TASSEL NECKLACE

Beat the Winter Blues…

Jessica Rose shows us how to make this stunning tassel necklace with semi-precious beads from London Jewellery Supplies in just 7 easy steps.

Jessica is a designer, jeweller and the director of the London Jewellery School, the UK’s largest independent jewellery training centre. They run 100 of jewellery making courses each year in everything from beading and metal clay to resin, perspex and traditional silver work. For more information on classes and events please visit www.londonjewelleryschool.co.uk

Level: Beginners

You will need:

-          Tigertail
-          Silver plated crimps x 6
-          Silver plated crimp covers (calottes) x 2
-          Silver plated lobster clasp x 1
-          Silver plated 7mm closed jump ring x 1
-          Strand of turquoise chips x 1
-          Strand of Lapis Lazuli Round Beads x 1
-          Strand of Blue Snake Skin Jasper Round Beads x 1
-          Strand of White Nugget Freshwater Pearls 7-8mm x 1
-          Side cutters or scissors
-          Chain-nosed pliers
-          Beading mat to work on (optional)
(materials can be found here)

Step 1

Measure out two long lengths of tigertail wire. You want them to be approximately 30cm loner than the total length of your necklace, from the back of your neck to the bottom tassel. If in doubt always make them longer. Thread two lapis beads on to both wires. If the holes on your beads are not large enough try others in the strand as the middle holes vary in size with semi-precious stones.

Step 2

Place your two beads approx 15cm away from one end of the two wires and crimp either side of the beads to hold them in place. To crimp, simply thread your crimp bead over both wires until it sits next to the lapis bead and using your chain-nosed pliers push down firmly on the crimp bead to squash it flat, this will hold it in place.

Step 3

You should now have two short strands of tigertail at one end of your beads and two longer strands of tigertail at the other end. Using the long lengths of tigertail wire, start threading your beads on each strand separately. These will form the main strands of your necklace.

Step 4

Thread the beads on until the necklace reaches the desired length; remember to leave a few centimetres for the clasp. You can use this exact design by looking at the photo or use any combination of beads to make your own design.

Step 5

Once you are ready to attach the clasp thread a crimp bead on to the end of one of the wires, followed by your lobster clasp. Then, thread the wire back through the crimp bead in order to enclose the clasp in place. Pull the wire tight with your fingers until you have the end of your beads next to the crimp bead, followed by the clasp at the end.

Step 6

Once the crimp is in place, use your chain-nosed pliers to squash it flat to secure it. Then, using your side cutters cut off any remaining tigertail wire. Repeat this exact same process on the other side of your necklace but replace the lobster clasp with your 7mm silver plated closed jump ring.

Step 7
To finish, you want to add beads to your two tassels at the bottom of your necklace (the two short wires). I have used turquoise chips. Once the beads have been thread on, crimp the ends to hold them in place and cover the crimps with a crimp cover using your chain-nosed pliers for a nice, professional finish.

Make Matching Earrings

You can make a lovely pair of matching earrings by cutting a short piece of tigertail wire, threading on your beads, looping the wire round to make a drop shape and crimping this in place. Then, use a crimp over with a loop to cover the crimp and attach an ear wire with a jump ring.

If you enjoyed this project and would like to learn more about making your own jewellery get in touch with the London Jewellery School on the details below:

Tel: 0203 176 0546

Email: info@londonjewelleryschool.co.uk

Web: www.londonjewelleryschool.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/londonjewelleryschol1

Twitter: @jewelleryschool