace Agate, and I loved the choice of mottled blue-green Lapis Lazuli for Earth. I really wanted the moon to be Moonstone but unfortunately the hole was a titch too small for my wires – I’m pleased with how the Mother of Pearl looks as a substitute. I chose all semi-precious beads this time, but glass rounds or faceted beads to catch the light could be a really fun variation. I was keen to include Saturn’s rings, so the addition of the quick link turned out to be the perfect size! I liked the mixed metal look to make it stand out more, but of course you could match the ring to the wires if you prefer.
You can add as much or as little detail to your personal galaxy as you wish – I’ve included Pluto because I couldn’t bear to leave it out, and I’ve added a little section of snowflake obsidian Tumblechips to represent the Kuiper Belt – the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
You could add more moons for each planet, space the beads out with something like rugged Lava beads, sparkly Blue Goldstone, or our little metal star spacer beads. We also have rockets and planets and stars in our charm selection, in both plated and sterling silver, which would look great!
My Final Selection
Mercury – 6mm Amethyst Semi-precious bead
Venus – 6mm Rose Quartz Semi-precious bead
Earth – 8mm Lapis Lazuli Semi-precious bead, with a 4mm Mother of Pearl Semi-precious bead for our Moon
Mars – 8mm Goldstone Semi-precious bead
Kuiper Belt – 6 x Snowflake Obsidian Semi-precious tumblechip beads
Jupiter – 8mm Picture Jasper Semi-precious bead
Saturn – 8mm Tiger Eye Semi-precious bead with a 12mm silver plated Quick Link
Uranus – 8mm Fluorite Semi-precious bead
Neptune – 8mm Blue Lace Agate Semi-precious bead
Pluto – 4mm Howlite Semi-precious bead
I’ve connected all the beads on this necklace with eyepins and then added them to a gold plated trace chain. I’ve also created variations on Stretch Magic for a simple quick bracelet, and I’ve strung similar on flexible beading wire for a short necklace. Our necklace findings kit would be ideal for this, just choose your beads.
Although, I could also be tempted to make a knotted version with my favourite S-Lon cord in a contrasting colour, maybe teal or magenta, to create a fab phone strap ‘spaced’ out with some iridescent blue seeds beads.
Make the project your own – the sky (or galaxy) is the limit! Don’t forget to share your creations with us on Instagram or Facebook – we love to see what you make.
Happy Beading – Angela : )