6/8/05 | Candy Jade Necklace
Here is a necklace we created for Bellaceti using material from our latest buying extravaganza at the Rings & Things wholesale bead show. This Pink Candy Jade used in the necklace that we found at the show is actually jade that is dyed a bright pink… it looks just like candy! We had been wanting to use some larger briolettes for awhile in designs, so we stocked up at the show.
Along with the jade drop we used up some pink crystal that are non-Swarovski to form the rest of this simple necklace. I know a lot of people swear by Swarovski bicone crystals because of their shape regularity and sparkle, but if you’re on a budget then they sell similar crystals for a lot cheaper in bulk. Just don’t expect the crystals to be perfect in shape… you will come across the odd crystal that is misshaped every so often.
We wirewrapped this briolette using 22 gauge wire… it’s been awhile since I wrapped briolettes that are top drilled instead of center drilled, so I had some trouble. I’ve been meaning to put up a tutorial for wirewrapping these things; right now there’s only the tutorial for wire wrapping briolettes that are drilled straight through.
The Candy Jade Necklace features a pink jade briolette as the focal point, paired with pale pink bicone crystal and white pearlescent Japanese seed beads. The briolette drop is about 3/4″ wide and wrapped with sterling silver wire. SoftFlex™ beading wire is used to string the crystals and it is finished with a antique silver toggle clasp and is about 16 inches long.
[Full disclosure: I personally help make some of the pieces at Bellaceti.com]
