Learn how to make a strong necklace with heavy beads. In this jewelry tutorial we used imitation emerald beads and pendants, antique faceted glass beads and gold metal washers. All of which will challenge most of your wires and finishes. Here is an example of what you should do to make sure your necklace doesn't break. Of course, material and technique aren't everything. For the necklace to last a long time, you'll also need to take care of it: Don't bathe with it, don't "fiddle" with it when it's worn, and store it in an individual jewelry box.
What is the secret to a strong gemstone necklace?
Cut 60 cm of cabled wire, more if you have a wide neck. Thread 2 beads to be crushed, pass through the wire guard and pass through both beads again. Pull on the wire to keep 10 cm of wire end. You can pull the two ends of the cord protector together by hand.
Use a suitable crush bead pliers to flatten and then fold the two beads in half. The two wires should be on either side of the fold. The two beads should be spaced a little apart so you can put the bead covers over them. If the bead breaks, carefully cut it off or start over. This step is the most delicate. The wire should not be damaged either.
Finish by folding over crushable bead covers for a nicer finish.
String your beads. If you want to make a larger necklace, string more antique faceted beads at the beginning. Normally there are 18 beads left so you can string 9 on each side in addition to the ones shown in the picture. These beads are 6 mm long, so 18x6=108 mm. These 18 remaining beads make your necklace 10.8 cm longer. If this is not enough, buy 1 extra bag.
To finish the other side, repeat steps 1 and 2.
Fold the shorter wire over the pendant and tighten it tightly against the wires with a flat clip.
Wrap the long wire around the threads to make a nice finish. Trim the wire and fold it as best you can against the pendant so it shows as little as possible.
Attach a clasp and an extension chain with open rings. For a little more personalization, we replaced the simple tab on the extension chain with a 4-leaf clover charm (or flower, it's all a matter of perspective).
To finish the other side, repeat steps 1 and 2.
Attach the clasp and extension chain with rings. For a little extra flair we have replaced the single charm on the extension chain with a 4 leaf clover charm.
You have a question about this tutorial? Ask it to our team and the people who have already tested it. The Perles & Co community is here to help you!
Credits
Perles & Co, Internet & E-Commerce company [16/02/2022] Any reproduction, representation, adaptation, in any form whatsoever, even partial, is prohibited, except for reproduction for private use not intended for collective use, representation in the family circle (art. L 122-5 CPI) and online publishing on condition that the source is mentioned and a link is included to the corresponding page of our site www.perlesandco.com.
