Today's post is a DIY on a trend that I have seen so much of and am in love with: handpieces. There are so many different styles, ranging from delicate to edgy. Handpieces are such unique pieces of jewellery; you can wear one as a focal point of your outfit, or layer with matching bracelets and rings.
As said above, I have seen them from many sources. They aren't exactly huge in Hong Kong, but they are being sold in Nasty Gal, Urban Outfitters, Free People, Accessorize, and Forever 21. That said, they are not available in HK, and are well over my budget!
Earlier this week, I went to Sham Shui Po in search for charms and jewellery-making supplies. I found my charm hidden in a container of lobster clasps, and the idea for this handpiece instantly popped into my head.
Let's get started!
You will need:
1. pliers
2. jump rings - I used 2.5mm ones
3. around 70cm of chain that matches the width of your jump rings
4. a charm of which you can attach chain to on the top and bottom
5. a bigger jump ring (I used a 5mm one) and a lobster clasp
6. scissors
7. a ruler *optional*
1. First, you've got to know the layout of you handpiece. A basic handpiece is basically a chain ring, a chain bracelet, and a chain connecting the two.
a basic handpiece I made a while ago, good for layering jewellery
The plan for this handpiece DIY looks a little something like this:
not the best representation but you get the gist of it
2. Create your bracelet by wrapping the chain around your wrist and cutting the appropriate length. Attach the big jump ring and lobster clasp on either end of the chain.
3. Create your ring with the same method, but instead of adding a clasp, join the two ends with a small jump ring.
4. Attach 9cm of chain to both top and bottom of the charm. Wear your bracelet and ring, then lay the charm on top of your hand in the position you would like it to be. The chains attached to the charm need to be straight and match up to the middle of the bracelet and ring.
5. Cut where the chains intersect and join them with jump rings.
If you want, you can finish your handpiece here.
I decided to carry on adding the chain extra lengths of chain to fully complete the handpiece.
6. With your handpiece on, lay a 9cm length of chain across your hand. The top should meet one of the loops on the chain besides the centre one, and the bottom should lie between the centre of the bracelet and the clasp.
7. And you're done!
how it looks on
I have to admit, this was not the easiest DIY. It took many trials to get the right lengths of chain needed (that's why I suggest you have 70cm of chain, in case you were wondering). If you struggle with it, don't worry! Persevere and you will eventually have a unique, beautiful handpiece.
The total cost of the materials ended up below $30 (HK dollars!). That is a huge comparison to the $500 handpieces you can find in Free People :)
Have a great day and I'll see you soon xx
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