Garnet Delight Opera Length Necklace
Wear this necklace long, or double it for a shorter, layered look. If you want a choker style, wind it around your neck several times! The versatility of this necklace makes it a staple for every wardrobe. If you can crimp or tie knots, you can make this necklace in less than 30 minutes at a minimal cost. Silk bead cord is available in a myriad of colors, so get creative with stones and cord combinations.
Level: Beginner
Materials
Silk bead cord — some brands have a built in needle at one end for easy threading. If you can't find this type of cord, use a Big Eye Needle or other beading needle to thread the beads.
6mm round garnet beads (5 for 36 inch necklace; 7 for 48 inch necklace)
Sterling silver crimp beads (12 for 36-inch necklace; 16 for 48-inch necklace)
6mm clear Swarovski crystal bicones (4 for 36-inch necklace; 6 for 48-inch necklace)
Small lobster clasp
Split ring
If using a bead cord that has a built-in needle, carefully unwind all cord from the spool. (If you are using plain cord, cut 36-48 inches of cord from the spool)
Using a Sharpie marker, mark the cord 6 inches from the end that does not have the needle. Make another mark 6 inches from the first. Repeat until you have a final mark 30 inches from the first end (for a 36-inch necklace) or 42 inches (for a 48-inch necklace).
Crimped method: While this method is quick and easy, there is the risk of crimps eventually wearing away the cord. If you will wear the necklace infrequently, crimping should work fine. String a crimp bead, a garnet round bead and another crimp bead on the cord. Hold the crimp using your thumb and forefinger about 1mm from the first Sharpie mark (closer to the end of the cord). Flatten or use crimping pliers to hold the crimp in place. Allow the garnet and second crimp to drop next to the first crimp bead, and crimp the second crimp bead very close to the garnet.
Knotted method: Knotting takes more time, but has a more finished look and will not cause wear. Use this method if you are going to wear your necklace often. Use a knotting tool or quilting needle to make an overhand knot about 1mm from the Sharpie mark (closer to the end of the cord). String the garnet bead and allow it to drop to the knot. Make a second knot on the other side of the garnet to hold it in place.
For either method, string a clear Swarovski crystal, and do not crimp or knot. The crystal will move between the first and second garnets. This will allow your crystals to "float" and adjust to the length of the necklace.
Continue stringing garnets (using either the crimped or knotted method) and crystals until you have reached the last Sharpie mark.
Finish the necklace by attaching the lobster clasp and split ring. If using a crimp bead, string a crimp on one end of the necklace. Pull the cord through the ring on the lobster clasp and back through the crimp, leaving about 2mm of extra cord. Crimp. If knotting, pull the cord through the ring on the lobster clasp and tie using an overhand knot. Trim excess cord if desired. Repeat for split ring.
The Finished Product
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