The deep red of Garnet, in three sizes that echo one another: rounds, faceted beads, and a line of tiny rondelles that gives the necklace all its finesse. At the back, a fine 24K fine gold chain slides through a stopper bead. Pull, and it's set: the clasp stays closed, and the small hammered pendant hanging at the nape of the neck becomes a detail of the jewelry.
To wear your necklace close to the neck or a little lower depending on the neckline, without ever taking it off. And to give your designs a more sophisticated finish.
Required tools: flat pliers (1.5 mm tapered flat pliers Beadsmith or pink flat pliers), wire cutters (pink wire cutters), 0.4 mm brass thread for the needle trick (0.4 mm flexible 24K fine gold-plated brass thread)
The necklace plays with three Garnet sizes to create depth. One module is a 2 × 4 mm faceted bead, a 5 mm round bead, then a 2 × 4 mm faceted bead.
String one first module onto the cabled thread. Follow with 20 Garnet rondelles 2 × 1 mm. Repeat the sequence: one module, 20 rondelles. Make 10 modules in all, for a strand about 37 cm long.
The rondelles are very fine. Lay them on a bead mat and pierce them with the thread, aiming for the hole. It is long and meticulous. But it is this line of tiny beads that gives the necklace its finesse.
On one side of the thread, string a crimp bead, then the clasp attachment. Pass the thread back through the crimp bead. Bring it back to the edge of the attachment, then flatten it with flat pliers. Place a knot cover around the crimped bead and close it for a neat finish. Thread the thread through three beads, then cut the excess. Bring all the beads back toward the attachment.
On the other side, string a crimp bead, then the last link of the fine chain. Pass the thread back through the crimp bead, then through three beads. Pull on the thread to adjust the spacing and tension. The necklace should stay supple, with no visible gap between the beads. Flatten the bead, cut the excess thread, then add the second knot cover.
Open the ring of the barrel clasp with flat pliers. Attach it to the bail of the stopper bead, then close the ring.
Pass the fine chain through the stopper bead, using the brass thread needle to help you (see the tip below). Slide the chain to check that it moves well, with a slight resistance.
Adjust the chain length. Here, about 7 cm are kept for adjustment. At the end of the chain, attach the hammered pendant with an oval ring. It acts as a stop: the chain can no longer come out of the stopper bead.
Hook the barrel clasp onto the clasp attachment once and for all. To shorten the necklace, pull on the chain. To lengthen it, let it go. It slides through the stopper bead, and the clasp stays closed.
A fine chain does not thread like a thread: it bends and catches in the hole of the stopper bead. Cut a piece of brass thread and fold it in half. Pass it through the last link of the chain. You get a rigid needle: it goes into the stopper bead and the chain follows.
The stopper bead also changes how you wear your jewelry. No more opening the clasp, aiming for another link, and closing it behind your neck without seeing. The extender chain remains a nice solution, but here the adjustment is made in one motion.
Keep the same assembly and change the stone: the deep blue of Lapis lazuli, or the violet softness of Amethyst. The 24K fine gold finish goes with both.
The stopper bead also works on a bracelet. A bracelet that's easy to put on without help, adjusted at the wrist with a simple gesture.
Garnet — a stone of energy and grounding, according to tradition
To be reserved alone or with friends!
Inspirations, tutorials, and new arrivals: receive the best of handmade in your inbox.
