DIY Braided Rhinestone Necklace

A couple of weeks ago, we turned some vintage earrings into a pair of shoe clips. Inspired by Jolita‘s Mourning Necklace, we’re transforming vintage chains into pretty statement necklaces for spring this week. Sometimes antique rhinestone necklaces are just a tad too short and a bit too dainty so adding a bit of texture and color is the perfect way to add some much needed oomph.

You’ll need:

Start by cutting approximately 16-19 strands of embroidery floss at about 2.5 times the length of the rhinestone necklace. Gather all 15-18 strands and tie a knot, leaving 3 inches of slack. Reserve the extra strand for later.

Separate into 3 equal parts and braid. Tie a knot at the end, leaving another 3 inches of slack.

Most vintage rhinestone necklaces are really short in length so to extend it, the clasp will need to be removed with a pair of wire clippers. If the rhinestone necklace is long enough, then you can skip this step. Thread the darning needle with the extra strand of floss.

Tie the end of the floss into a double knot around the end of the necklace. Thread the darning needle into the middle of the braid. I like to use darning needles since the tips are not very sharp and won’t snag.

Bring the floss around the necklace and back under the braid. For this particular necklace, I stitched on one rhinestone link per braid.

Continue stitching. Finish with a double knot and trim the ends.

Take about 10 inches of embroidery floss (of either the same color or contrasting color) and tie a double knot around the top of the braided knot. Wind the floss around the bunch of strands, wrapping the contrasting floss as well. Thread on a lobster clasp and continue winding. You can add on a crimp end and extra rhinestone chain for added length. Click here for a tutorial on how to use crimp ends.

Tie the ends of the contrasting floss into a double knot and trim the ends. Repeat the same step on the other end with a jump ring. Trim the ends of the braided bunch of strands.

And the necklace is complete!

I promise you won’t be able to stop at just one  . . .

Layer and sparkle!

(Ariel Gordon Dinosaur Necklace available here, Jolita Braided Rhinestone Necklaces available here; images by HonestlyWTF)

Leave a Comment

139 Comments

  1. What a awesome DIY! Love the way you layered two of them in the last photos. Makes both necklaces look super modern and eye-catching. Its a great way to really transform and already cool necklace into something even better. Thanks for the inspiration!
    xo Quinn
    Quinn Cooper Style

    4.2.13
    Reply
  2. nuray wrote:

    gorgeous!

    4.2.13
    Reply
  3. Mira wrote:

    Awesome diy!!! Looks totally beautiful <3
    xx

    glamdevils

    4.2.13
    Reply
  4. seems really easy….and it is so beautiful! xo, Alma
    http://www.soulofashopper.com

    4.2.13
    Reply
  5. Nomadic D. wrote:

    Super cool! Absolutely love this way of adding a pop of color to old rhinestones. Really an awesome idea.

    http://www.nomadicd.com

    4.2.13
    Reply
  6. Denisa wrote:

    That looks great. Perfect DIY.

    http://www.fashiondenis.com

    4.2.13
    Reply
  7. Wow, this is so simple an stunning!
    Awesome work! 🙂

    xoxo
    Fashion Agony blog

    4.2.13
    Reply
  8. Reptilia wrote:

    Wowww, i LOVE it! Love the color! It´s perfect for summer!

    http://www.justreptilia.com

    xx

    4.2.13
    Reply
  9. I love this fantastic DIY!! You have a very nice neckless with this simple transformations

    http://www.thestelstyle.com

    4.2.13
    Reply
  10. This is so clever and pretty! I now just need to hunt down a rhinestone necklace and I can make one x

    4.2.13
    Reply
  11. Laura wrote:

    Wow love it !!
    New post:http://www.thestilettoholic.com/
    Love from Paris

    4.2.13
    Reply
  12. Love this. Thanks, I Made It made something very similar that I posted in 2011 – the Jolita Inspired Mourning Necklace here: http://www.thanksimadeitblog.com/2011/09/odd-couple-diy-sparkly-embroidery.html

    4.2.13
    Reply
  13. Hi! Yours came out beautifully. I made something incredibly similar back in 2011: http://www.thanksimadeitblog.com/2011/09/odd-couple-diy-sparkly-embroidery.html

    4.2.13
    Reply
  14. LOVE these types of DIY projects, so pretty!

    4.2.13
    Reply
  15. Amazing. So on trend and love the pop of color! ~ ashleigh

    My jewelry blog: http://www.joliejouel.com

    4.2.13
    Reply
  16. Isa wrote:

    I really like the way you ended the necklace! Must try!

    http://lasaloperie.blogspot.com

    4.2.13
    Reply
  17. So cool! I love the way you have been updating vintage pieces.

    xoxo
    Juliette Laura
    juliettelaura.blogspot.com

    4.2.13
    Reply
  18. dorylyn wrote:

    damn crafty, girl!

    4.2.13
    Reply
  19. Michelle wrote:

    What a cool way to colour up your vintage necklaces! I have to try that myself!

    4.2.13
    Reply
  20. María wrote:

    Cool! I want one!! 😉

    xx

    4.2.13
    Reply
  21. Rachelle wrote:

    Awesome diy and i have everything to do it already.

    xo
    http://pinksole.com

    4.2.13
    Reply
  22. LOVE!!!

    4.2.13
    Reply
  23. Emelie wrote:

    Love it! Where do you get all your great ideas?! This is awesome!

    4.2.13
    Reply
  24. This is so lovely. I really like evrything.

    xoxo, Style Diaries and Lifestyle Blog & Yum Diaries a Food Blog

    BLOGLOVIN / TWITTER / FACEBOOK

    4.2.13
    Reply
  25. Lea wrote:

    So cool! I love braids!

    4.2.13
    Reply
  26. Jolita wrote:

    Lovely DIY post. Love the colours and layering of the two necklaces in the last picture. Very happy to hear my brother’s pieces are inspirational xx

    4.2.13
    Reply
  27. This is beautiful!! We are doing this ASAP!

    Chek out what we did with similar to this DIY http://lilasirena.blogspot.mx/2012/11/diy-statement-necklace.html

    Greetings from Mexico,
    Lila&Sirena

    lilasirena.blogspot.com

    4.2.13
    Reply
  28. Shelley wrote:

    Love this idea! I’ll have to try this for sure!
    https://www.etsy.com/shop/EarthChildArt?ref=si_shop

    4.2.13
    Reply
  29. Rachel wrote:

    You have out done yourselves again girls. I have a couple of these pieces but I haven’t worn them because they seen too fancy for every day. This makes them work for more casual outfits too. Thanks!

    Vintagehoneybee.blogspot.com

    4.2.13
    Reply
  30. Lela wrote:

    Cool, cool, cool!

    4.2.13
    Reply
  31. aiyana wrote:

    i love this idea, such a perfect way to update an old rhinestone necklace!!
    xo,aiyanajane
    http://www.citystylecountrysmile.com

    4.2.13
    Reply
  32. Alyx wrote:

    It’s official, you’re my favorite.

    alyxtheprincess.blogspot.com

    4.2.13
    Reply
  33. Kayla wrote:

    AH! I LOVE that! So neat!!

    Kayla
    http://www.lovelucygirl.com

    4.2.13
    Reply
  34. Paula wrote:

    I LOVE these necklaces! But I don’t think I’m this handy 😉

    ♥ Paula Shoe Fiend.
    http://shoe-fiend.blogspot.co.uk/

    4.2.13
    Reply
  35. Monica wrote:

    You have the best DIY tutorials and ideas! Just wanted to thank you and beg that you keep up the good work!!!!

    4.2.13
    Reply
  36. cecile wrote:

    Brilliant –

    Cecile In L.A.

    4.2.13
    Reply
  37. Jocelina wrote:

    WOW what an amazing DIY! So easy and creative. How come I didn’t come up with that 😛

    xx Jocelina

    http://www.pinkchocolatebreak.com

    4.2.13
    Reply
  38. Roxana wrote:

    Your D.I.Y. s are always so inspiring and beautiful! Can’t wait to try this one!! Thanks for the idea 😉

    4.3.13
    Reply
  39. Inès wrote:

    just a geat idea!! i love, they ‘re so beautiful!
    xx
    http://dearines.blogspot.com

    4.3.13
    Reply
  40. Jurgita wrote:

    Great tutorial, it always seems so easy as you present it!

    http://www.afterout.com/

    4.3.13
    Reply
  41. color me totally impressed this was amazing…I’m just starting to enjoy the brilliance of DIY and this is pretty wicked!

    4.3.13
    Reply
  42. Perfect DIY!! I love it 🙂

    xoxoxoxo
    Elisa My Fantabulous World

    4.3.13
    Reply
  43. Erika wrote:

    Love these! Now I just hope mine turn out as pretty as yours. 🙂

    4.3.13
    Reply
  44. Emily wrote:

    Lovely! The braiding adds so much to the necklace!

    4.3.13
    Reply
  45. Lauren wrote:

    How pretty are these, love the bright colours with the diamontes.
    Lauren
    livinginaboxx

    4.3.13
    Reply
  46. jenny wrote:

    really lovely!

    wanderingsofalittlesoul.blogspot.de

    4.4.13
    Reply
  47. Tra Mi wrote:

    whaat! it looks too easy 😀

    http://thevulgariangirl.blogspot.com/

    4.4.13
    Reply
  48. Appa wrote:

    rhinestone and braids are perfect together i really love that idea!!

    4.5.13
    Reply
  49. Fey wrote:

    So lovely and elegant!
    I love it so much 😉

    4.5.13
    Reply
  50. Juicy wrote:

    WE SUPER SUPER SUPER LOVE THEM!
    Perfect for summer!
    And they match perfectly with the white shirt!
    Giu&Si

    4.6.13
    Reply
  51. Aamina wrote:

    Awesome !
    Definitely gonna try it!

    4.6.13
    Reply
  52. Noemi wrote:

    They’re so beautiful, great colors!
    http://www.webelieveinstyle.net

    4.6.13
    Reply
  53. Jean wrote:

    Wow, stunning ! Thank you for buying these rhinestone necklaces from me and turning them into art!
    I am so impressed, I’m going to try it myself:)

    JeanMc

    4.6.13
    Reply
  54. Merrill wrote:

    Brilliant idea! Love the purple!

    4.6.13
    Reply
  55. Alexandra wrote:

    There are awesome!

    4.7.13
    Reply
  56. Julita wrote:

    really neat and stylish necklaces! Great DIY! 🙂

    4.7.13
    Reply
  57. Alexa wrote:

    I love checking out all the great DIYs on here!
    http://lexiluthor.blogspot.com/
    http://lexiluthor.blogspot.com/

    4.8.13
    Reply
  58. This website is indeed inspirational… You have helped me a lot.. Thanks 🙂

    4.10.13
    Reply
  59. Love this necklace!!! great combination of materials and colors! I love your blog and I’m a super fan! 🙂

    If you will like to see more DIY inspiration visit my blog at:

    planb.annaevers.com

    4.14.13
    Reply
  60. ingrida wrote:

    Great idea and an amazing DIY 🙂

    4.14.13
    Reply
  61. Tracie wrote:

    omg, where did that dinosaur necklace come from??!!!!!!!

    (great diy! i’m just having brontosaurus tunnel vision!)

    4.14.13
    Reply
  62. Ingrida wrote:

    Amazing DIY 🙂 So stylish!
    http://socoroco.blogspot.com/

    4.16.13
    Reply
  63. Voylla wrote:

    simply superb and yeah great idea… vamos!!!

    4.22.13
    Reply
  64. Bill wrote:

    Nice project. Can definitely make one for my wife. I found a really good glue for rhinestones from GemMii. It’s called Deco Princess Glue. It is excellent for bonding rhinestones, charms and cabochons to plastics, fabrics, metal, leather, wood and more! This glue is water based and dries clear for a beautiful finish.

    4.29.13
    Reply
  65. Bill wrote:

    The link to the glue is http://www.gemmii.com/collections/tools/products/deco-princess-glue if anyone is interested.

    4.29.13
    Reply
  66. Brigth teal looks amazing when paired with some bling, I love it

    4.30.13
    Reply
  67. Cranberry wrote:

    Wonderfull necklace

    5.21.13
    Reply
  68. Love it, going to give it a try. thank you.

    5.23.13
    Reply
  69. yvonne wrote:

    well ain’t that some thing,….I will have to go threw all the old stuff to make this. One of the ezest I’ve seen yet 🙂 thank you for posting this gem! <3 it!

    6.13.13
    Reply
  70. whoah this blog is great i like studying your posts.
    Stay up the good work! You already know, many individuals are looking round for this information, you could help
    them greatly.

    8.9.13
    Reply
  71. Megan wrote:

    Hi i was wondering whether there were any of the same rhinestone necklaces avaliable from the store u bought it. Thanks xx
    By the way i love this!!

    10.24.13
    Reply
  72. Great necklace! Awesome skills!

    12.18.13
    Reply
  73. Love the design and color!

    my web page: Costume jewellery

    12.21.13
    Reply
  74. That is absolutely gorgeous!

    4.13.14
    Reply
  75. Love this DIY!!! Great idea! 🙂

    Sugar Crabs:
    https://www.etsy.com/shop/SugarCrabs?ref=si_shop

    5.22.14
    Reply
  76. Joannie wrote:

    Thank you!

    6.30.14
    Reply
  77. Nice! Especially the one in purple/pink 🙂 Love how you style all your DIYS! 🙂

    10.20.14
    Reply
  78. Its really cool..i will try this at home too with american diamond and see if i can make similar kind of fashion jewellery at home!!! and also i will try some more Jewellery designs with this technique 🙂

    11.1.14
    Reply
  79. Jeanine wrote:

    Honestly thee greatest looking jewelry diy I have seen ever … Very very clever!

    11.18.14
    Reply
  80. Ali Aziz wrote:

    Great Tutorial – we at http://www.beadsjar.co.uk sell all the jewellery making accessories to fulfil all your DIY jewellery needs. Please visit us. Thanks

    5.26.15
    Reply
  81. Perdue wrote:

    Great idea it is Awesome love it

    3.2.16
    Reply
  82. Wonderfull necklace. i love, they ‘re so beautiful!

    http://kreasitangan.com/

    4.17.16
    Reply
  83. YouBella wrote:

    I Love this necklace and your creative idea of making it…Thanks for sharing with us

    5.14.16
    Reply
  84. Cool stuff !! Love it

    5.17.16
    Reply
  85. fourseven wrote:

    Amazing Stuff Erica! Loved it! How much time did it take to finish?

    5.30.16
    Reply
  86. BlingVine wrote:

    Amazing idea!

    1.2.17
    Reply
  87. Ahppy wrote:

    Sups gorge just my color.Perfect for any special accasion

    3.9.17
    Reply
  88. Pink Hippo wrote:

    This is gorgeous, perfect colors.

    3.25.17
    Reply
  89. That’s simply amazing!

    4.24.19
    Reply
  90. Adele wrote:

    Superb

    4.24.19
    Reply
  91. very nice

    8.7.19
    Reply
  92. very attractive

    8.7.19
    Reply
  93. Loved it! Such a pretty necklace. Thanks For sharing

    11.4.19
    Reply
  94. jewelpin wrote:

    This is so different. i loved it!

    11.4.19
    Reply
  95. arvino wrote:

    This is such a beautiful necklace.

    Thanks
    https://www.arvino.in/

    11.7.19
    Reply
  96. Priya wrote:

    see awsome collection of Oxidized Earrings and much more at saubhagyavti.in

    12.20.19
    Reply
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    11.21.20
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  98. Thank you so much for this, I love your recommendation Thanks lot for sharing such a nice content.

    Have a Good Day
    Good Luck for the next…

    4.19.21
    Reply
  99. SOHI wrote:

    Great article!
    Checkout our website https://buysohi.com/

    2.7.23
    Reply
  100. Roy Kumar wrote:

    I liked the idea you shared – I love the creativity and unique designs by some of the small jewellery houses. One of my friend mentioned about a good brand Tarinika, which has a wide range of stunning jewelry and have really good reviews across platforms. I don’t know why we don’t get to know much about such brands – damn these algorithms. Really love them, you should also check them out. https://www.tarinika.in/

    5.24.23
    Reply
  101. Roy Kumar wrote:

    I liked the ideas you shared – I love the creativity and unique designs by some of the small jewellery houses. One of my friend mentioned about a good brand Tarinika, which has a wide range of stunning jewelry and have really good reviews across platforms. I don’t know why we don’t get to know much about such brands – damn these algorithms. Really love them, you should also check them out.
    https://www.tarinika.in/

    6.20.23
    Reply
  102. Sneha wrote:

    Beautiful neckpieces

    Find statement jewelry also at http://www.saj.world

    8.30.23
    Reply
  103. Sneha wrote:

    Beautiful

    Find statement jewelry also at http://www.saj.world

    8.30.23
    Reply