The simplest way to turn a pick into wearable jewelry

A guitar pick necklace is a pendant made from a guitar pick — either one you already own or one you buy new — attached to a chain or cord. The fastest method uses a jump ring (a small metal loop) and a chain from any craft store, which takes about five minutes and costs under $5. You drill or punch a hole near the top of the pick, slide the jump ring through, and attach it to the chain. No soldering, no special tools beyond a basic hole punch.

If you want something more durable or decorative, you can use a bail (a metal cap that wraps around the pick's top edge) or resin to seal the pick and add a loop. Both methods take longer but protect the pick from damage and look more finished. The choice depends on whether you want quick and straightforward, or something that will last through daily wear.

Key Takeaways

  • The jump ring method requires only a hole punch, a jump ring, and a chain — all available at craft stores for under $5 total.
  • Drilling a hole through the pick's top edge is faster and cleaner than punching, but a standard hole punch works if you do not have a drill.
  • A metal bail wraps around the pick's top and looks more polished than a jump ring, and protects the pick from bending.
  • Resin sealing makes the pick waterproof and adds weight, but requires curing time and a mold.
  • Any chain length works — 18 to 24 inches is standard for a pendant that sits at the collarbone.

What you need for the jump ring method

Gather a guitar pick (new or used), a jump ring in silver or gold (6 mm or 8 mm diameter), a chain (any length and metal finish), and a way to make a hole. A hand-crank hole punch from a craft store costs $3 to $8 and works on picks without any setup. If you have a drill with a small bit (1/16 inch or 2 mm), that is faster and makes a cleaner hole, but it is not required.

You will also need pliers — two pairs if you have them, or one pair if you are careful. Jump rings come open or closed; buy open ones, which you can manipulate by hand. A closed ring requires special pliers to open and close without damaging it. Craft stores sell jump ring and chain kits together for $4 to $6, which is cheaper than buying each piece separately.

Drilling or punching the hole

If you are using a hole punch, place the pick flat on a scrap piece of wood or cardboard. Position the punch about 1/4 inch from the top edge of the pick — far enough that the jump ring will not tear through the plastic, but close enough that the necklace hangs straight. Squeeze the punch handles firmly until the hole goes all the way through. The pick may crack slightly around the hole; this is normal and does not affect how the necklace wears.

If you are using a drill, clamp the pick to a work surface or hold it steady in a vise. Use a bit no larger than 2 mm (about 1/16 inch) and drill slowly to avoid cracking the plastic. Wear safety glasses in case plastic shards fly. A drill makes a cleaner hole and is less likely to crack the pick, but takes longer to set up. Either method works; choose based on what you have on hand.

Attaching the jump ring and chain

Open the jump ring by grasping it with pliers on either side of the gap and twisting one side toward you and one side away — do not pull the ends apart, which weakens the ring. Slide the open ring through the hole in the pick. Thread the chain onto the ring before closing it, or close the ring first and then attach the chain separately by opening a link.

Close the jump ring by twisting the ends back together until they meet flush. The ring should be tight enough that the pick does not slide around. If the ring is too loose, the pick will spin and the necklace will look sloppy. If you are attaching the chain to a link instead of threading it through the jump ring, open a link at one end of the chain the same way you opened the jump ring, thread it through the jump ring, and close it.

Using a metal bail for a more finished look

A bail is a metal cap that clamps or glues around the top edge of the pick, with a built-in loop for the chain. Bails cost $2 to $4 and come in two types: adhesive bails that you glue on, and clamp bails that you tighten with a small screw. Adhesive bails are simpler but require strong glue and curing time. Clamp bails are more find and reusable if you ever want to swap picks.

To attach an adhesive bail, clean the top edge of the pick with rubbing alcohol and let it dry. explore a two-part epoxy or strong craft glue to the inside of the bail, press it onto the pick's top edge, and hold it for 30 seconds. Let the glue cure for the time listed on the package — usually 24 hours — before wearing the necklace. For a clamp bail, slide the pick into the bail and tighten the screw until the bail grips the pick firmly without cracking it.

Sealing the pick in resin

Resin creates a waterproof, durable pendant that protects the pick and adds visual interest. You will need two-part epoxy resin, a silicone mold (a small dome or pendant shape), a stirring stick, and a way to cure the resin — either sunlight or a UV lamp. Pour the resin into the mold, place the pick inside before it hardens, and let it cure according to the package directions, usually 24 hours in sunlight or 5 minutes under a UV lamp.

Once the resin is hard, pop the pendant out of the mold. Drill a hole through the top or glue a bail to the resin surface. You can add glitter, dried flowers, or paint inside the resin before it hardens to customize the look. Resin pendants are heavier than bare picks and more resistant to scratching, but they take longer to make and cost more in materials.

Choosing a chain and length

Any chain works — silver, gold, stainless steel, or even leather cord. The metal finish should match your other jewelry or the pick's color if you want a coordinated look. Chain thickness ranges from delicate (1 mm) to chunky (3 mm); thinner chains look more elegant, while thicker chains are more durable and less likely to tangle.

Standard necklace length for a pendant is 18 to 24 inches, measured from clasp to clasp. An 18-inch chain sits at the collarbone and works for most people. A 20-inch chain hangs slightly lower and suits taller frames or layering with other necklaces. If you do not have a clasp, you can tie the chain ends together with a knot, or buy a chain with a clasp already attached. Craft stores sell pre-made chains in standard lengths for $2 to $5.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a pick I already own?

Yes. Any guitar pick works, whether it is new, worn, or a favorite you no longer play with. Worn picks often look better in a necklace because the color is more interesting. If the pick is bent or cracked, straighten it gently with heat from a hair dryer before drilling the hole.

Will the pick break when I drill or punch a hole?

It may crack slightly around the hole, but this does not affect how the necklace wears. Plastic picks are brittle, so small cracks are common. If you want to avoid any cracking, use a bail instead of a hole, or have a drill press do the work — the slower speed reduces stress on the plastic.

What size jump ring should I use?

A 6 mm or 8 mm jump ring fits most guitar picks. Measure the hole you drilled or punched — the ring should slide through easily but not be so large that it looks loose. If your hole is smaller than 6 mm, use a 5 mm ring or a smaller bail.

How do I keep the pick from spinning on the necklace?

Make sure the jump ring is closed tightly so the pick cannot rotate. If it still spins, use a bail instead, which grips the pick more firmly. You can also glue the jump ring to the pick with a small dab of epoxy after threading it through the hole.

Can I wear this necklace in the shower or pool?

A bare pick and metal chain will survive water, but the chain may tarnish over time depending on the metal. A resin-sealed pick is waterproof and the best choice if you plan to wear it in water regularly. Remove any necklace before swimming in chlorinated pools, as chlorine can discolor metals and plastic.