Carnelian Queen

Suleika Alejandra says…

I love Carnelian, but this one was snapped up by my sister soon after it was finished. It is a very simple piece, and simple to make. What makes it look elegant are the gold Vermeil beads, gold clasp, and bail. Vermeil (gold overlaid on silver) will make any piece special.

Now Vermeil is harder to find and costlier, but still worth it. I made three different Carnelian and Vermeil necklaces, and my sister called one "Queen" the other "Princess". My cousin acquired the "Princess" (second photo) I think the large Carnelian, and carved beads made the difference. The pieces are simple, but should hold their own for a long time, kinda like the little black dress.

Components:

Carnelian rounds, large Carnelian pendant, carved Vermeil beads, Vermeil clasp, gold filled bail, small jump rings, cable thimbles, crimps, and crimp covers, and Beadalon Satin Gold wire. All items not Vermeil are gold filled.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Lay out desired beads on a bead board according to design you intend to string.
2. Cut a piece of Beadalon Gold Satin wire of (49 strands)length finished necklace will be, plus 1 1/2 to 2 inches extra on either side. This allows for last minute changes in size if you wish, plus adding clasps etc.
3. Place a bead stopper (wire spring) or piece of masking tape on end you are not starting with to prevent beads from escaping. String beads adding bail with pendant when you reach the middle of your design, then continue beading.
4. When you reach the end, remove bead stopper (or tape) then pass the wire through a crimp, then through a cable thimble (wire guard) then back through the crimp. You can make a simple pressing on the crimp, or after first pressing of crimp, turn it slightly on its side and crimp it again with the crimping pliers and you will have a nicely rolled crimp. Cut excess wire and cover with crimp cover. Some like to put a tiny dot of glue on the wire under the crimp, let it dry then cover the tiny wire tail and crimp with a crimp cover, this gluing technique is optional. Finish other side the same way, then attach the clasp pieces with jump rings to the cable thimbles, and you are finished.
5. Always open your jump ring using two jewelry pliers pulling the jump ring gently apart with a side-ways twist. Never pull apart by pulling sides of ring straight apart like breaking a wish-bone. The jump ring will not go back looking nice and round. Gently pull one side of ring towards you the other side away from you very very gently. After putting clasps etc. on the jump ring, gently reverse the motion used to pull it apart, and you should be able to put it together like it was.
   
   Wire guards or cable thimbles, serve a great purpose; they prevent the constant rubbing on the wires when piece is worn or handled a lot, from fraying, and breaking your wire and having piece fall apart, and gives a nice finishing touch to your piece. Beadalon 49 strand is great as it drapes beautifully,and it is sturdy but not heavy. Great for heavy stones, or pieces where drape is important to your design. You can use 15 or 18 strand wire if you prefer.