make-chain-pearl-necklace

What You’ll Need

•three 3” head pins (nail heads)
•1 clasp
•3 decorative silver beads
•6 pearls
•4 jump rings
•20” chain
•round nose pliers
•wire cutters
•flat edge pliers

Silver chains and pearls create an oddly striking contrast in this interesting necklace. We chose to separate the pearls with an ornate silver bead, but you could experiment with different choices. Perhaps a color stone? The 16’5” finished size is designed to snugly rest in a circular shape at the base of the neck.

CHAIN AND PEARL NECKLACE

Costs listed do not include everyday household items like glue, tools, or items costing less than $1.00 per project.

DIRECTIONS

1.Using wire cutters, cut chain into 20 three inch pieces. Secure the end of the chain to the work surface with tape or a pin to stretch it out to the three inch mark on a ruler. This is easier than counting the number of links in each piece. Hang the cut pieces from a pin or needle to be sure they are all the exact same length.

2. Make three bead sections which consist of two pearls and a silver bead threaded onto wire. To assemble, create a loop on one end of the wire. (See Jewelry Making 101 for detailed wire loop making instructions.) Thread the pearls and beads onto the wire, then finish with a loop on the other end.
3. Open the loop on one side of a bead section just enough to slip on five chain ends. Do not distort the shape of the loop by pulling the circle open. Check Jewelry Making 101 if you’re in doubt as to the correct way to open and close a loop. Once the five chain pieces are attached, close the loop. Repeat this step for the five remaining loops until all parts are connected.

4. You now have a set of five loose chains on each end of the necklace. Group them by attaching a jump ring to each set. Also attach a one inch single strand of chain to the jump ring.
5.Finish the necklace by attaching a jump ring to each necklace end and connecting it to a clasp.

What We Paid/Where We Bought It