How To Make A Coin Necklace?

Knowing how to make a coin necklace is a delightful way to combine creativity with personal expression. These unique pieces of jewelry not only serve as stylish accessories but also tell a story, as many coins carry historical significance or sentimental value.

Whether you want to repurpose old coins you have lying around or incorporate specifically chosen pieces, the process is simple yet rewarding. This DIY project allows you to customize your necklace to suit your taste, making it a perfect gift or a treat for yourself.

With just a few tools and materials, you can craft a stunning coin necklace that stands out and showcases your individuality with our detailed instructions. Let’s dive into the steps to bring your vision to life!

What Is A Coin Necklace?

A coin necklace is a distinctive piece of jewelry that features a coin as its central element, often suspended from a chain or cord. This type of necklace can vary widely in design, depending on the coin used and the overall style intended by the maker.

Coin necklaces can range from simple and understated to intricate and elaborate, reflecting the history of the coin itself or the creativity of the designer. They can be made using a variety of coins, including vintage currencies, commemorative pieces, or even foreign coins, allowing for endless customization and uniqueness.

Why Make A Coin Necklace?

Creating a coin necklace is a fantastic way to express your creativity while repurposing items that may no longer serve their original purpose. These necklaces not only allow you to craft something personal and unique but also encourage sustainable practices by giving new life to old coins.

Moreover, each coin can carry its own history and significance, transforming your accessory into a meaningful piece of art that sparks conversation and evokes memories. Whether to commemorate a significant event, celebrate a personal achievement, or simply showcase your artistic flair, making a coin necklace offers a rewarding experience that combines craftsmanship with storytelling.

Additionally, it can be a budget-friendly option for attaining stylish jewelry, making it a perfect project for crafters of all skill levels.

Therefore, beyond their aesthetic appeal, coin necklaces often carry personal meaning, serving as a reminder of travels, family heritage, or special occasions, making them both a fashionable accessory and a cherished keepsake.

How To Make A Coin Necklace?

As we have mentioned, crafting a coin necklace is a straightforward process that requires minimal supplies and time. Follow these simple steps to create your unique piece of jewelry.

What You’ll Need - Materials And Supplies:

First and foremost, people need to gather all the things necessary for making a coin necklace.

  • A coin: Choose a coin that you would like to use for your necklace. This can be an old family heirloom, a foreign currency from your travels, or even a commemorative piece.
  • A bezel or pendant:  This is a frame or setting that will hold your coin in place and can be purchased at craft stores.
  • A small drill or jewelry pliers: These tools will help you drill a small hole in the coin or open up the bezel to attach it to the necklace.
  • A jump ring: These are small metal rings used to attach the coin pendant to the chain.
  • A chain: Select the type of chain you want to use as the base for your necklace. Consider the length and material (such as gold, silver, leather) to complement your coin's design.
  • Optional supplies: If you want to add some personal touch, you can also gather additional materials such as beads, charms, or other decorative elements to incorporate into your design.

Detailed Instruction For Making A Coin Pendant Necklace:

Now, moving to the most crucial part - how to make a coin necklace. Here, we mention some main steps that are really detailed and clear, which will help you with the crafting process.

Step 1: Choosing Your Coin

Start by selecting a coin that holds personal significance or appeals to your aesthetic. Consider your options carefully, as the chosen coin will serve as the centerpiece of your necklace.

You might want to use an old family coin that has sentimental value, such as a coin passed down through generations. Alternatively, a foreign currency from your travels can bring back fond memories and add a unique flair to your design. Commemorative coins, often celebrating special events or anniversaries, can also serve as intriguing conversation pieces.

Once you have a few coins in mind, examine their size, shape, and design, as these factors will impact the overall look of your necklace. Ensure that the coin you choose aligns with the style of necklace you envision; for example, a larger coin may need a sturdier chain, while a delicate coin can pair well with a finer chain.

Finally, ensure the coin is in good condition, and free from significant wear, to make sure it looks its best as a wearable accessory.

Step 2: Selecting your Bezel/Pendant or Drilling a Hole in the coin

Once you have chosen your coin, the next step is to decide how you want to secure it for your necklace.

If you opt for a bezel, ensure it comfortably accommodates your coin’s dimensions.

A bezel will enhance the aesthetic appeal and provide a secure setting, allowing the coin to remain stable while being worn. Simply place the coin inside the bezel and close it securely according to the manufacturer's instructions.

If you prefer a more direct approach, you can drill a small hole into the coin itself.

Use a small drill bit, ideally 1/16 inch, to create a hole towards the top edge of the coin, ensuring it doesn’t compromise the design or integrity. Take your time and maintain steady pressure to avoid cracking the coin. This hole allows you to attach a jump ring for hanging the coin directly onto the chain.

Whichever method you choose, ensure that the attachment is firm and safe for everyday wear.

Step 3: Attaching the Jump Ring 

After you have secured your coin in the bezel or drilled a hole in it, the next step is to attach a jump ring, which will connect your coin to the necklace chain.

Begin by taking one jump ring from your supplies. Use your jewelry pliers to gently open the jump ring; grasp one side of the ring with your pliers and twist it slightly without pulling it apart completely, avoiding any distortion.

Once the jump ring is open, carefully thread it through the hole in the coin or the loop of the bezel. Be sure that it’s seated properly and secures the piece firmly.

After successfully inserting the coin, use the pliers to close the jump ring by reversing the twisting motion you made earlier. Make sure it fits snugly, as this will ensure that your coin remains attached to the necklace. Remember that it’s important to check for any gaps that could cause the jump ring to open unintentionally.

Step 4: Attaching the Coin to Your Chain 

Now that your coin is securely attached to the jump ring, it's time to connect it to the chain of your necklace.

Start by laying the chain flat on a clean, stable surface, ensuring that it is untangled and free of knots. Identify where you'd like the coin pendant to sit on the chain and hold it in position.

Carefully take the open jump ring that holds your coin and slide it onto the desired link of the chain. If your chain has multiple links, you might consider placing the jump ring on a central link to allow for an even pendant drop.

Once the jump ring is in place, use your jewelry pliers to gently close the jump ring by reversing the twist motion you made earlier, ensuring it sits snugly against the chain without any gaps. Finally, give a gentle tug on the coin pendant to confirm that it is securely attached, and allow your beautiful coin necklace to fully come to life.

Here you have it - your very own handmade coin pendant necklace, proudly fashioned and designed by you. Remember, the possibilities are endless when it comes to personalizing your design with different coins, chains, and added embellishments. Have fun exploring and creating a truly unique accessory that reflects your personal style and story!

Different Variations Of Making Coin Necklaces

As mentioned earlier, there are various ways to create a coin pendant necklace, and you can get creative with the materials and techniques used. Here are some alternative variations to consider:

#1 - Wire-Wrapped Coin Pendant

Creating a wire-wrapped coin pendant is a wonderful way to add a unique twist to your necklace while showcasing your craftsmanship. Start by selecting a coin, as you did previously, and gather 20-24 gauge artistic wire. Cut a piece of wire approximately 24 inches long; you can always trim excess later.

Begin by forming a loop at one end of the wire and place your coin in the center. Hold the coin securely and wrap the wire around its edge, starting from the top. Make sure to keep the wrappings tight but not overly compressed to avoid damaging the coin.

As you wrap, create a design that suits your style; for instance, making spiral shapes or layered loops can add depth and interest. After wrapping a sufficient amount, create another loop at the top for attaching the jump ring. Cut off any excess wire, ensuring all ends are tucked away to prevent snags.

Finally, secure the pendant onto your necklace chain to complete your stunning wire-wrapped creation!

#2 - Layered Coin Necklace 

A layered coin necklace offers a trendy and versatile look by combining multiple coins of varying sizes and designs. Start by selecting two or more coins that complement each other; consider mixing different metals or finishes for added contrast.

To create the layered effect, use multiple chains of different lengths—typically one longer chain and one or two shorter ones. Secure each coin onto its respective chain using the previously mentioned attachment methods with jump rings or bezels.

Layer the chains on top of each other, ensuring that the coins drape beautifully without tangling. This style not only enhances your outfit but also allows for personal expression, as you can choose coins that reflect your interests or memories.

#3 - Stamped Coin Pendant Necklace 

Creating a stamped coin pendant necklace allows for personal expression through unique designs and messages stamped directly onto the coin's surface.

Begin by selecting a coin made of a softer metal, such as copper or aluminum, which is easier to work with for stamping. Secure your coin on a sturdy, flat surface — ideally, a metal stamping block.

Using metal stamps, carefully create your desired letters, numbers, or symbols by striking them with a hammer. Aim for even pressure to ensure clear impressions.

Once your stamping is complete, you can enhance the design with a patina for added character or simply clean the coin to highlight the stamp. Afterward, attach the stamped coin to a jump ring as described earlier and connect it to your necklace chain.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, knowing how to make a coin necklace is a fun and rewarding activity that allows you to showcase your personal style and creativity. With the various techniques and styles discussed, you can create a unique accessory that reflects your interests and memories.

So go ahead and give it a try – you'll be amazed at how easy and enjoyable it is to make your very own coin pendant necklace! So gather your materials, get creative, and let your imagination run wild to create a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry that you'll cherish for years to come. Happy crafting!