Chunky Chains & DIY Projects

Goodbye minimal - we're obsessed with the chunky chains!

We can wave goodbye to minimal jewellery for now, with layered chains, charms and gemstones making their way back into the lime light.

Chunky and bold jewellery is a great way to make a statement with your outfit - from dangly earrings, stacked bracelets to a single thick chain around your neck - this chunky look is a great way to experiment with your style. The best part? Chunky chain looks great with most outfits, whether that's a formal dress or simple jeans and a tee.

In this post, we share with you lots of inspiration including some beautiful design ideas to make your own handmade chain jewellery.

Be Inspired By Chunky Chains

Make Your Own Chunky Chain Jewellery With Kernowcraft

We love keeping up to date with current fashion and jewellery trends and we just love the look of big and bold designs. We've created some beginner friendly jewellery designs using our supplies. Check out our designs inspired by chunky chains below - why not customise them using your favourite gemstones and charms?

Anchor & Turquoise Chunky Chain Bracelet

How lovely is our sterling silver large link flat trace chain bracelet? It's so easy to add your favourite gemstone beads and charms to it. We've chosen to go for a nautical theme with our popular anchor charm along with a half drilled turquoise matrix bead glued onto a peg with loop.

Paua Shell & Heart Chunky Chain Bracelet

We've used our adorable sterling silver love heart chain to create this simple yet beautiful design. All you need is a jump ring and your favourite charm to complete the look! We've used our gorgeous paua shell heart charms.

Amazonite & Diamond Chunky Chain Bracelet

This long curb chain bracelet features a sparkly rose cut amazonite cabochon which is simply glued onto a charm setting plus our geometric diamond charm for a special touch.

Silver Tassel Chain Earrings

Although this medium trace chain used in this project doesn't have large links, we think it looks brilliant layered together to create a tassel effect. The chain sparkles beautifully as it sways in the light!

Love the tassel trend? Watch our video on how to make your own tassels using silkon thread with project to try too.

Paua Shell Charm Bracelet

In this project, we've used our silver plated stretch charm bracelet - designed with jump rings already attached so you can easily attach your favourite charms to it! We love this bold design, using our range of paua shell charm shapes.

Emerald Willow Leaf Necklace

A great way to add dimension to your jewellery designs is to add connector links! In this design, we feature our sterling silver willow connector link. We've also added a pop of colour using an emerald cabochon stone and a few gorgeous emerald rondelle beads to add some sparkle!

Sodalite Bead Bracelet

Simply slide on your favourite large holed gemstone bead for a minimal yet eye-catching design using our sterling silver spiga charm bead chain bracelet!

Sparkling Feather Necklace

Featuring our sterling silver black oxidised diamond cut rope chain! This statement chain is perfect if you want to add some luxury and sparkle to your design. We've made it simple by adding a charm so the chain takes center stage.

Shop Our Full Range Of Chain

We have an extensive range of quality necklet, bracelet and loose chain for your handmade jewellery designs. Whether you're after sterling silver, plated or gold - you can choose from a whole variety of styles to suit your jewellery making needs.

What Are The Different Types Of Chain?

Read our helpful guide on the types of jewellery making chain so you can choose the right one for your particular design.

Also in this section:

What Our Customers Say...

Claire

I just wanted to say a big thank you for the beautiful sapphires that arrived today. Hannah picked out just what I wanted and I’m over the moon with them.

Lenna

Hi, just a quick email to thank you for my cross and chain - I love it. What a speedy service - ordered it yesterday and wearing it tonight. Thank you very much.

I added a special request for moonstones with strong blue/green flashes and received 3 briolettes which were exactly that - some of the prettiest moonstones I’ve seen. Thank you!

Helen

Just wanted to say thank you for picking such beautiful stones for my order. I'm halfway through making a ring for my daughter and the rose cut rainbow moonstones are particularly yummy. Thank you!

Kim Thomson

I have been using Kernowcraft since 1997 and still regularly recommend them to all my students.

Claire Hall

Kernowcraft is my go to for all my gemstones! Their stones are the first ones I show when offering my clients stone choices and I can't recommend their customer service enough! This is a company that cares!

Jenny Kirkwood

Love the service you get and appreciate the range of products on offer. I just used the alligator tape for the first time and found myself asking - where have you been all my life?

Lauren Jodie Piercy

Beautiful gemstones and a lot of choice. Running competitions and being interactive as well really sets them apart. Keep up the interesting content.

Lynn Carson

I bought the sand dollar charm to make a holiday bracelet. It’s really lovely, subtle and pretty detail. Perfect piece and exactly as described.

Catherine Warwick

Just received my order that I placed only yesterday. I wanted to say thank you! I am delighted with the choice of cabochon, setting and books. Now I have to read up on how to set it! FABULOUS SERVICE - Thank you!

Frank Wilson

I have grown as a jewellery maker over the last year or so due to the encouragement the team have given me - they are all experienced jewellery makers or keen crafters. They have helped to guide me through my inventory, offered helpful tips and advice on all manner of silver working.

Jill Hammersely

I just wanted to say a massive thank you to the team, particularly the ladies that helped me yesterday. Delivery took less than 24hrs, that's amazing. The quality of both cabochons and settings are stunning.

Gloria Williams

I just came across your online shop and my first reaction was wow! It has everything i need to carry on with my jewellery making. I've seen things that i have been looking for and couldn't find in so many other shops!

Vivienne Sadler

Always too many temptations, but a joy to look through. Thank you for such good service. I have to be very strict with myself when I visit your website!

Catriona

Thank you for my recent order as I'm blown away by all the lovely pieces. I don't really know what to start work on first. Thank you for supplying top quality items on a easy to use website.

Mihaela Ciubotaru

I am very happy with my products... it is wonderful to have a reliable source of materials and gems with a fast delivery and a lot of tips on how to use the tools we buy.

Janice Scragg

Your website is easy to use, your products excellent, nice friendly service on the phone and delivery quick, excellent. Thank you and well done Kernowcraft. Gold star!

Dorota Todd

I just wanted to say how impressed I am with the quality of pearls in my recent order! Thank you so much for taking time and matching them into pairs, it's very appreciated. Thank you and I am definitely going to buy at your store in the future.

George Inglis

Great looking website, one of the best I've seen and used. Good search function, good range of products, good prices and great advice for jewellery makers of all abilities. All-in-all a great site and one I'll use again and again.

Rhiannon Piper

The opal I received is absolutely amazing and just perfect. Its such a beautiful stone and I tried it with my wedding dress yesterday and its just set it off so well.

Marshal

Thank you to the lady who went to a great deal of trouble to find a very small opal that fitted a bezel cup. The work is now complete and looks very nice - my wife is delighted with the result.

Hayley Meredith

I just wanted to say thank you for the amazing service from Kernowcraft. I find your website easy to navigate, products good quality and the delivery is second to none!

Sarah Tiley

Whenever I feel unsure as to where to purchase any stones or jewellery requirements I always go back to what is familiar. Thank you Kernowcraft for being true to your customers.

Joel Martin

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Deborah Roberts-Barter

I have sent a couple of email enquiries today, which have been really quickly answered. This customer service is what made me order with you straight away!

Frank Wilson

It is always a joy to deal with your Company and your hints and tips always help me to improve my skills and encourage my interests. Thank you for caring about us small enthusiastic silversmiths!

Denise Mountain Pike

I recently ordered a couple of replacement stones from you and I'd just like to say how happy I am with my purchase and very impressed with he friendly helpful service you gave. Thank you very much.

Lydia Farrow

Just to say that I have always had the best possible results for every order - however small and all your products are of excellent quality.

Christine Wood

Just want to say a very big thank you for your quick delivery and excellent service. The stones I ordered arrived this morning, the quality and price are second to none. I was delighted with my purchase. Thank you so much.

Maggi Henman

I’ve just had my first order from you and I am so pleased with the fast delivery and the quality of the products. The satin cords and the findings really finished off my ceramic jewellery.

Eve

The stones are excellent quality, and the special request I put in for dark citrines and paired malachites has been met perfectly. I am delighted with Kernowcraft, and will be back!

Julia Schofield

I’ve used Kernowcraft as a supplier for findings and pearls since beginning my business 8 years ago, because I know I can absolutely rely on the quality I get. The service is pretty impeccable too.

Helen Bowles

I felt compelled to write to you, as I'm so impressed with your quick service! I've been a Kernowcraft customer for years and have never had anything but reliable, efficient service from you.

April Luescher

Beautiful quality and colours - I rarely buy semi-precious stones anywhere else these days. Very helpful, superb service, speedy delivery. What more could anyone want?

Daniel Coe

The customer service I have received from you and the help has been second to none. If only all companies were so helpful and understanding that i am a complete newbie. The retail world would be a better place.

Jaquie

It can be difficult to order gemstones online - no such worries with Kernowcraft - you really do care about your products & clients and it shows.