Cool Confusion

"Cool Confusion" Chain Necklace
Created by: Mary Morton
As seen on the cover of our 2005 Fall Supplement

21-886-020 6mm round gemstone beads, lapis lazuli
21-888-020 8mm round gemstone beads, lapis lazuli
39-539-10 Magnetic clasp with scallop design, sterling silver
24-937 5mm heart bead, sterling silver (limited to stock on hand)
(Substitute with 24-975-21, 7mm heart bead, sterling silver)
40-099-01-9 Curb footage chain, gunmetal
37-145-9 6mm round jump rings, gunmetal
37-133-9 4.5mm round jump rings, gunmetal
37-299-02 Jumbo twisted-oval jump ring, sterling silver
37-711-9 Thin eye pins, gunmetal

Have you looked at our selection of footage chain lately? For a must-have look, create designs that combine several chain styles and finishes. The good news: mixing platings is no longer a jewelry taboo! Pair gunmetal with antiqued brass or copper to make your customers "ooohhh and aaahhh." Add a few "notice me" gemstone beads and watch your pieces get the attention they deserve.

This piece was created using ten strands of chain attached to one large jump ring. The jumbo fancy jump ring was added both as an embellishment and as a way to "disguise" the mess of ten chain ends. It is not actually attached to any of the chains, but rather rests just under the large jump ring. And yes, it stays there!

The best way to add beads to chain for a "random" pattern is to first hang your chain. After adding your beads to eye pins, attach them to your chain but do not cut the connecting chain links. In case you're unhappy with the bead link placements, you can then move your bead links around without having to put your chain back together! After you've placed all your bead links in your desired pattern, then cut the excess chain links.

Lapis lazuli is just one of our many beautiful gemstones. Browse through our Gemstone Beads Index for more information about our ever-growing line of gemstones!

Just have to know more about this design? View the high resolution or faster loading Designer Tip Sheet for how-to hints, tips and instructions. To view Designer Tip Sheets (PDF files), you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. You can download it free here.

You can go back to view more simple necklace designs. Or, post your question(s) on the Rings & Things Discussion Forum. Don't be shy! If you're wondering, so is someone else!

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