The Un-Twistable Necklace

I started making necklaces like this a few years ago. I usually find necklaces to be such a hassle that I don't bother. The goal of this necklace tutorial is to fix a few of those problems.

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For one I have really curly hair. I HATE getting my hair all wrapped around the clasp (my hair does a lot on it's own, like forming dredlocks) and then there is ripping, tearing and screaming.

I also hate. hate. hate when the clasp gets all twisted around and then random people try to fix it. I'm really sensitive about people touching my neck and I tend to pull my neck back like a turtle (really it's quite sexy) and... hiss. Sometimes I blindly swat as well. I can't help it. I get it from my mother. It's usually her who gets the hissing turtle treatment.

Source: The Daily Record

Also, this necklace hooks in front. Much easier to wear.

Like most things I do this is more of a general idea, less of a rock solid tutorial.Good because you can make fifty necklaces that are basically the same thing but all look different. Also, all of my jewelry supplies are purchased on clearance (so good luck finding anything I used!) so not so repeatable...

You need:
Fancy Chain
Clasp
Fancy 'Stuff"
Pliers

For this particular necklace I used a butterfly pendent, a circular charm and a salvaged pearl.
This is the only real 'technique' I'll be giving you:

When you open jump rings/chain they should look like this:

NEVER pull the ring apart, it weakens them and you'll never get them to look right again. Instead use two sets of pliers and twist them apart.

I also added a faux pearl. This came off an old necklace I picked up at a garage sale. You need a bead, a head pin and round nose pliers. Clearly the pin in this pic is way too long. We are going to use the pin to make a loop, this is pretty much experimental, cut off a little of a time until you get it right.

It'll look like this when it's done.

Now it's time to put her all together!

Using either the chain links or a jump ring attach the clasp to one end and the butterfly charm to the other. Use the circular chain to replace one of the chain links. DO NOT open the chain and just stick it in. If you want it to lay flat when you wear it you need to remove one link and replace it with the charm. Hook the pearl in the chain at the top of the circular charm so it hangs in the center.

Ta Da! A one of a kind necklace made by you!
Here are some examples I've made in the past to inspire you:

PS. I'm really trying, are my pictures any better?



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