How to Make a Bone Bead Necklace: Step-by-Step Guide

A bone bead necklace is one of the easiest handmade pieces to start with. The beads are lightweight, the natural tones go with almost anything, and a simple strand can be finished in under an hour. This step-by-step guide covers everything you need, from choosing beads to adding the clasp.

What You Will Need

• Bone beads: Our bone and horn beads are carved from ox bone and made in India. You will need enough to fill your chosen length.
• Stringing material: Nylon-coated beading wire for a clean, durable strand, or cord (waxed cotton, leather, or nylon) for a relaxed, boho look. See our chain, wire and cord.
• Clasp and crimp beads: For wire-strung necklaces. Browse connectors and findings.
• Tools: Wire cutters and crimping pliers, plus a bead board or a towel to keep beads from rolling. Find them in tools and accessories.
• Optional extras: A tassel, a pendant or charm, or spacer beads for contrast.

Step 1: Choose Your Length

Decide where the necklace should sit before you cut anything.

• Choker: 14 to 16 inches
• Princess: 17 to 19 inches, a versatile everyday length
• Matinee: 20 to 24 inches
• Opera: 28 to 36 inches, long enough to wear single or doubled

Cut your stringing material about 6 inches longer than the finished length so you have room to work with.

Step 2: Check the Hole Size

Before you buy or string, make sure your material fits through the bead holes. Cord is thicker than beading wire, so large-hole bone beads suit cord especially well. If you want to use thicker cord or leather, take a look at our large hole beads.

Step 3: Lay Out Your Design

Arrange the beads on a bead board or towel before stringing. This lets you adjust the pattern without restringing. A few layouts that work well:

• All bone: A simple strand of one bead shape for a clean, natural look.
• Alternating shapes: Round beads with tube or disc beads for rhythm.
• Focal piece: A larger carved bead or ox bone focal in the center, with smaller beads on either side.
• Color accents: Add a few gemstone beads or metal spacers for a pop of color.

Step 4: Start Stringing

With beading wire:

1. Slide a crimp bead and one half of the clasp onto the wire.
2. Pass the wire back through the crimp bead, leaving a short tail.
3. Squeeze the crimp bead flat with crimping pliers, then trim the tail.
4. String your beads in your planned order.
5. Add a second crimp bead and the other half of the clasp, pass the wire back through, snug it up, and crimp.

With cord:

1. Tie a knot at one end, or attach a clasp or cord end.
2. String the beads in order.
3. Finish with a secure knot, or tie the ends together with a sliding knot for an adjustable fit.

Knotting between beads is optional, but it adds a neat look and keeps beads in place if the cord ever breaks.

Step 5: Check the Fit and Finish

Try the necklace on and check the length. Make sure the knots or crimps are secure and there are no gaps between beads. Trim any extra cord and tuck loose ends into the nearest bead.

Design Ideas to Try

• Layered necklaces: Make two or three strands in different lengths and wear them together.
• Tassel necklace: Add a tassel at the center or end of a long strand.
• Mixed materials: Pair bone with wood, metal, or gemstones. We will cover this in a future post on mixing bone and gemstone beads.
• Matching bracelet: Use leftover beads to make a bracelet to go with it.

Tips for Success

• Bone is a natural material, so small variations in shape, tone, and texture are normal and part of the charm.
• Buy a few extra beads to allow for design changes.
• Keep finished pieces dry. Take your necklace off before swimming, showering, or washing dishes.

Start Creating

Ready to make your own? Browse our bone and horn beads to find shapes and sizes for your next necklace, or stop by the shop and we will help you pick everything you need.