Gemstone Lariat Necklace

This version of a lariat necklace that features gorgeous freshwater pearl beads sprinkled with multi-colored gemstone beads. An ornate sterling silver toggle serves as the focal point. Since I used small rice pearls, I made two strands for a dramatic effect.

Several different types of gemstones were used in this necklace to create a multi-colored design. The freshwater pearls add to the classic style that can be dressed up or down. The gemstone beads used include: apatite, pink topaz, prehnite, london blue topaz, lemon quartz, amethyst, pink chalcedony, and green chalcedony .

Materials
Ornate Sterling Silver Toggle
Freshwater Rice Pearls
FlexRite Beading Wire
Sterling Silver Crimps
26 gauge Sterling Silver Wire
3 Sterling Silver ball pins
Gemstone Beads include Amethyst Tear Drop Beads, Pink Chalcedony Briolette Beads, Green Chalcedony Briolette Beads, Blue Apatite Rondelle Beads, Pink Topaz Rondelle Beads, London Blue Topaz Briolette Beads, Lemon Quartz Twist Briolette Beads


Instructions
You will need one 36" strand and one 38" strand of Flex-Rite beading wire (I used medium weight, however, a few of the pearls and gemstones didn't fit. I prefer to use medium weight for the strength and am willing to sacrifice a few beads in the process. However, light weight beading wire will cause less aggravation in regards to this issue.

String beads in the desired pattern onto the flexible beading wire . One end of each strand should be attached and crimped to the toggle ring. The other ends should be thread through the toggle ring. (See Photo A, below)

Next, wire wrap your choice of larger size gemstones (8mm or larger) onto ball pins to create dangling beads. The wire wrapping will create loops above the beads so that they can be attached to the ends of each strand. (See Photo B, below)

Start with the unfinished end of one strand, string on a crimp bead, thread the beading wire through beaded dangles and crimp. Repeat with the second strand.

Related Posts:
How to Wear a Lariat Necklace
Simple Lariat Necklace (design idea)

To purchase products featured in this blog post, please use the following links:
Ornate Sterling Silver Toggle
Freshwater Rice Pearls
FlexRite Beading Wire
Sterling Silver Crimps
26 gauge Sterling Silver Wire
3 Sterling Silver ball pins
Gemstone Beads