DIY: Mica Statement Necklace

Recently my dad and I have been taking walks around our neighborhood. On these walks we found a lot of the natural rock, mica. Mica is a pseudo crystal with layers and layers of glittery flakes. After collecting a few nice pieces of the rock I decided to make them into a statement necklace. After all, natural rock jewelry is making a big comeback for fall.

I started off by drilling holes in the top of each of the rocks and stringing fishing wire loops through them.

Then I dipped each of the rocks into a clear gloss polyurethane. This strengthens the fragile rocks and enhances their natural shine. I hung the loops up and allowed them to dry for about an hour and a half. I repeated this process four times to get maximum strength.

During the dipping process I hung the rocks from the ends of a rake so the polyurethane would dry without smudges.

After letting the final coat dry overnight I took the pieces down and arranged them as I wanted them. For the base of the necklace I used a thick gold chain I bought at a thrift store.

I used a thin gold wire to attach the mica to the chain by making loops and twisting them at the end for security.

And wha-la! A crystal rock statement necklace made for only the cost of the time it takes to make it. For other great DIY ideas check out IFB.

Photos are mine.