Large, chunky bracelets are in fashion, and this "Iron Butterfly" design offers a charming vintage twist to the trend. Brilliant Swarovski crystals stand out among an antiqued brass background for alluring contrast and a design that is easily constructed in minutes.
Step one: Use a pair of nylon jaw pliers to gently bend an antique brass winged link to fit the contour of your wrist.
Step two: Use E6000 Glue to affix twelve Swarovski SS9 XILION rose flatbacks in crystal to the antique brass winged link. We used a jewel setter to place four flatbacks vertically along the center of the link and four flatbacks on each side of the link in mirrored locations. Refer to the above pictures to see the precise flatback positions we used. Allow to dry.
Step three: Attach an antique brass bail to the outer loop on either side of the winged link so that the decorated side of each bail faces outwards. Leave the bails un-clamped.
Step four: You may need to adjust the chain length depending on your desired bracelet size. Attach a 2.5-inch piece of antique brass-plated 1+1 infinity link chain to the bail on the left side of the winged link by threading one link of the chain inside the bail and clamping the bail closed with chain nose pliers. Attach a 6mm antique brass-plated open jump ring to the other end of the chain. Next, connect a 12x7mm antique brass-plated trigger clasp to the bail on the right side of the link using an open jump ring. For help with jump rings, click here.
Estimated time: Less than 30 minutes (plus drying time) Difficulty level: Beginner
Tools and Supplies Used: Chain nose pliers (TOOL-106) Side cutters - semi flush (TOOL-131) Nylon jaw pliers (TOOL-105) Jewel setter 2 pack (TOOL-170) E6000 Glue 3.7 FL. OZ. (E6000)
List of Components: Antique brass winged link (BBA-LX12, qty 1) Antique brass bail (BBA-BAIL01, qty 2) Antique brass-plated 1+1 infinity link chain (BBACH20, qty 1) 12x7mm antique brass-plated trigger clasp (BBA-CL03, qty 1) 6mm antique brass-plated open jump ring (BBA-OJR06, qty 2) Swarovski 2058 SS9 XILION rose flatback crystal (2058-CRY9, qty 12)
Alternate Components: These are fun alternatives to those listed above: Antique brass wrap filigree (BBA-LX41) Antique brass lacy dream filigree (BBA-LX45) Antique brass-plated twisted double link with rollo links curb chain (BBACH28) Creative Bead Jewelry (BOOK-15) Findings & Finishings (BOOK-43)
