Your guide to DIY clay rings and beaded jewellery

Clay rings and beaded necklaces are super trendy this SS21. From where to buy them to how to get stuck in and DIY, and how to style the finished product, this guide has it all. You can find my latest YouTube video linked in this post to see how I wear and style mine.

The trend has taken over social media this SS21

Where can you buy them from?

Depop is a great place to begin if you’re looking to start your chunky ring collection – a lot of individuals offer affordable, customisable rings so you can choose the perfect colours for you.

Here are some of my favourite clay ring small businesses:

• @keylimekrush

• @malxkha

• @anneauxfunky

• @customringss

• @ringsthat

I have also discovered some great Instagram accounts which sell beaded jewellery – all are so unique and most customisable.

Some include:

• @threadsbyel

• @beadedbyemily_

• @ohthis.gem

• @beaded.baddiez

Buying from smaller businesses is a great way to show support, during the pandemic especially. They offer unique pieces, so you’ll never see others wearing the exact same. It’s better than buying from bigger brands as you know your pieces are made with love and care, whilst also being individual.

How to make them yourself:

Clay rings:

Chunky clay rings are so fun to make, especially when you experiment with different colours and designs. Click here to see how I make mine, as well as to hear some of my top tips!

Beaded necklaces:

What you’ll need:

• Beads

• String/elastic

• Scissors

• Fasteners (optional, as you can knot the ends together without them)

You can find bead sets for an affordable price in most places, including B&M and Home Bargains. Although these are great places to buy kits to get started, you may find some hidden gems in charity shops, art and craft shops, and other trinket places.

TOP TIP: Try to collect individual, one-of-a-kind beads to use in your DIY projects.

Some of the clay rings I made myself!

When making your beaded jewellery, cut off enough string/elastic for your piece, plus extra to knot it together. Deciding colour combos is my favourite part, and here are some of my go-tos:

• Baby pink and green

• Orange and hot pink

• Sage green and lilac

• Yellow and pink

• Black and white

• Brown and sage green

I also love mixing different shades of the same colour together!

How to style them:

Creating a textured look by styling my clay and other rings together is my favourite way to style them. Plastic/resin rings work really well and are also affordable. I tend to wear two clay rings, which complement each other, at a time – this can either be because of their colours or designs. Dainty gold or silver rings also look great with chunky ones.

For beaded jewellery, matching your necklace with your bracelet looks super cute. One small business that offers matching sets is @threadsbyel – they include a necklace, bracelet and a matching bandana! Once you’ve made your favourite beaded jewellery, you can wear them everyday with any outfit to bring the look together. Similar to the clay rings, you can wear beads with daintier items to achieve an elegant look.

One of @threadsbyel's super cute matching sets

Edited by Katie Wheatley