A wave-link chain, gold-plated in fine gold, with three suspended elements on each of its separator links: a short length of chain, a strawberry quartz chip, and a faceted red onyx bead. Twenty-six times in a row. The milky pink and deep red answer each other link by link, and the necklace takes on that dense movement that catches the eye with every gesture. Nothing complicated here: a simple loop, a twisted open ring, and as much time as it takes.

For those who want a piece of jewelry that really highlights the stones, and who like taking the time to make a complete piece, step by step.

Cut the Wave chain so that 27 wave links remain. You get a necklace of about 38 cm. Then count the separator links placed between each wave: there are 26. These are your attachment points, and everything will be assembled on them. Take the time to count them now; you won’t come back to this later.

Cut 26 pieces of 2 cm round-link chain. One per separator. Keep them grouped on your workshop mat; you’ll pick them up one by one during assembly. Equal-length sections give the necklace its even drape.

Thread 2 strawberry quartz chip beads onto a head pin. Cut the stem to about 8 mm above the bead. Form a bend with flat-nose pliers, cut to leave about 1 cm, then make a simple loop with round-nose pliers. Repeat 26 times. Then repeat the same assembly with the faceted red onyx beads, 26 times as well. You get 52 charms ready to hang.

Two attachment methods coexist on each spacer; do not mix them up.

The chain section passes through a joining ring. Open the ring by twisting it, thread the last link of the 2 cm section through it, pass the ring through the spacer link, and close until the ends meet.

The two beads attach directly to the spacer, without a ring. Reopen the loop of the strawberry quartz stud by twisting it, insert it into the spacer link, and close it. Do the same for the red onyx stud.

Keep the same attachment order on every spacer — chain, quartz, onyx. That is what gives the necklace its regular rhythm. Then continue spacer by spacer all the way to the end of the chain, 26 times.

Open the clasp ring by twisting it and attach it directly to the end link. At the other end, attach the extender chain with a joining ring. Close each ring until the ends meet, without leaving any slack. The necklace is finished.

Perles Corner tip

Sort your strawberry quartz chips before you start. Their holes are narrow and irregular: set aside right away any that do not fit the stud gauge, so you won’t have to stop in the middle of assembly. And remember that an ring always opens by twisting, one side toward you, the other outward. Never by pulling the two ends apart: the ring will deform and will no longer return to its shape. The same rule applies when reopening the loop of a stud. A loop closed flush is what holds the element securely over time.

Variants & combinations

The pair of stones can be changed without altering the assembly. Amazonite and lapis lazuli for a clear blue combination, rose quartz and amethyst for a softer version, garnet and black spinel for a sharp contrast.

Twenty-six fully filled spacers make a substantial piece: the necklace has weight in the hand and stands out. If you prefer a lighter look, fill every other spacer and let the Wave chain breathe between each group. The Wave links are welded, which is what makes it possible to load so much without the chain opening up.

Strawberry quartz and red onyx — milky pink and deep red, mounted side by side.