The dangles in the tassel of this long necklace really catch the light! The design features a turquoise focal bead, Swarovski beads in crystal bronze and metallic light gold, verdigris patina and antique brass all harmoniously blended.
Created by: Sondra Barrington
Designer Tips
A mixed chain and crystal tassel is a great way to use up extra bits of chain and crystals from your bead stash. Mixing in other metal platings would make a great Bohemian tassel. The plated ring connector chain (#40-099-37-6) was deconstructed and used as link connectors in this jewelry design. The rings are solid, stylish components. Remove them by opening the connectors with chain-nose pliers.
For great tips on using head pins, jump rings and more refer to our jewelry basics technique sheet (linked below).
Aerial view (just kidding, it doesn't show the whole necklace, but it does show more of the necklace chain above the pendant)
Tips, Continued
Select your favorite color of Gilder's Paste to highlight the bead cap and chain; there are many great colors. When applied with a delicate touch, the paste really draws out the detail. A cotton swab is great for applying a thin layer of color to the high points on metal.
Use a gemstone focal bead from your collection, or peruse our gemstones by shape category (flat or puffed ovals would be great!) to find a style you like. The tassel with bead cap would also be stunning alone, without a gemstone focal component.
Oval jump rings were used to connect pieces. Doubling for sections of design that are weight bearing (two jump rings provides more strength than one - and it's a great design element!)
Making the Tassel:
Apply Gilder's Paste to the Vintaj Flourish bead cap using a cotton swab and a very light touch, focusing only on the high points. Allow to dry, and paint with matte sealant.
Use up to 2 feet of each of your favorite styles of small chain. Create 3"- 4" long sections of dangles for the tassel. This tassel is made up of many dangles of varying lengths and complexities:
Beaded rondelle chain (eyepins linking crystals together, finished with a crystal hung from a ball-end headpin).
Colored chains (highlighted with Gilder's Paste)
Chains with crystal drops (one crystal suspended at the end of the chain from a ball-end headpin).
Loop the top end of each dangle through an 8" section of wire. Collect all ends into a small loop that is nested inside the bead cap. Wire through the bead cap. Double the wire loops at the top of the bead cap for interest and durability. Finish the wrap, securing the connection. Over-wrap with extra wire for a nest-like, organic look.
Making the Pendant:
Use 6" of wire to wrap the gemstone pendant, flanking each end with a rondelle crystal and small bead cap. Attach one end loop through the tassel and the other through the connector ring for to the necklace. (If you forget to attach the tassel or link while wrapping, simply use double oval jump rings to connect the pieces). After you have a strong link, overwrap each end with the extra wire, to maintain the organic feel of the design.
Completing the Necklace:
Use 2" of wire to create links using a rondelle crystal nestled inside a small bead cap. Double the oval jump rings to attach to the connector rings for increased strength. Two connectors will attach to the necklace chain; one will attach to the pendant link.
Cut 18" of chain for each side of the necklace. Run each side through a connector ring above the gemstone pendant. Secure one end with doubled oval jump rings attached to a connector ring. From this connector ring dangle a chain tassel. Secure the other end with two sets of connected, doubled oval jump rings through a clasp.
