Are you obsessed with beautiful cabochons but not quite sure how to showcase them? “Bezeling”—or wrapping a cabochon with beads—might look intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s surprisingly doable!
With just some Delica beads, seed beads, and a healthy dose of patience, you can create these stunning earrings using the peyote stitch. For this project, we chose a regal palette of gold and purple. In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through every step so you can craft these eye-catching earrings yourself.
What you’ll need:
- 2 cabochon stones 18mm
- Delica beads 11/0, color 1832 (duracoat galvanized gold)
- Seed beads 15/0, color 1883 (gold luster wine)
- 2 earstuds
- 2 open rings 3mm
- Beading thread, color gold
- Needle
Step 1)
Cut a piece of thread about 100 cm long, leaving a 15 cm tail at the beginning. String 46 Delica beads; this specific amount fits perfectly around an 18mm cabochon. Then, pass the needle through the very first bead again to create a secure, closed circle.
Step 2)
Now, you’re ready to add the second row using the peyote stitch. To do this, pick up one new Delica bead, skip a bead from the previous row, and pass your needle through the next bead. When you pull the thread tight, the new bead will snap into place—just like a little brick—right on top of the one you skipped. Repeat this process until you’ve gone all the way around. To finish the round and move up to the next row, pass your needle through two beads at once (the “step-up”).
Step 3)
To ensure the stone is held securely in place, the edge needs to curve inward. You can achieve this by adding two rows of smaller 15/0 seed beads, using the exact same technique as you did with the Delicas. After finishing the second row, pass your thread through all the seed beads one more time and pull firmly. This will create a tight, upright rim that hugs the stone.
Step 4)
Now, we’ll finish the side of the ‘cup.’ Carefully weave your thread through the beads until your needle emerges on the opposite side of your first base ring. Add one more row of Delicas using the peyote stitch to give the side enough height.
And now, on to the back!
Step 5)
Now it’s time to press the cabochon into your work. Hold the stone firmly in place as you start closing the back. Since the stone still sits slightly above the edge, add one more row of Delicas first. Don’t forget to do the ‘step-up’ at the end of the row by passing through two beads to finish it off neatly.
Step 6)
Next, string two rows of the small 15/0 seed beads on this side. Just like with the front, the smaller size of these beads will cause the piece to pull inward, locking the stone firmly in place. For added durability, weave through the final row one more time and pull the thread tight.
Step 7)
Weave your thread back through the beads toward the outer edge of the earring. To attach the stud, pick a spot of your choice and add one extra Delica bead so that it sits flat on top of an existing bead. Next, weave the thread in a criss-cross pattern through the rest of your beadwork to secure it. The friction within the beads will hold the thread firmly in place without the need for knots, allowing you to trim it close to the work. Repeat this process with the 15 cm tail you left at the beginning.
Step 8)
Open the small jump ring and attach it to the extra Delica bead you just added. Slide the earring stud onto the ring and squeeze it shut securely. Your first earring is finished! Now, simply repeat all the steps for the second earring to complete your brand-new jewelry set.
Tips & Tricks:
Got the hang of it and ready to experiment with different stones? Use these handy tips to ensure a sleek, professional finish every time:
- Different Cabochon Sizes: The rule of thumb for determining your starting count is simple: always make sure you start with an even number of beads (essential for the peyote stitch) and ensure the circle fits snugly around the cabochon. For a 12mm cabochon, you’ll typically need 30 to 32 Delicas; for a 25mm stone, aim for 60 to 64.
- Stone Thickness: Not all cabochons have the same height. If you’re working with a very flat stone, fewer rows of Delicas on the sides will suffice. Working with an extra thick or “high dome” stone? Simply add an extra row of Delicas for height before you start decreasing with your 15/0 seed beads.
- Watch Your Tension: Thread tension is crucial when bezeling. Pull your thread firmly after every stitch, but don’t overdo it—the beads should sit flush against each other without the thread showing or snapping. You can slightly increase the tension during the 15/0 seed bead rows to help the bezel “cup” the stone perfectly.
- Checking the Back: Is your stone still a bit loose after finishing the back? Don’t panic! You can often go through the final row of 15/0 seed beads one more time without adding any new beads. Pulling this extra pass tight will help cinch the back shut.
- Measure Twice, Bead Once: Before you move on to the peyote technique in step 2, wrap your initial circle from step 1 around the cabochon. It should require a tiny bit of stretch to fit. If it’s too loose, add two beads. If there’s a gap it won’t close, remove two.
Good luck and have fun bezeling!
