A cluster of bohemian drop beads, suspended from a 24K fine gold hoop. The drops catch the light, the orange red comes alive in the sun, and a few white drops punctuate the whole. The best part is that there is nothing to bead: everything is assembled with rings and pliers. A successful first project, with no complicated technique.
The ideal project for a first pair of earrings: no beading, just rings and pliers.
Required tools: flat-nose pliers, jewelry pliers, wire cutters
Cut two pieces of chain, keeping 5 links per piece. You will get an identical chain for each loop. Then attach a twisted ring at the top of each chain: it is what will connect the cluster to the hoop.
Mount the drop beads on the chain with the joining rings, starting from the bottom. Never force the bead into the ring. First pass the chain through the open ring. Then place the drop on one side of the ring, then close it. The ring join fits into the edge of the bead hole.
Continue adding drops, always using the same method. Adjust the number of beads and densify the areas where you want more volume. For a beautiful result, slip in a few white drops in different places on the cluster: the contrast brings out the orange-red.
To finish, thread the twisted ring directly onto the hoop. The cluster is in place. Repeat the whole assembly for the second earring, and make sure to balance the volume of the two clusters.
Never force the bead onto the ring. The right method: the chain first, the drop second, then close it again. The ring positions itself naturally at the edge of the hole, and the drop falls into place. For two perfectly matching earrings, assemble them in parallel rather than one after the other: you balance the volume as you go.
To be reserved alone or with friends!
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