How to String a Rustic Western Beaded Necklace

The Ultimate DIY Guide for Coastal Cowgirl Vibes

If you’ve ever swooned over the effortless charm of the “Coastal Cowgirl” aesthetic, you’re not alone. Equal parts beachy boho and rugged Western flair, this look is all about pairing relaxed denim with weathered leather, wind-tousled hair with turquoise beads, and of course, statement jewelry that feels handmade and meaningful.

One of the most iconic accessories of this aesthetic? A rustic Western beaded necklace. Earthy tones, natural textures, turquoise stones, leather cords, these elements come together to tell a story of wanderlust and wild horses, sun-bleached fences and open skies. The best part? You can string your own.

Whether you’re a total beginner or just looking for a relaxing weekend project, we’re walking you through the steps to string your own rustic Western beaded necklace. And if you want to make it easy? We’ve got ready-to-go Coastal Cowgirl kits at Jewelry Made By Me to help you get started fast.

Main Materials You'll Need

Let’s get grounded with the essential materials and tools you’ll need. Think of this as your starter pack for Western-inspired jewelry-making:

1. Beads

• Turquoise: The signature stone of the West.

• Wooden beads: For that sun-dried, weathered ranch look.

• Howlite, jasper, or agate: Natural stones that mimic earth tones.

• Shells or cowrie beads: A nod to the “coastal” in Coastal Cowgirl.

• Metal accents: Look for antique bronze or silver spacers, feather charms, or horseshoes.

2. Stringing Material

• Leather cord: Gives a raw, rustic look. Ideal for larger-hole beads.

• Waxed cotton: Strong, durable, and comes in earthy tones.

• Beading wire (like 49-strand coated wire): Offers strength and drape, especially good for heavier stones.

3. Findings and Closures

• Lobster clasp or hook-and-eye: Go for antique metals to match the Western aesthetic.

• Crimp beads or knot covers: Essential for finishing your necklace securely.

• Jump rings and split rings: Small but mighty, use them to connect it all.

4. Tools

• Crimping pliers

• Wire cutters

• Flat-nose pliers

• Bead board or mat

Step-by-Step: How to String Your Rustic Western Necklace

Here’s where the magic happens. Follow these steps to create your necklace from start to finish.

Step 1: Find Your Inspiration

Before you string anything, decide on your vibe. Are you going full Western with a turquoise-and-leather statement piece? Or going lighter and beachier with shells and wood beads? Pull up some Pinterest inspo or scroll Instagram’s #CoastalCowgirl tag to find a style that speaks to you.

💡 Pro tip: Try mixing bead shapes and sizes. Alternating chunky and dainty beads creates visual rhythm and makes your necklace feel artisan.

Step 2: Lay Out Your Design

Use a bead board to experiment with the bead arrangement. Start from the center and work outward to ensure symmetry, especially if you’re using a large focal bead or pendant in the middle.

If symmetry’s not your thing, go for an organic, freeform look, just make sure it still feels balanced overall.

Step 3: Cut Your Stringing Material

If using leather or waxed cord, cut it 6–8 inches longer than your desired finished length to give you plenty of room for tying knots or adding clasps.
If using beading wire, do the same, you’ll need extra room to crimp and loop the ends.

Step 4: Start Stringing

Begin by stringing from the center outward. Slide on each bead, making sure it sits snugly but not too tight. If you’re using smaller seed beads between larger ones, use them as spacers for a more polished look.

Don't forget to add charms or pendants as focal points, especially feather charms or a lariat-style drop with a single stone or concho.

💡 Pro tip: Add a tiny dab of glue or clear nail polish to any knots for extra security, especially when using natural cords.

Step 5: Add the Clasp

If using beading wire:

• Slide on a crimp bead, then a jump ring or half of your clasp.

• Loop the wire back through the crimp bead.

• Use crimping pliers to flatten the crimp securely.

• Trim any excess wire.

If using leather or cotton cord:

• Simply tie a double or surgeon’s knot around the clasp.

• Or use a sliding knot for an adjustable length.

Tips for a Professional Finish

1. Mix Textures: Combine matte, polished, and raw-finish beads for that handmade, heirloom look.

2. Stick to Earthy Tones: Think sandy beige, rusty orange, mossy green, and ocean-worn blue.

3. Don’t Overthink It: Rustic jewelry is meant to look organic and a little imperfect. Let it flow naturally.

4. Customize Your Length: Chokers, mid-length, or long layering pieces, it’s all fair game. Try wrapping longer styles around twice or knotting them for variation.

Why Make It Yourself?

Sure, you can buy a pre-made necklace. But stringing your own rustic Western piece allows you to:

• Customize colors and sizes to your taste

• Create matching sets (hello, earrings and bracelets!)

• Add personal symbols, like birthstones or charms

• Enjoy the creative process and slow down

There’s something empowering about wearing jewelry you’ve made with your own hands, especially when it tells a story.

Get the Look with Jewelry Made By Me

Don’t want to source every bead and clasp from scratch? No problem. We’ve got your back with ready-to-go Coastal Cowgirl kits designed to capture that Western-meets-beach vibe.

Each kit includes:

• Curated selection of rustic beads (turquoise, wood, shells, metal charms)

• Matching stringing materials and findings

• Step-by-step instructions for beginner-friendly crafting

• Optional tools add-on if you’re just starting out

Whether you’re crafting for yourself, gifting a friend, or hosting a DIY jewelry party, our kits make it easy to get started, and get the look.

👉 Shop Coastal Cowgirl Beaded Kits Now

Conclusion: Saddle Up and Start Stringing

A rustic Western beaded necklace isn’t just an accessory, it’s a piece of self-expression that blends natural textures, rugged charm, and your own unique story. Whether you’re stringing turquoise on leather or combining shells and silver, the process is just as rewarding as the final piece.

So saddle up, Coastal Cowgirl. You’ve got beads to string. And when you’re ready to ride off into the sunset with the perfect DIY kit, we’ll be right here at Jewelry Made By Me, ready to inspire your next creation.

✨ Shop our Coastal Cowgirl beaded kits now and start stringing your own rustic masterpiece.✨