How to Make a Simple Bead Link

The humble bead link is a versatile component that is the cornerstone of many great pieces of jewelry.

This is the simplest type of link - a bead and two simple loops.

Making the Simple Bead Link

Materials:

• 18 or 20 gauge wire
• beads

Tools:

• flush cutters
• chain-nosed or flat-nosed pliers (2 pair or 1 of each)
• round-nosed pliers

Tips:

• Play around with the length of the wire for the second loop (from Step 3). The length will vary according to the size of the loop.

• To make uniform sized-loops, use a permanent marker to mark your round-nosed pliers (see the Step 4 picture above for an example).
  

Opening the Link

To open the link, hold the bead stationary with one hand, then using your pliers to grasp the loop close to the opening (see above), pull towards you while at the same time pushing the bead away from you.	The opened link

To close the link again, do the opposite motion.

Tip: Always use the pull with one hand, push with the other to open links, loops, and jump rings. If you pull the loop "out", you'll never be able to twist it back into shape.

Return from Making a Bead Link to Making Wire Jewelry

Return from Making a Bead Link to the How to Make Jewelry Home Page