TIP: You can attach the chaton crystals to the clasp and bail before you begin to string your jewelry or after it is completed.
Adding a magnetic clasp set with coordinating crystals lends a touch of luxury and versatility. I can clasp the bracelet to the necklace for a longer style. For more design options, add a removable wire-wrapped crystal coral pendant and repeat the look with a quick pair of earrings.
SUPPLIES pendant
necklace 18 1/2 in. (47 cm)
bracelet
earrings
Clasps, bail, and chatons from Alacarte Clasps, alacarteclasps.com. Check your local bead store for supplies.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. On a crystal head pin, string a crystal coral pendant. Leaving 1⁄8 in. (3 mm) between the head of the head pin and the crystal, bend the wire upward. About 1⁄8 in. (3 mm) above the top of the crystal, bend the wire back at a 45-degree angle.
2. Place the jaws of your roundnose pliers above the bend and curve the wire around the pliers.
3. Rotate the jaw of your pliers to the other side of the curve. Squeeze and rotate the pliers to make a loop. Bend the wire tail away from the crystal.
4. Holding the base of the loop with one set of pliers, wrap the wire a little more than one full rotation behind the head of the head pin. Trim the excess wire and tuck the end.
Necklace
1. Unwind the cord from the card. On the end without the needle, tie an overhand knot 3 in. (7.6 cm) from the end.
String a pearl and tie a loose overhand knot. Place the tip of your roundnose pliers inside the knot, flush with the pearl.
3. Tighten the knot by pulling up on the cord while pushing down on the knot with your pliers or your fingers.
String pearls, knotting between each, until the strand is within 3⁄4 in. (1.9 cm) of the finished length. Make sure you’ve strung an even number of pearls. End with a knot.
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