DIY Zodiac Sign & Constellation Necklaces: No Soldering Required!

Updated at: 07/02/2025

Express your cosmic side with a dazzling, handcrafted zodiac necklace! Forget expensive jewelry stores and complicated techniques – this guide shows you how to create a beautiful, personalized necklace featuring your zodiac sign or a stunning constellation, all without the need for any soldering. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or a complete beginner, this project is perfect for unleashing your creativity and adding a touch of celestial magic to your style. You'll be surprised at how easy it is to transform simple materials into a truly unique piece of jewelry.

This project uses readily available materials and simple techniques, making it ideal for a fun afternoon craft session or a thoughtful, personalized gift. We'll guide you through each step, from selecting your preferred design and materials to assembling your shimmering masterpiece. Ready to embark on this celestial crafting adventure? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and begin creating your very own DIY zodiac sign & constellation necklace!

Safety Guidelines

  • Always supervise children if they are participating in any part of this project. Small parts pose a choking hazard.
  • Use caution when working with wire; sharp edges can cause cuts. Consider wearing gloves.
  • Avoid using excessively hot glue near flammable materials. Ensure adequate ventilation.

Methods: Stamping Method using Disc Cutter and Stamps

Tools Needed

  • Disc cutter (Pepe Tools recommended)
  • Brass mallet or hammer (avoid steel)
  • Jeweler's saw (optional, for cutting discs)
  • 5/0 saw blades (optional)
  • Lubricant (paste or beeswax)
  • Stamps (constellation and zodiac signs)
  • Row height mallet
  • Stickers (for stamping guides)
  • Center punch (optional, for alternative method)
  • Old Burr (optional, for alternative method)
  • Scriber (optional, for alternative method)
  • Ruler or Center finder (for zodiac sign centering)
  • Special guides (optional, for zodiac sign centering)
  • Flat nose pliers

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Disc Cutting

    • Cut discs using a disc cutter or jeweler's saw.
    Cut discs using a disc cutter or jeweler's saw.
    Disc Cutting

  2. Constellation Stamping

    • Use stickers or online patterns as guides, then stamp the constellation onto the disc using stamps and a mallet.
    • Flatten the stamped disc using a mallet.
    Flatten the stamped disc using a mallet.Flatten the stamped disc using a mallet.
    Constellation Stamping

  3. Zodiac Sign Stamping

    • Repeat stamping process for zodiac signs, using a center finder or ruler to ensure accurate placement.
    Repeat stamping process for zodiac signs, using a center finder or ruler to ensure accurate placement.
    Zodiac Sign Stamping

  4. Hole Punching

    • Punch holes in the discs using hole punching pliers.
    Punch holes in the discs using hole punching pliers.
    Hole Punching

  5. Cleaning and Polishing

    • Clean and polish the discs. Use minimal sanding on gold-filled discs to preserve the gold layer.
    Clean and polish the discs. Use minimal sanding on gold-filled discs to preserve the gold layer.
    Cleaning and Polishing

  6. Patina Application (Optional)

    • Apply patina (optional) to enhance details.
    Apply patina (optional) to enhance details.
    Patina Application (Optional)

  7. Final Assembly

    • Attach jump rings and chains using flat nose pliers.
    Attach jump rings and chains using flat nose pliers.
    Final Assembly

Tips

  • Use a brass mallet to avoid damaging the metal.
  • Lubricate the jeweler's saw blade with paste or beeswax for easier cutting.
  • Minimal sanding is recommended for gold-filled discs to protect the gold layer.

Read more: DIY Erica Statement Earrings & Necklace Tutorial: Even Count Peyote Stitch

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Unevenly applied resin

Reason: Air bubbles or an uneven resin pour can lead to an unprofessional-looking final product with imperfections.
Solution: Slowly pour resin to avoid bubbles and gently tilt the mold to ensure even distribution.

2. Incorrectly sized components

Reason: Using charms or findings too large for the pendant setting will either not fit or cause the resin to overflow or crack.
Solution: Pre-measure and test-fit all components before adding resin.

3. Insufficient curing time

Reason: Rushing the curing process can result in a sticky, soft, and easily damaged necklace.
Solution: Allow the resin to cure completely according to the manufacturer's instructions; do not demold prematurely.

FAQs

What kind of beads and findings do I need for these necklaces?
You'll primarily need small seed beads (for the constellations), larger beads for the zodiac symbol (if you choose to incorporate one), jump rings, and a clasp of your choice. Consider using wire for shaping and connecting elements. The specific bead colors and sizes will depend on your desired aesthetic and zodiac sign.
How do I create the constellation patterns without soldering?
Instead of soldering, use thin, flexible wire to carefully connect the seed beads representing the stars of your chosen constellation. You can wrap the wire around the beads and then use the wire to create the constellation shape. You can also use beading wire and small jump rings for a more structured look. Pictures and diagrams are helpful guides to get the constellation patterns correct.