April Showers Filigree
Flower Necklace
Designed by Kristin Burgess
Step out this Spring with this silver and sparkley asymetrical design! Showcasing one of Swarovski's Filigree flowers that sparkles slightly off center for a fresh look. Our ever-expanding sterling silver chain section will offer even more linking options! Our mother of pearl enhanced shell in the lavender tone compliments ...you guessed it...Swarovski's new color for Spring 2008
Sand Opal. This new color is a nice muted compliment to Spring's brighter colors that will also carry through nicely into the summer season.
This project is great for all levels! Stringing and crimping are involved with this project. The necklace measures 24 inches at the longest strand. Sterling silver chain is hot this season and the chain featured here is a nice strong one! This necklace stays in our Trend Alert of royal tones just bumping a shade brighter to usher in Springtime.
Step 1: 
Precut 22" of sterling silver chain. Use the split ring opening pliers to attach one side of the sterling toggle to the end. Use another different split ring to add the clasp mate to the other end of the sterling chain. With wire cutters, cut the chain 8" from the toggle (left side). The back of the Swarovski Filigree Flower contains many metal rings. A split ring is used to connect the cut chain to the floral piece. Another different split ring is used across from the first (still on the back of the floral filigree) to add the remaining chain.
Step 2: 
The many rings found on the back of this particular style Swarovski Floral Filigree is neccessary for this project. Again we will use these rings to attach a softflex strand. Using the standard crimper tool and one 2x2 mm crimp bead, attach a precut length of 18" of the .014 fine softflex beading flex wire. This attachment should be 2 loops to the left of the split ring that connects to the chain.
String this pattern...5 sand opal bicones, 1 shell coin, 2 sand opal bicones, 1 shell coin, 2 sand opal....continuing to alternate 2-1-2-1-2-1 until there is a total of 17 lavendar shell coins strung onto the softflex. Continue by stringing 30 pieces of the sand opal crystal bicones in a row.
Step 3: 
This softflex strand is finished off by crimping/attaching to the split ring on the other side (currently connects the chain to the matching toggle clasp). Use crimp covers to cover up all "exposed" crimps. I chose not to cover the crimps behind the filigree flower as they are not visable when the necklace is being worn.
Finally it is time to add a bit of fun and surprise to this necklace! Our newly added silk ribbons hang lovely and compliment the lavendar shells perfectly. Mixing in ribbons and fibers is hot this Spring so add a strand or two into your designs too! Literally knot the ribbon onto the back of the filigree flower (same ring loop that has the softflex strand attached) and measure it to be the same or a similar length as the chain. Knot off the ribbon and cover or hide the knot with a crimp cover for a cleaner more polished look.
Use leftovers to make a sweet pair of earrings or strung bracelet to match!
