Jewelry Project: Make Your Own Necklace

Most jewelry makers have a special bead just begging for a project. Why not use it as the centerpiece of this Victorian-inspired necklace? If you need a new piece of jewelry to complement your newest dress, or a last-minute gift for a friend or relative, you can put one together in almost no time. And don't be surprised if a friend or co-worker asks you to make one for her.

Note: The miniature pliers used in this project can be found at many craft and hobby stores, and on-line at most on-line jewelry supply sites such as Fire Mountain. They can be purchased separately or as part of a set.

Components and Parts:

1 focal bead (the model features a carved red coral rose)
47 inches gold chain
3 - 9 mm gold jump rings
2 - 5 mm gold jump rings
1 gold colored hook
1 gold-colored bail

Tools:

1 pair miniature wire cutters
1 pair miniature round nosed pliers

Step 1: (photo 2) Squeeze bail prongs into hole at top of focal bead. Open one 5 mm jump ring, insert through loop at top of bail, close jump ring. (Note: Open the jump ring sideways rather than pulling the ends apart so that jump ring is not deformed.)

Step 2: (photo 3) Using your miniature wire cutters, divide chain as follows: two 8-inch pieces, two 7" pieces, two 5" pieces, and two 3" pieces.

Step 3: Open one 9 mm jump ring. Add one end of an 8" chain, a 7-inch chain, then a 5" chain. Add the jump ring at the top of the focal bead. Add the second 8" chain, the second 7" chain, and the remaining 5" chain. Close the jump ring. (Note: Make sure that the jump ring is completely closed. Some jewelry-makers add a tiny drop of super glue to secure the ends of the jump ring.)

Step 4: (photo 4) Open remaining 9 mm jump ring. Add end loop of 8", then 7", and 5" chains (Note: Be sure not to let chains twist. Add end of 3" chain. Close ring. Repeat this step for opposite end of piece.

Step 5: Open 5 mm jump ring, add free end of 3" chain, close jump ring.

Step 6: (photo 5) Open last 5 mm jump ring, add end link of last 3" chain. Add hook. Close jump ring.