By Carol McKinney

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Earthy statement necklace

Mix and match colored stones for drama

The chic statement necklaces that are populating fashion magazines rely heavily on faux gems. If your style message is earthier, Mother Nature offers all the color you need. Choose a couple of large stones as focal points and finish your strand with smaller stones in matching or contrasting colors.

SUPPLIES

Necklace 17 in. (43 cm)

2 25–40 mm gemstones
15–20 mm gemstone
6–12 12 mm gemstone rondelles
10–18 12 mm round gemstones
16–24 10 mm round gemstones
5 8 mm round gemstones
flexible beading wire, .014 or .015
2-in. (5 cm) head pin
2 crimp beads
hook-and-eye clasp
chainnose and roundnose pliers
diagonal wire cutters
crimping pliers (optional)

Earrings

2 10 mm round gemstones
2 8 mm round gemstones
5 in. (13 cm) long-and-short chain, 12 and 5 mm links
4 2-in. (5 cm) head pins
pair of earring wires
chainnose and roundnose pliers
diagonal wire cutters

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1

Cut a piece of beading wire. On the wire, string: 8 mm round bead, 25–40 mm gemstone, 8 mm, 25–40 mm, 8 mm.

Step 2

On one end, string 3–4 in. (7.6–10 cm) of rondelles, 10 mm rounds, and 12 mm rounds. On the other end, string rounds and rondelles until the strand is within 1 in. (2.5 cm) of the finished length.

Step 3

On each end, string an 8 mm and attach the clasp.

Step 4

On a head pin, string a 15–20 mm gemstone. Make the first half of a wrapped loop.

Step 5

Attach the dangle and half of the clasp. Complete the wraps.

Design alternative

A multicolored, graduated strand of Soochow jade gives you a ready-made mix of shapes and colors. Instead of adding other stones, I strung copper wire components for a metallic accent.

Earrings

Step 1

Cut a piece of chain with four long links. On a head pin, string a 10 mm round bead and make the first half of a wrapped loop. Make a bead unit with an 8 mm round bead.

Step 2

On each end of the chain, attach a bead unit and complete the wraps. Open the loop of an earring wire and attach the second link of the chain. Close the loop. Make a second earring to match the first.

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Earthy statement necklace

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