Showcase an antique piece of jewelry on a strand of freshwater pearls
Showcase an antique or vintage earring on a strand of freshwater pearls. Whether the earring has been passed down through generations or was a lucky find at an estate sale, it will add a touch of glamour to a tried-and-true classic. If your earring is part of a pair, make a second necklace; this project can be completed in 15 minutes or less.
See the instructions below, or download the free project PDF above.
Supply List
Design guidelines
1. Determine the finished length of your necklace. (My necklaces are 17 1⁄2 in./44.5cm.) Add 6 in. (15cm) and cut a piece of beading wire to that length. Open a jump ring and attach the earring. Close the jump ring and center the earring on the wire.
2. On each end, string pearls until the necklace is within 1 1⁄2 in. (3.8cm) of the desired length.
3. On one end, string: flat spacer, round spacer, crimp bead, round spacer, one loop of the connector. Go back through the beads just strung and tighten the wire. Repeat on the other end, substituting a clasp for the connector. Check the fit, and add or remove pearls from each end if necessary. Crimp the crimp beads and trim the excess wire.
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