The items we've used for this DIY are available just above this in our DIY Charm Necklace collection. We've chosen a coastal theme, but you can find a huge variety of other charm themes in our Gold Filled and Gold Plated Charm section.

Likewise, if you'd like to save some time by starting with a finished necklace, you can browse our finished paperclip necklaces here.

Depending on the type of chain you're using you may be able to open the links. If you're using soldered / closed chain you'll have to cut one of the links with a set of sturdy pliers. We're using a 17" length of chain to make our necklace.

We'll start by making our necklace. The first step is attaching a lobster clasp to one end of the necklace and an extender chain to the other. Use your pliers and jump ring opener tool to open the jump rings already attached to the lobster clasp and the extender chain.

Thread the jump rings you just opened into the last link on either side of the necklace. Make sure to get the jump rings closed tightly. Voila - you now have a finished necklace!

Finding the middle of the chain is crucial for the charms to sit evenly and perfectly. You can either count each link and find the middle one, or do what we did in the photo - measure out either side.

Use a jump ring to attach a charm to the middle link. Unlike a traditional necklace, you will be attaching the jump ring into the link itself rather than over the whole necklace. This will prevent the charm from moving around too much.

In this example we're using one of our custom engraved 18k gold charms.

Count out two links from the center charm in either direction and line up your charms. Continue further out until you've set up all the charms you need.

To simplify this process and make it a bit more easier to space it out you can use a bead design board!

Now that you've got it all laid out, you simply need to attach the charms to the correct link in the chain. Make sure you're threading the jump ring through the link of the chain - not overtop of the whole link.

You've just created a beautiful paperclip charm necklace.

Feeling inspired? Browse our Gold Filled and Gold Plated Jewelry Supplies!