From Rock to Jewelry: Simple Projects – Turn Your Polished Stones into Wearable Art

Read time: 7 minutes

There’s something incredibly satisfying about taking a stone you found out rockhounding, polished and turned it into a piece of handmade jewelry you can wear - or give as a gift. It’s the ultimate way to connect with your rockhounding journey, carrying a piece of nature's art with you wherever you go. The added bonus? The inevitable moment someone sees that gorgeous pendant you made and asks where you got it. Whether you’re new to jewelry making or looking to expand your skills, simple projects like a wire-wrapped pendant are a great place to start. Let’s dive in and explore how you can transform your polished stones into stunning, handmade jewelry.

Small Australian lace agate hearts are perfect for turning into simple wire-wrapped pendants and earrings.

Turning Polished Stones into Jewelry

Taking a polished stone and turning it into a piece of jewelry might sound challenging, but with a few basic techniques, you’ll be creating your own custom pieces in no time. Two of the most popular and accessible methods for beginners are wire wrapping and drilling small holes for pendants.

1. Wire Wrapping: This technique involves wrapping wire around your polished stone to create a secure setting that also showcases the stone’s natural beauty. You don’t need any fancy tools—just some jewelry wire, pliers, and a little patience. Wire wrapping is versatile and allows you to create everything from simple pendants to more intricate designs.

   
   

2. Drilling Small Holes: If you’re looking for a more minimalist approach, drilling a small hole in your polished stone can be a great option. Once the hole is drilled, you can easily string the stone onto a necklace chain or attach it to an earring hook. Make sure to use a diamond-tipped drill bit, as stones can be quite hard, and always keep the stone wet while drilling to avoid overheating.

   
   
   
   

   

   
   
   
   

Beginner Projects

Here are a couple of beginner project ideas to get you started:

1. Polished Stone Tumbled Pendant: Choose a nice rough stone such as chevron amethyst or banded fortification agate of approximately 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch. Take it through the process of tumbling and polishing first. This is one of the simplest yet most rewarding projects, because you get to see the whole process from rough to sparkling. Then take the stone that you’ve polished, and drill a hole to create a pendant. For added flair, you can connect a simple charm or smaller bead for decoration (such as the fossil pendant below). String it on a simple leather cord or a delicate chain, and you’ve got a piece of jewelry that’s not only beautiful but also deeply personal.

   
   

   

   
   
   
   

2. Wire-Wrapped Ring: If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, try making a wire-wrapped ring. Select a small, polished stone that fits comfortably on your finger. Using jewelry wire, first create the correct size ring for your finger. Then, create a loop around the stone and secure it with a few wraps. Get creative here - sometimes a braid or twist in the wire will display beautifully. If you want to make sure it is secure, a great trick is to drill a small notch for your wire, or use a stone bead with a hole drilled in the middle. You can keep the design simple or add extra wraps for a more intricate look.

Turning your polished stones into jewelry is a rewarding way to showcase your rockhounding finds and create something that’s uniquely yours. Whether you start with a simple pendant or try your hand at a wire-wrapped ring, these projects are a great way to dip your toes into the world of jewelry making.

Ready to explore more? Follow us on social media for more tips and product announcements, watch the Fossick Channel on YouTube, and join our forums to share your finds. And don’t forget to check out our shop for everything you need to work with this stunning stone.