Swarovski crystal beads add a new dimension of sparkle to any jewellery making project. Fun, simple to use and producing spectacular results for very little cost, these delicate glass crystals are specifically designed to shimmer and catch the light, transforming a simple design into something that dazzles with chic elegance. A simple multi-stranded necklace can be one of the easiest ways to transform an ordinary outfit into something spectacular, and you don't need any specialist equipment to do it - just a few, simple basic tools.
Swarovski crystal beads have been a staple in jewellery making for over 100 years and are still as popular today as they were in Edwardian times. They're ideal for brightening up a tired piece of jewellery by simply restringing an existing necklace and interspersing Swarovski crystals throughout the pattern. All you will need to do this is your original necklace, a new length of beading thread, a beading needle, a sharp pair of scissors and a new clasp and jump rings to complete the project. You will also need a pair of flat nosed jeweller's pliers to put the clasp and links onto the ends of the necklace and of course, a selection of Swarovski crystals. Using a little care (and a tray to catch any beads that fall from the original necklace, otherwise you could spend an inordinate amount of time on your hands and knees looking for that lost bead!), destring the original piece with care. Decide how you want to re-create the necklace, incorporating the Swarovski crystals into the design and choosing crystals that correspond in colour with your original beads. Swarovski crystal beads come in a rainbow of different colours, so there should be a colour to match any necklace.
Thread your beading needle with the new beading thread and tie a knot about four to six inches in and place an ‘anchor bead' at the end of the new thread. This will prevent your beads slipping off the end as you place thread them onto the new necklace. At this point you can let your imagination take over. How you restring the necklace is entirely up to you, depending on the effect you wish to create. If you want to create a shorter, multi-stranded necklace out of a single strand of beads, remember to divide up your beads evenly before beginning. If you're not sure, try laying the design out first on a flat surface before committing the beads to your new thread. Once you have completed your first strand, remembering to intersperse your Swarovski crystals where appropriate, finish with a second anchor bead and tie off the thread.
Depending on how many beads you have available and what kind of effect you wish to create, repeat the process. Try making each strand a slightly different length from the first for a layered look to really capture the beauty of each individual bead. Once you have your re-threaded strands of beads, draw the ends of the thread through a crimp bead and make a multi-stranded loop, drawing the tail ends back through the crimp bead. Close the crimp bead to form a sealed end and trim any loose threads off with the scissors. Repeat the process with the other ends. This will give you a single, multi-stranded necklace. Attach your jump ring to one loop and the corresponding catch to the other and instantly you have a beautiful necklace recycled from an old piece of jewellery and transformed by the simple inclusion of sparkling, iridescent Swarovski crystals.
About the Author
Adam Hunter - E-commerce Marketing Manager of cooksongold.com. Cookson Precious Metals offer a choice of jewellery making supplies from over 10,000 products including Swarovski crystal beads, jewellery tools, precious metal clay, gemstones and gold and silver sheet - gold, platinum and palladium plus technical information for jewellers, jobbers, designer, craftsmen, artisans and students.
