Royal in Blue

Aqua Chickie Cat says…

Reminiscent of ancient treasures in its simplicity and materials of choice, this necklace says dignified, regal - classic. My dignified and decidedly classy niece fell in love with Lapis Lazuli the first time I showed her a picture of it. I designed this necklace for her, and we made it together!

Components:

Lapis Lazuli, Sterling Silver

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Create the Pendant
   Determine the orientation of the cabochon (i.e. which end of the cabochon should be the top, that is, toward the bail). Turn the cab backside up, but be careful to keep the end that you intend to be the top at the top. Place a small amount of epoxy in the center of the sterling silver stamping blank charm, and press against the backside of the cabochon, aligning it in such a way that a nice sliver (about 1/4 of an inch in this design) of the top of the charm is visible between the top of the cab and the bottom of hole of the charm. Attach the pinch bail to the top of the charm, making certain that the placement is correct, before the epoxy sets.
2. The Necklace Begins
   Cut a length of Beadalon that is several inches more than two times the length of your strand of beads. Thread one end through the eye of the toggle. Fold the length of the Beadalon that you have just cut in half to make a doubled string, with the toggle resting at the mid point of the string. Make a secure knot or knots. (I prefer 3.) Now we're set to bead!
3. The Beading Begins
   Hold the cut ends of the Beadalon together, and use beeswax to cause them to adhere to each other, and the make the end stiffer and needle like for simpler beading. Thread half of the beads.
4. Slide the pendant on.
5. Thread the rest of your strand of beads onto the necklace. Thread the string through the eye of the second component of the toggle clasp and tie securely. Trim the excess Beadalon.
6. Finishing Touch
   Wrap the knots of the beadalon with 30 gauge sterling silver wire for a finished look.