Vintage Golden
Grace Necklace
Designed by Kristin Burgess

It may be a while before we start seeing signs of Spring's first bloom.   That won't stop crystal lovers everywhere from falling in love with Swarovski's floral cut showcased in this week's tutorial.   These adorable flower crystals are drilled perfect for straight stringing!  The addition of a unique vintage chain from our stash, makes this project great for all beading levels.    An elegant piece that leaves two crystals leftover to make a pair of earrings to match.  Lt Colorado Topaz in this cut is just the tip of the iceberg!  Check out our other colors in this collector's cut that are article 5110.  Enjoy!



This project is great for all levels!  Stringing and crimping are involved with this project.   The necklace measures 18 and 1/2 inches.  One strand of crystal will make the necklace and also the earrings at the bottom of the tutorial.   This vintage chain is so nice and dainty is is the perfect compliment to the softflex strung crystal and glass. 

Step 1:

Unwind 11 inches of chain from the card.  Using wire snips cut this piece of chain in half so that you have 2x sections each measuring 5 and 1/2 inches.   With one 2x2 gold crimp attach 9 inches of cut softflex to one of the chain sections using the crimping method and tool.  You may choose to later add a crimp cover but it is not necessary in this design.  Leave only 1/4 inch of back track of the softflex.    String on this pattern onto the softflex...  1 glass rondelle, 4 seed beads, 1 crystal, 4 seed beads, 1 glass rondelle, 4 seed beads and so on....

Continue this pattern until you have a 7 and 1/2 inch semetrical beaded section.  There will be a total of 8 crystal flowers strung and end with a rondelle just as you started. 
NOTE:  Starting and ending a softflex project with a larger-holed bead will aid in hiding your 'backtrack tail' on each side.

Step 2: 

Finish off this strung portion of the project by crimping to the other 5 and 1/2 inch chain section.  Trim any leftover softflex with the flex cutters.  Attach the chain to a split ring on either side to include the hook clasp.  If you have wire linking experience you could form a handmade coiled link to use in place of the split ring.  Including a glass rondelle in these two links (where each split ring is) would tie the project together nice.  The split ring works great too! 

Cut an additional 17 inch piece of chain to make the necklace a double strand.  Feed this second chain onto the split rings as well.  You may prefer a third strand or to stay with a single and not add the second chain.  Consider these other options for an alternative look.

Step 3: 

The Lt Colorado Topaz crystals are sure to run out!  This vintage cut can be found in our Swarovski section by searching it's article number
VSC5110 in our site search engine located at the top right of the home page.  Other color shades to try inclue Jonquil, Lt Sapphire, Topaz, Opaque Pink, Opaque Blue and Opaque Green.  
Choosing a complimenting rondelle or even round in a 4-6mm along with any seed bead of your choice would work lovely to customize this design in colors that you fancy.  The Opaques are very bright and cheery and so would work lovely done up as a new Spring or Summer accessory!

Step 4: 

Check it out!  Since there are 8 crystals in the necklace that leaves two leftover for earrings.  This crystal makes fabulous earrings!  The hole is positioned sideways which brings in the need for 8 inches of 24 gauge (or a hard 26 gauge).  Four inches are needed to create a bail (to make it earring ready) for each crystal.   You may choose to create a bail that fits the top of the crystal or to leave space as I have done.  Top off the earring with a rondelle or a rondelle and a few seeds on each if you would like added length. 
We offer classses on learning how to link and also make earrings.  Try our Earring Basics class or our Wireworks I class and learn how to turn those necklace "leftovers" into jewlery sets to compliment your wardrobe!  Learning from home?  Try this fantastic wire book that we carry.  It is ALL Wired Up written by Mark Lareau and it is offered in store and also online in our book and magazine section.
Enjoy and 'Happy Beadin'!