Samantha Vanhsy | June 9, 2025

How to Make a Charm Necklace

How to Make a Charm Necklace

Build a meaningful, personalized look—one charm at a time.

Jewelry tells your story, and a charm necklace is one of the most creative and sentimental ways to express who you are. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, honoring a loved one, or simply curating a look that feels uniquely you, Made by Mary makes it easy to build a charm necklace that blends meaning with beauty.

This tutorial will serve as a step-by-step guide, walking you through everything you need to create a custom charm necklace—from choosing the perfect chain to selecting the charms that speak to your heart.

Introduction to Charm Necklaces

Creating your own charm necklace is an amazing way to showcase your personality and style, all while having fun in the process. A custom charm necklace lets you build a piece of jewelry that truly represents who you are—each charm you add tells a part of your story. Whether you’re drawn to simple, elegant charms or love mixing bold, intricate designs, the possibilities are endless when you create your own charm necklace.

Step 1: Choose Your Charm-Ready Chain

The foundation of every great charm necklace starts with a beautiful, versatile chain.

Made by Mary offers several charm-compatible products that are both timeless and functional. Some chains come in large sizes, making a bold statement and adding visual impact to your jewelry. When selecting your chain, consider the size of the chain and links, as this will influence the overall look and feel of your necklace. You can also change the length or style of the chain to suit your preference, enhancing the versatility and adaptability of your piece:

  • Jude Charm Necklace: A bold paperclip-style chain with a hinge-style link lock that makes adding and removing charms effortless.

  • Rolo Charm Necklace: A classic, round-link design with a secure closure ideal for everyday wear and charm stacking.

  • Flat Cable Charm Chain: Sleek and adjustable, this minimalist option works beautifully for layering or wearing solo with one or two meaningful charms.

Each style is available in 18” with an adjustable chain extender, including 14k gold or sterling silver—so you can match your mood, wardrobe, or signature look.

Step 2: Pick Your Charms

Now for the fun part—choosing the charms that represent your journey.

From symbolic icons to personal touches, Made by Mary’s charm collection includes options that speak to love, strength, growth, and everything in between.

Here are a few favorites to get you started:

  • Birthstone Charm: Add your birth month or mix and match your loved ones’.

  • Heart Charm: A classic symbol of love and connection. You can also choose from a variety of heart-shaped beads or charms to add a romantic or personal touch.

  • Pasta Charm: A playful nod to foodies and family traditions.

  • Sea Shell Charm: Perfect for beach lovers and free spirits.

  • Letter or Initial Charms: Keep someone close with a custom-stamped initial.

Want to add texture or meaning to your charm story? Try using a mixed selection of charms—combine different shapes, metals, and motifs for a unique look. Mix metals or alternate between birthstones and engraved symbols to create a layered look that evolves with you. Personalize your necklace by including charms you've always wanted, making it truly your own. The combination of these charms can create a cute necklace that reflects your style.

Step 3: Put It All Together

Each Made by Mary charm-ready chain comes with a link lock, which opens easily so you can add, remove, or rearrange charms as often as you’d like—no tools required.

Here’s how you can easily add your charms:

  1. Pop open the link lock by gently pulling up on the small tab.

  2. Remove the chain link that is on the non-hinge side from the lock (it should slide off easily!)

  3. Add your charms one by one, ensuring they are all facing the same direction.

  4. Carefully slide the end link of your chain back onto the non-hinge side, and click the hinge closed to secure.

Step 4: Style and Layer

Your charm necklace doesn’t have to stand alone. Pair it with other Made by Mary favorites like:

Experiment with chain lengths and metal tones to build your signature stack.

Note: Try mixing different textures and pendant sizes for a unique look, or layer with chokers for added dimension.

We’d love to see how you style your charm necklace—consider sharing your photos on Instagram and tag us to inspire others. Sharing your creations with friends or online is a great way to showcase your personal style and connect with the community.

Final Thoughts

A charm necklace is more than an accessory—it’s a wearable reflection of your heart, history, and hopes. Whether you’re marking a special moment or starting a collection just because, Made by Mary makes it easy to design something truly personal. Charm necklaces have been cherished for more than a year, and their timeless appeal continues to grow.

Start with your chain, choose your charms, and create something beautiful—because your story deserves to shine.

👉 Explore all charms and charm necklaces at Made by Mary