Question for the experts

[JerseyPearl]

That necklace is gorgeous. And those pearls are delicious!!

 

[pinkjewel]

pinkjewel,

Is it comfortable on your bare neck or are the faceted spinels scratchy at all?

yes, it is comfortable-not scratchy at all

 

[pinkjewel]

That necklace is gorgeous. And those pearls are delicious!!

thanks, JP- and sorry about the hijack

 

[CathyKeshi]

Pinkjewel ... one of my favorites ever ... the colors of those pearls! I think we were all inspired to want one of those And now JerseyPearl's got us all wanting a sapphire version LOL ...

 

[JerseyPearl]

No need for apologies! I LOVE the photos...so many inspirations!

PD, I was able to find 14k crimp components, in the twisted design. I am also using 14k bead covers for the crimps...I couldn't find either in stock in white gold, so may have to take to the jeweler to rhodium plate. But I also like mixed metal colors.

The sapphires I'm using are graduated, so I'm making some adjustments to placement of the sapphire beads to make the finished piece more balanced. This one is going to take me a little while to do...but my rough cut version (with ends knotted onto the clasp) really looks wonderful. The strands sort of jumble together and get a little messy, which is the look I was going for. I don't want this one to lay like a traditional 4 strand necklace, but I also don't want it to be like a twisted/torsade.

 

[pinkjewel]

Ah, thanks Cathy!!! I was actually already thinking of adding a pastel sapphire version with possibly baroque WSS pearls- my summer look.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

yes, it is comfortable-not scratchy at all

That's good! I'm always a bit leery of small faceted beads due to potential for itching!

 

[JerseyPearl]

Pinkjewel, I found some green/blue sapphire rondelles which are much lighter. I'd love to find a whole bunch of them and some light pistachio tahitians for my summer look!

 

[CathyKeshi]

Pinkjewel and JerseyPearl, I love the sound of lighter sapphires and Tahitians ... dreamy! I hope to get to the gem show outside Philadelphia later this month and look for some gem strands there ... but nothing will beat JerseyPearl's pawn shop find

 

[pattye]

Great discussion here; don't know how I missed it, but lots of non-pearly stuff going on. Sometimes the threads don't show unread. The tornado crimps are excellent. Recently I made a spinel piece for a client, who furnished the 2mm spinel and small SS or Tahitian keshi pearls, so light weight I put them on Beader's Secret, with finishing knots glued under a crimp cover. I tried knotting on each side of the pearl; that didn't work well. The necklace didn't hang nicely even on fine wire. Tahitians are heavier, so I feel that allows the necklace to drape properly. I used blackened silver clasp and crimp covers. The holes seemed quite smooth, thankfully. Lots of projects seem to be trial and error, but still fun!

 

[kelluvpearls]

Pattye do you think it'll hang nicely if it's a triple rope, using beader's secret? I am thinking of redoing my spinel necklace.

 

[pattye]

Kelluvpearls, worth a try, I'd think. Is it spinel and pearls? With larger pearls, try knotting on either side of them. The weight of the pearls may help it drape nicely.

Jersey Pearl, the fortune in sapphires are an incredible find and look wonderful with the Tahitians! So looking forward to the finished piece, as we all learn from you and appreciate you showing the work in progress.

 

[JerseyPearl]

Pattye, I am the one who is learning from all of the wonderful photos and advice posted on this site!!!

 

[Tucs]

Lovely, pattye! And I can't wait to see JP's finished piece.

 

[pattye]

Pinkjewel, oh I do hope you create a necklace with light sapphires and Tahitians. Sapphires come in so many colors, even violet! Only wish they were more affordable.

These lowly beaders topics add a special dimension to the forum; we all learn from and encourage each other in the nicest ways.

 

[kelluvpearls]

Thanks Pattye! The knotting is a good tip. Yes mine is black spinel and pearls also.

 

[JerseyPearl]

These lowly beaders topics add a special dimension to the forum; we all learn from and encourage each other in the nicest ways.

I could not agree more!!! Without the encouragement and advice from the lovely lowly beading bunch I never would have EVER imagined being able to make my own pieces!

 

[newberry]

PinkJewel I have always admired your spinel and Tahitian necklace because in a way it is a tin cup. I love tin cups

JerseyPearl your new necklace with sapphires made my jaw drop. It is really going to be a show stopper. Now I know I really, really need one with either ruby or emerald. I am not sure I would be brave enough to make it on my own though. I look forward to lots of more pictures when it is finished.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

While out today I bought some 4mm crimp covers (both gold filled and sterling silver) that the salesperson said would be large enough to cover the Twisted Torando crimps. Will report back after trying them.

 

[JerseyPearl]

I am hoping to have the components in hand to finish the necklace by next weekend...

Newberry, I am confident you could do this yourself! I've already decided that I need aquamarines for my next one. And I'm thinking that pink sapphires would work well with cherry tahitians.