Start a gemstone jewelry business · Step 6 of 17
The bracelet-making starter kit: tools and supplies
The starter kit to assemble gemstone bracelets: stretch cord, needles, bead board, finishing, storage, quality checks, and what you can skip.
If you assemble your bracelets yourself, a small, well-chosen kit is enough to start. If a partner workshop assembles them for you, this page still helps you understand their work and check the result. After sourcing your gemstones, here is what you need to turn them into bracelets that last.
1. The essentials for stretch bracelets
Gemstone bead bracelets are most often strung on elastic cord: no clasp, easy to put on, comfortable. The basic kit:
| Item | What it’s for | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Elastic beading cord | The core of the bracelet | Choose a diameter that fills the drill holes well; test several thicknesses |
| Beading needles (flexible or big-eye) | Threading beads with small holes | Useful for small or irregular drill holes |
| Bead board or tray | Laying out a design before stringing | The grooves help you check the length |
| Sharp scissors | Clean cuts | Keep a pair for cord only |
| Bead stopper or clip | Keeping beads from sliding off | Saves a lot of patience |
| Jewelry glue with a fine tip | Securing the knot | A small drop, never on the visible beads |
| Tape measure and calipers | Measuring wrists and beads | Bead size changes how many beads you need |
| Bead reamer | Smoothing or slightly widening a rough hole | Use it wet, gently |
2. Assembly basics
- Pre-stretch the cord before stringing, so the bracelet doesn’t loosen in the first days.
- Measure the wrist and add ease: a bracelet sized exactly to the wrist feels tight. Our guide to bead size and bead count by wrist size gives the numbers.
- Tie a secure knot, add a drop of glue, then hide the knot inside a bead with a wider hole.
- Check the stretch: the bracelet should go over the hand and come back to its shape without gaps between the beads.
3. Metal parts and safety
Spacers, charms and clasps touch the skin. Ask your suppliers what alloy they use and whether they are nickel-free, especially if you sell in the European Union, where nickel release, lead and cadmium in jewelry are restricted. Step 17 on legal requirements explains these rules.
4. Your workspace
- Good, neutral light to judge colors.
- Compartment boxes, labeled with the stone name, size, supplier and treatment.
- A logbook or spreadsheet: which strand went into which bracelet, useful for quality and for answering customers.
- A small area to photograph your pieces, if you take your own photos (see step 11).
5. What you can skip at the start
Wire, crimp tools, soldering and metalworking equipment are only needed for other kinds of jewelry. Start with stretch bracelets, master them, then add techniques when your customers ask for them.
Frequently asked questions
Which elastic cord is best for gemstone bracelets?
One that fills the drill holes without forcing, resists abrasion from the stones and keeps its stretch. Test a few brands and thicknesses with your own beads before choosing.
How long does a stretch bracelet last?
It depends on the cord, the knot and how the bracelet is worn. Rolling it on and off rather than pulling it, and keeping it away from water, creams and perfume, helps it last.
How much does a starter kit cost?
The tools themselves are inexpensive compared with stones. Most of your budget will go into beads, packaging and marketing.
Sources
European Chemicals Agency — Substances restricted under REACH · Loch Ness — Which bead size for my wrist?
