1. Easy
  2. Calendar project 6 steps

Elegant crystal necklace

Glam up for the party season in briolette jet beads and crystals from Beads Unlimited

Gemma Gray has been working for Beads Unlimited for nearly 3 years. She originally joined us as a mail order assistant, until we discovered her talent for designing jewellery. Since joining our in house design team she has created some of our best sellers and is never short of new ideas. Gemma’s designs are tasteful and classy and she can design for any occasion. Gemma’s latest design is a true classic. It was inspired by a combination of Audrey Hepburn, Christmas and believe it or not, her nan’s chandelier. Well they do say a true artist finds inspiration everywhere! It has amazing detail and perhaps looks a little complicated to make but don’t let that put you off, with the step by step guide, it really isn’t hard. The finished result is stunning and will bring sparkle and glamour to any Christmas party. It is also a perfect design for sprucing up your favourite dress for a glam vintage look. It can be made with a chunkier chain or different colour crystals to suit any mood or occasion.

Designer Tips

  • Use a good quality pair of multi pliers, a perfect tool for this project
  • Be as accurate as possible with your measuring to create the symmetry in this piece
  • When you have completed your necklace, give the beads a wipe with a soft cloth to make them really shimmer

MATERIALS

All crystals and beads used are CRYSTALLISED ™ – Swarovski Elements
  • Trace chain black antique (CHTRBA x 2m)
  • Trigger clasp black antique (TRGBA x 1)
  • 4mm jumprings black antique (JR4BA x 1 retail pack)
  • 5mm jumprings black antique (JR5BA x 1 retail pack)
  • Eyepins black antique (EPBA x 1 retail pack)
  • Drop 11x5.5mm crystal (SWK6000-11-001UNC x 4)
  • Drop 11x5.5mm jet (SWK6000-11-280UNC x 13)
  • Round 6mm crystal (SWK5000-6-001UNC x 1)
  • Round 6mm jet (SWK5000-6-280UNC x 2)
  • Half round/flat nose pliers (PPF)
  • Round nose pliers (PPR)
  • Cutters (PPC)

Step 1

Cut 35cm of chain, attach a 5mm jumpring to each end of the chain and add your trigger clasp. This will create your top line. Cut 24cm of chain. Attach a 4mm jumpring to the end of this piece of chain, measure 7cm from the end of your top line and join the 24cm piece of chain.

Step 2

Measure 7cm from the other end of your top line and join the 24cm piece of chain so that this loop will be in the centre. Measure 5.5cm along the looped piece of chain and attach to the top line 4cm from the first 4mm jumpring. Repeat at the other end. Find the centre of the looped section and join it with a 4mm jumpring to the centre of the top line.

Step 3

Cut a 20cm piece of chain. Using the 4mm jumprings on the top line, attach the chain to the second 4mm jumpring from the ends of the top line. Find the centre of the 20cm section. Add a 4mm jumpring and attach this to the centre jumpring of the top line.

Step 4

Thread onto an eyepin a black 6mm round bead, a clear 6mm round and finally another 6mm round black bead. Using the cutting part of your multi pliers trim the eyepin a centimetre above the bead, bend it into a loop and attach it to the bottom 4mm jumpring at the centre of your necklace.

Step 5

Cut 5 pieces of chain varying in length from 3.5cm to 6cm, Add a drop using a jumpring to one end of each piece of chain. Open a jumpring and attach all of the lengths of chain. Join this to the centre jumpring on the necklace and close.

Step 6

To finish your necklace you need to add the rest of your beads. Attach each drop using a 4mm jumpring. You will need a clear drop for each of the outside loops and you will need five black drops for the top line either side of the centre section.

Resources:

Web: www.beadsunlimited.co.uk
Tel: 01273740777