Drops of jupiter"necklace

Parts Needed:
24-555 Standard size "liquid silver"
24-990-08 8mm sterling bead
24-990-02 2mm sterling bead
06-010-139 Swarovski® briolettes, lt. Colorado topaz
05-301-04-144 4mm Swarovski crystal rondelle, khaki
05-301-06-144 6mm Swarovski crystal rondelle, khaki
39-504-1ST Stardust safety clasp

This is a three-strand necklace with a "five-strand dangle". Although I always prefer pointing people to illustrated instructions, I will do my best to relate my method to you. I recommend this design for any one with more advanced experience in beading.

Start by cutting three strands of Nymo- depending on the finished length that you want the necklace, I recommend starting with about 30" of thread. Pre-stretch and wax your thread very very well. Nymo will fray slightly from the sharper edges of the liquid silver (which became very annoying further into the project). If you are well versed in beading you might be able to substitute the Nymo with beading cord such as Beadalon, and still follow these instructions, substituting any reference to "knotting" with crimping.

Tie your three strings together at one end with a small knot- then use a bullet end and a head pin to create a clasp end. Wrap the wire of the head pin through your knot making sure it's secure. Then slip your wire through the bullet end, create a loop, and wrap. See an illustration of finishing with a bullet end Here. (hint: scroll to the bottom of the page and wait ever so patiently for the illustration to load).

Thread your liquid silver beads on one piece of string, stopping every few inches to string a silver round and a rondelle crystal. When you get about 12" down the string, thread your large-hole bead. (This bead will probably slip around a bit, until you have beaded the other two strings). Keeping in mind the design of your front "drops", string as many crystal rondelles and liquid silver beads as you choose. Finally thread your string through the crystal briolette and back up through each bead you have added to the drop. Once you have gone back through your large-hole bead, begin stringing the opposite side of your necklace, following the same pattern as the initial side.

Repeat this step twice, changing your bead pattern a bit for a smoother look, until you have strung all three strands. You'll notice on your center drops that you do not have five, but three. You'll want to take two more shorter pieces of Nymo (about 12" to start, cutting off excess when you are done). Tie tiny a knot into your piece (inside the large-hole bead) and string to add the additional drops. You can vary the length here, so each dangle is not the same exact length. Keep in mind that you will want to go back up through each bead of the drop so you should only be tying a beginning knot and a finishing knot- both tucked neatly inside the center bead.

Finally- finish the ends with another bullet end, attach your jump rings and clasp- and you're finished!

Hope this helps you along-

Feel free to let me know if I can be of any more help.

-Mary
Rings and Things Staff