The focal point of any necklace is the pendant

It All Starts With an Idea Most women have some idea of what they want when they go jewelry shopping. Unfortunately, jewelry, like every other fashion industry, follows trends. That means that you can't always find what you want and often have to settle for something that isn't quite right. Sometimes the problem is the size, other times the length, but no matter the reason, it just doesn't satisfy your need. If you have an idea of what you want your necklace to look like, you are ready to design your own jewelry. Now it is time to find the right pendant. Which Material Is Right? Jewelry making is a multi-stepped process. The material your pendant is made from will help narrow down your choices for chain, cord, or string. Pendants are available in precious or base metals, stone, glass, horn, wood, shell, and just about anything you can imagine. The more expensive the material, the fancier your connector is likely to be. In addition to what your pendant is made of, you want to consider the structure. Do you want a cabochon, which is very flat, or something with more dimension? Should it represent something? Many stones have specific meanings; crosses, stars, and Egyptian symbols are only a few of the many spiritual pendants you may choose from. Finally, don't forget to consider allergies. If you have sensitive skin, it is probably best to avoid pendants made from pewter, copper or brass, or anything that has any nickel. Glass, un-dyed stone, sterling silver, or gold are probably your best bets. Complete the Look of Your Jewelry Once you have your pendant, it is time to complete the look. A simple sterling silver pendant may look best on a silver chain. A glass pendant may need a few glass beads strung with it to be set off just right. Picking the strand is both a matter of taste and style. With some online software options, you can create your whole necklace in the virtual world. This lets you see exactly what the final product will look like in advance. The finishing touch is the clasp. There are dozens of styles and looks you can use to complete your necklace. The materials are almost as diverse as those you find in pendants. You pick the clasp by considering the value, use, and composition of your necklace. If you are unsure of how to proceed, ask for help from the professionals who work at the company. For example, a heavier necklace will call for a ring and bar clasp or a larger lobster claw clasp. Something light and delicate may be completed with a spring ring. A magnetic clasp is ideal for someone with arthritis in their hands, while a screw clasp designed to look like a bead is secure and discrete. The final product will all start with that all important pendant you selected in the beginning. Best of all, it will be truly your own.