Chain Inspirations Part 2 of 2
When I was checking out Artbeads' Swarovski Crystals Section and wondering what to choose, I came across some gorgeous filigree flower pendants and had to have one. They were so pretty they deserved full attention as focals and not be part of busy necklace designs. However, a simple chain seemed rather boring until I spotted the Swarovksi crystal cup link chain. Yep, there is no such thing as too much Swarovski!



The sterling silver cuplink chain had large but clear Swarovski crystals which added plenty of interest without overwhelming the filigree flower. This simple project could have been finished with some sterling silver chains to make up the rest of the necklace. But I had a eureka moment. I had some figure 8 sterling silver connectors I got years ago but never used. So here was my chance to use them up.

The easy way is to add jump rings and connect them up into a long chain. You can do this with all sorts of jewelry connectors not just the figure 8 ones shown here.

However, you can save on jump rings by twisting the top loop of the figure 8 connector and making it perpendicular to the bottom. Careful you don't overwork the wire as it might break. Attach the small loop of one connector to the bottom loop of the next. Keep going until you've got the length you want.

Make the chain opposite to the clasp longer if you want the necklace to be adjustable (the pendant might need to be moved once the desired length is decided upon). Add a coordinating charm and you're done!

If you want some matching earrings, remember to remove a couple of cuplink units before you start assembling the necklace.


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Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
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