How to Make Medical ID Bracelets Special

by Judy Ellis

Today I wanted to share a special article from one of our contributors. Thought it might be an inspiration for our readers that have friends, family, customers or themselves that have a similar need to wear a Medical ID bracelet or necklace and would like to make them a special piece of jewelry.

Something I don't often talk about is my medical history, but today I'd like to share a bit of it.

I have life-threatening food allergies and asthma.

While I've outgrown many of my childhood allergies, I'm still severely allergic to milk, eggs, tree nuts, and peanuts.

It saddens me to see the growing number of people with allergies, gluten intolerance, and Celiac Disease.

But I'm also encouraged by the incredible variety of gluten-free, milk-free, egg-free, and nut-free foods now available options that didn't exist 10 or 20 years ago!

The Bracelet I Loved to Hate

I've had allergies and asthma all my life, and as a child, it was a lot to learn.

I actually learned to read ingredient labels before I read Dick and Jane.

One of the most important lessons was to always wear my medic alert bracelet.

It was a small metal box with a medical insignia that opened to reveal a waterproof paper listing my allergies and doctor's information.

I wore it so that if I ever had an allergic reaction, an adult could call 911 and paramedics would know to use my EpiPen.

And so began my love-hate relationship with jewelry.

As a small child, the bracelet was uncomfortable. It dug into my wrist, felt heavy, stuck to my skin on hot days, and looked unattractive. I even got teased for wearing it but it also protected my life.

As I grew older, I upgraded to a more standard medical alert bracelet with an engraved plate showing my name, allergies, and "Call 911," along with the red medical symbol. Unfortunately, it came with an ugly curb chain that didn't fit well, and I hated wearing it.

I'll admit, many days I just stuffed it in my pocket. Luckily, I never needed it during that time though I'm sure paramedics are trained to look for medical jewelry on wrists or around the neck, not hidden in a pocket!

Then I Saw a Solution to Unwearable Medical Jewelry

One day at school, I noticed another girl wearing a medical bracelet but hers was different. She had wire-wrapped beautiful glass beads onto the links that held her medical ID. There was no curb chain in sight, and it fit her perfectly. I was amazed. Who knew that was possible?

Now I know exactly what my ideal medical ID bracelet will look like. It will have wire-wrapped beaded links that can be swapped out, so I can match my bracelet to my outfit. The links will be slightly heavier to balance the medical ID plate, keeping it from sliding around my wrist all day.

And it will have a toggle clasp instead of a lobster claw clasp. I much prefer toggles they're easier to use, and there was a time when I didn't even know another clasp style existed! I used to struggle with that lobster clasp every single day.

You can find plenty of generic medical ID bracelets and pendants at drugstores near the pharmacy. There are also many online sellers who can engrave and customize your medical information for you.

I recently had to update my details, so I'm waiting for my new medical ID tag to arrive in the mail.

I can't wait to dress it up!

Here are a few pictures to give you some creative ideas to try.:

1. Click here for information on making the Irradiated Quartz Necklace by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong

2. Click here for information on making the Easy Agate Anklet

3. This is one of the patterns available in Dale Armstrong's Intermediate DVD Series. It allows both sides of the item being wrapped to be viewed. Very important with a medical Id charm.

4. This also is available in Dale Armstrong's Intermediate DVD Series This bracelet design would take some modifying of the center section, but what a fun challenge and a beautiful way to frame the Medical alert Id.

5. This sample of a Twisted Chainmaille Bracelet and Earrings could easily be used to connect to a Medical Alert ID.

Judy Ellis's How to Make Medical ID Bracelets Special - , General Education, Lashing, Wire Lashing, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, Beads, , Beaded chain

Do You Make Medical Jewelry More Wearable?

I'm sure many jewelry artists have found creative ways to style or customize medical jewelry for themselves, friends, or clients. It's a thoughtful and practical service you can mention when someone wearing medical jewelry visits your booth.

Just remember, it's important that paramedics can still recognize it as a medic alert bracelet. But for people like me, a more personalized and stylish option makes all the difference.

You can create wire-wrapped links (like the ones above for inspiration), incorporate the medical tag into a wire bangle, use chainmaille or charm-bracelet techniques, or design your own unique wire-wrapped medical ID style.

How about you? Have you helped a friend or family member design medical jewelry or made one for yourself?

Share your wire jewelry ideas and solutions in the comments below!

Happy Jewelry Making!

How to Make Medical ID Bracelets Special

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