Key Elements Necklace Tutorial

One or more parts (or tools) used in this project are no longer available, so we've moved the whole project into the "Misc Jewelry Tutorials with Issues" area while we decide what we want to do about it: find a good sub, re-make this project, or retire the tutorial.

• Important: This design was created with soft brass faux watch parts, easy to cut with the Crafted Findings riveting system. However, they are no longer available. The steel watch parts are much harder, and can damage jewelry cutters. For punching holes in the steel watch parts, we recommend the less-expensive (but still excellent quality) Euro Tool "helicopter" punch. Note that replacement parts are only about $3.00! If you frequently cut steel (or found objects of unknown material), this designer can attest that you will want to keep replacement parts on hand. (All of Rings & Things' jewelry hole punches are designed for cutting softer metals such as sterling silver, copper and brass -- expect some "protest" from your jewelry tools if you use them on steel.)
• When cutting holes with the Crafted Findings riveting system (or any "helicopter" style punch) always unscrew the handle until the piece naturally falls off. Never tug components off the punch.
• Texture the top blank as desired. For this design, the edges of the rectangle and keyhole were lightly textured with a ballpein hammer to give them a worn look. Patina if desired.
• Vinyl/vulcanite heishi or other disk beads (or washers with 1/16" holes) act as spacers for the rivets on the four corners, giving this piece a shadowbox effect. It's easy to add a larger center hole to these vinyl heishi using the "helicopter" hole punch.
• Turn the pin into a pendant, by adding a Vertical Brooch Converter, and hang it from heavy ball chain.
• Tip: Use the ring clamp to clamp together the top and bottom pieces of the brass window blank, so you can punch a hole through both at the same time.

• Crafted Findings Riveting System (PDF)

• 1 pkg of 50 [use 1] #38-303 Bar Pin, 1", Superior Quality
• 1 pkg of 10 sets [use 1 set] #44-721-10 Blank, Rectangle with Key Hole Window
• 1 dozen [use 1] #38-610-01-6 Brooch Converter, Vertical
• 1 spool [use 16-20"] #40-885-6 Chain, Footage, Ball, 4.8mm
• 1 pkg of 100 [use 1] #40-805-6 Clasp, Ball Chain, 4.8mm
• 1 ounce [use 1] #37-100-6 Jump Ring, Round, Assorted Sizes
• 1 pkg of 100 [use 7] #69-920-01-2 Rivet, 1/16", Sample Pack, Short
• 1 strand [use 8 - 10] #22-535-74 Trade Bead, Vinyl, Heishi, 6mm, Green
• 1 ounce [use 3] #44-704 Faux Watch Gears, Mixed, Bulk, 1oz - no longer available, sub #44-701:
  1 2-oz package #44-701 Watch Parts, Mixed, Bulk, 2oz - these are steel; be careful so you don't damage your cutter
• 1 each #86-343 Win-Ox™, 3 oz.

• #69-907 Tool, 1/16" Long Reach Rivet Piercing/ Setting (The original length #69-900 will also work.)
• #69-135 Tool, Hammer, Ball Pein, 4oz
• #69-136 Tool, Hammer, Nylon
• #69-409 Tool, Lindstrom®, Shear
• #69-365 Tool, Ring Clamp

• 0000 steel wool (from hardware or craft store)
• Aluminum can (This project upcycles an Arizona Green Tea can)
• Cotton Swabs
• Masking Tape
• Key charm or tiny genuine key
• Extra fine-point Sharpie