Statement in Amethyst

Instructions

When working with semi-precious gemstones, especially larger beads, you must keep the total weight of the finished project in mind. I had originally planned to use three of these large focal beads together as the focal point of the necklace, but it was just too heavy, so I substituted the two open-work antique-gold tone beads.

Difficulty:

Category: Jewelry

Type of item: Accessory

For: Women

Style: Romantic, Mod

Materials

Cape Amethyst rounds, small purple Amethyst rounds, large dark-purple faceted Amethyst Focal Bead, Antique-gold bead caps, Antique-gold tone openwork flowered focal beads and Antique-gold magnetic clasp.

What was your inspiration?

I got a really good buy on three strands of the 10 mm Cape Amethyst round beads and starting thinking how I could best use them. I had several of those large dark purple faceted focals in my inventory and it seemed to me that they complemented those pale, pale lavender Cape Amethyst beads. I had some 4 mm purple Amethyst rounds that finished out as spacers and around the clasp parts. The openwork flowered antique-gold focals filled in for my original plan to use three of the large stones as the focal point of the necklace. The magnetic clasp just seemed to work with those antique-gold flower focals.

What are you most proud of?

That the necklace still makes an elegant statement without breaking my neck to wear. It's still on the heavy side, but it's worth it.

What advice would you give someone starting this project?

Keep the overall weight of the finished project in mind.