Chrysalis Necklace and Earring Set
The bright green shades of Chrysoprase resemble the colors of the Monarch butterfly chrysalis (cocoon). Chrysoprase (pronounced chriss-oh-praise) is also called "Australian jade" because of its similarities to jade. This necklace and earring set go perfectly with apple or lime green summer tones. The added touch of a chain extender with dangle is good for adjusting length if needed.
Level: Easy
Materials
4-6mm chrysoprase beads — I found some mixed shapes on a strand at my local bead shop that are 4mm wafers and 6mm bone shapes
Chrysoprase 6mm round or faceted beads
Sterling silver bead frame, inside diameter 7mm, available at Rio Grande (5)
Sterling 3mm round beads
4mm Bali daisy spacer
Beading wire
Oval jump rings or 2" premade chain (be sure links are large enough for lobster clasp to link into)
Crimp beads (2)
Sterling wire guardian, available from Beadalon (2)
Sterling head pins (3)
Earring findings (2)
Small lobster clasp
Necklace: Cut beading wire to desired length of necklace plus 2". I use a heavier weight wire (.021) for this necklace because the stones are a little heavy and I want it to keep its shape when worn.
String one bead frame on the wire through one hole, string a round chrysoprase bead so that it will nestle in the frame, and string through the other side of the bead frame. Let the frame drop to the center of the necklace — this will be the center of your necklace.
String a pattern of chrysoprase and Bali beads on both side of the wire, and add another bead frame with a round bead in the center. Repeat so that you have 5 frames, with beads between them.
Continue stringing the smaller beads in a patter on both sides of the wire until the necklace is at the desired length. At one end, attach the lobster clasp using crimp beads and a wire guardian. The wire guardian will make a nice finished end to the necklace and help with stability. Run wire back through the crimp and 1-2 beads; clip excess wire.
If you are using jump rings, make a 2" extender chain by joining the rings together. I open 1/2 of my rings and close the other 1/2. Pick up an open ring and attach two closed rings, then close the open ring. Then I attach another open ring to the last ring on the chain, and another closed ring on it before closing. Repeat until your chain is the desired length.
At the other end of the necklace, attach the extender chain using a crimp bead and wire guardian. Make a wrapped loop dangle using the smaller beads and head pin and attach to the last link of the chain.
Earrings: Make two wrapped loop dangles using small beads and head pins. I used the same pattern as the dangle for my extender chain. Attach to the earring findings.
