This necklace is a knock-off of one I bought at my local Fashion Bug. (Which, sadly, is going out of business. Why are all the good stores closing? Boo. Hiss.)
Anyhow, I was happy to get a few bargains and some great jewelry ideas. The layered chain look is very popular right now, and I love the addition of a single strand of beads.
The original was in gunmetal silver with red rhinestone accents, so it seemed like antique gold with purple accents would be a perfect alternate.
Click on any of the photos for a super-duper up close and personal peek. (Yeah, sorry about the cat hair. As much as I try to discourage it, my cat likes to sleep inside my little photo booth. Silly boy, he is.)
Happy creating!
Materials:
- 74-inch length chunky chain, cut into 45-, 15- and 14-inch pieces
- 55-inch length fine chain, cut into 12.5-, 12-, 11-, 10- and 9.5-inch pieces
- lobster clasp
- 13 inches of beads and spacers, strung on 17 inches tiger tail or other beading wire
- two crimp beads
- two split rings
- 5mm jump rings
- two pair chain nose pliers
- crimping pliers, if desired
- wire cutters
- four pieces scrap wire or four twist ties
Instructions:
- Mark 45-inch length of chain at 9.5 inches and 13 inches from each end with scrap wire or twist ties.
- Attach each end of 15-inch length of chain to a link at the 13-inch marks on the 45-inch chain.
- Attach ends of 14-inch length of chain each one link above 15-inch length.
- Slide a crimp bead and a split ring onto one end of tiger tail with strung beads. Slide wire back through crimp bead. Flatten with chain nose pliers, or crimp with crimping pliers. String extra wire through ½ inches of beads; then trim excess.
- Repeat step 4 to attach split ring to other end of tiger tail.
- Attach strung beads to 45-inch length of chain by split rings in same manner as 14- and 15-inch lengths of chain.
- Use jump rings to attach lengths of fine chain to 45-inch length of chain in same manner, working up the links, starting with longest length and spacing evenly to place shortest length at mark at 9.5 inches.
- Use a jump ring to attach lobster clasp to one end of 45-inch chain.
I’ve gotten hooked on the antique-looking jewelry like this. Must be because it fits my personality or something. Merry Christmas!
You mean beautiful and having gotten better and better over the years?
Aww! You’re a sweetie. I think I mean out of the mainstream. WAY out. :}