Antique Seed Pearl Necklace

[MSC]

I am thinking: Use enough pearls to make the grandpa necklace 22" and use the rest to the the same with the other pearls. I can get 19-20" around my wrist 3 times.

Why not get a 3 strand clasp and make a for real 3 strand bracelet? Or are you wanting to be able to also wear as a necklace? Another suggestion is to make 3 individual bracelets which can then be converted into a necklace; I've seen this done in art deco pieces. It would look especially nice if you can get 6 antique spring rings or dog clips: http://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTIQUE-c18...s_VintageFineJewellery_CA&hash=item43c3829f57 or http://www.ebay.com/itm/Very-RARE-A...s_VintageFineJewellery_CA&hash=item2c78fdef5c

 

[Bodecia]

Caitlin, I like the idea of tin cup with small pearls and then the larger pearls. Should look great.

Why don't you make the gold/yellow naturals into a double bracelet. There are sure to be enough if you are knotting and you always do. If you do that you can continue to procrastinate over the white gulf pearls

The centre and side pieces are from old Bello Epoque necklaces. Pearls and centre piece came together although may not have started out life that way although the Akoya pearls are excellent with a very thick nacre so they suit the era. The paste diamonds are set in Silver. So I will be mixing gold with silver and naturally pearls. I am a bit worried about using too much gold even though that will only be the beads and clasp as I do have to resell. With my best designer pieces I have real problems even getting my money back. I just can't help myself.

I have seen ones with gold and real diamonds and they cost a huge fortune. Even with silver and paste they are expensive. Also seen modern reproductions and they are expensive.

Thanks Andrea, but is there too much bling along the sides??????????? Paul what do you think? HELP ALL !!!!!!!!!!!!!

I bought a Art & Antiques 1998 magazine featuring Bello Epoque - "When Art Became Jewellery" in mint condition, not even read from the look of it or read by someone who would not flatten the pages. When I get time I will take photos of the pieces and post them.

When do we have to add photos of our finished products?????? We are running out of time. Help.

Dawn - Bodecia
http://www.ebay.com/sch/dawncee333/m.html
eBay Seller ID dawncee333 Natural pearl collector & seller. And all round pearl lover.

 

[MSC]

No way can you have too much bling when it comes to belle epoque design! If the pastes are set in silver why not just get a silver repro clasp to continue the color scheme? That would at least keep the cost down by not using gold at all. You're right about those paste in silver pieces, they do fetch quite a bit! It's going to be beautiful!

 

[Caitlin]

We sure are running out of time! I have decided on a compromise: The necklace has a little rose gold clasp. The bracelet is missing half a clasp-- so I get out the 4 tube style rose gold clasps you (dawn) have sent me over time. None match mine, but one is the same length. I open it and try it on the ends of the finished necklace- they fit!

OK I am going to restring the bracelet with the other rose gold clasp and then connect them. That will get me one more bracelet that works and let me continue to procrastinate about taking the necklace apart- though I am sure that is the design I will take it apart for. I think I will keep the pearls going from largest to smallest and just add the tiny pearls in groups from larger to smaller. But now- to the bracelet. I have two other pieces to knot. One for my daughter. She really wants the last set of those purply blue pearls I got from Pattye. Sigh.


I decided to add a pic of the other two pieces I want to get done and now I have a chance to do do. lol.



I think I need to stay away from this forum until it is put up or shut up time, LOL! I'll see yooze in less than 24 hours!

 

[MSC]

I was finally able to get a clasp for a broken 3 strand gold rope bracelet and it has pearls in it! Very excited, just have to figure out how to make the repair...

 

[Caitlin]

OK I am back and I am done.
First the presents for my daughters:

This purply/blue one- pearls from Pattye is for Zoe- my youngest

This one is 15" of extremely funky, but coloful Chinese wrinkley pearls, so I added 26 Oregon sunstones between the pearls. Those from pattye too.
The funky pearls from china They go from 16MM 12mm and they have big holes not drill holes, which I filled with opalescent nail polish while awaiting tiny gemstones being set instead. lol, it is a fun piece with incredible colors.

 

[Caitlin]

Here is the finished bracelet/extension for me:

 

[Marianne]

Lovely, Caitiln! You look very festive

 

[MSC]

Gorgeous, Caitlin! Self gifts are the best

 

[Bodecia]

Okay, I failed in my quest. But at least I have them ready to go and like the design I showed you. Looks like you are the winner Caitlin.

Did you knot between all pearls? When I work on the torsade I am wondering if all will need knotting. What a job.

For years I have been thinking about adding tiny gems to blemishes (holes) in pearls. I will do it before long but no promises this time on just when learnt my lesson.

Caitlin, I watched your knotting video again and it is very informative. Great job. 5 stars for that

Dawn - Bodecia
http://www.ebay.com/sch/dawncee333/m.html
eBay Seller ID dawncee333 Natural pearl collector & seller. And all round pearl lover.

 

[kiwipaul]

Hi Dawn, just a thought, after looking at pics of Art Nouveau necklaces, quite a few of the classic designs are based around swags, like this http://www.ebay.com/itm/121241222728 and this



(from http://www.langantiques.com/university/index.php/Necklaces).

Don't know if that gorgeous central drop has appropriate fitting to incorporate swags, but they certainly add the Wow factor to a necklace.

 

[MSC]

they have big holes not drill holes, which I filled with opalescent nail polish while awaiting tiny gemstones being set instead.

Caitlin, what do you use to set jewels into holes in pearls? An epoxy or cement glue, like hypocement?

 

[Bodecia]

Hi Paul,

It does Paul, small connection rings at the top. And me being me went overboard in buying other pieces from the same era to possibly use although I don't have any long pieces. But I do have or will have when they arrive the necklace and pair of earrings as photos attached. Will also add a photo of the pendant too. But working them into a design - oh boy. I did try to buy more swag like longer pieces but as attached to necklaces or earrings they were expensive, even the reproduction pieces and I don?t want to add new pieces as then it would not really be from the Belle Epoque era and so far all the pieces are.

Now you have thrown temptation in my path again. I will have to do some searches for more longer swag pieces to add to it. If you spot anything I could use let me know

The pendant will have to be at the bottom but I could make an upper layer to it with silver, paste and pearls.

Thanks for that site. It is a good one.

Dawn - Bodecia
http://www.ebay.com/sch/dawncee333/m.html
eBay Seller ID dawncee333 Natural pearl collector & seller. And all round pearl lover.

 

[Caitlin]

Caitlin, what do you use to set jewels into holes in pearls? An epoxy or cement glue, like hypocement?

Hahaha good question! I have never done it- I am not a jeweler. I am a beader. So, I do have a dremel. Maybe I can use it to drill out the holes to a better shape. Then, not knowing better, I would glue the tiny gems in place, with hypo becuase it has such a tiny spout. Kether, my daughter does have some tiny gemstones, unset- so I seem to have the parts, but my fear is too great....lol

I have to tell you these pearls are so funky- that as large and colorful as they are- the smallest is 14mm- they still only cost me like $178.00 postage included. The nail polish is in several pearly colors and skillfully applied; it passes all inspections except other pearlers', lol. I use nail polish for a lot of things, so I have a box with at least 50 colors. That is what Octavia and I (in another thread) were shopping for at the "general dollar" store. I can't go by a dollar store without checking out their nail polish colors.

There is no winner here, but thank you for the impetus! I reall y did not want to have to tell you all I forgot to do it.

The swag necklace pictured above is quite the loveliest swag I can remember. It is gorgeous.

I first learned the term "Swag" in jewelry from this necklace or piece of armor or whatever it is.
da big bling bling

 

[MSC]

That is some incredible necklace/bling!

 

[Caitlin]

It first appeared on this forum many years ago. I think it is photo shopped together, because La Peregrina is hanging from it amongst other things.

 

[willeyi]

Hi. My opinion.. these pearls are too small to make it into a bracelet, even if you double them. They will look dated, not fashionable. If it were me, I would me a pearl tassle necklace and use these small pearls for the tassle. Put it on a long chain (minimiumu 30"), and it will look fantastic. Very chic.

Example of a tassle necklace:
http://www.tiffany.com/Shopping/Ite...i+1-x+-pu+-f+false+0-lr+-hr+-ri+-mi+-pp+216+3