String a Base for the Eva Mendes Necklace
Create a Turquoise and Crystal Rondell Choker
Mar 21, 2009
The Van Cleef and Arpels necklace worn by Eva Mendes to the Golden Globe Awards is one of most searched-for necklaces. It seems as if everyone wants a knockoff of this necklace for weddings, proms or spring outings.
There are suggestions for readymade necklaces, sold online by Novica and Amazon, to use as the base to duplicate this look. This article gives instructions on how the crafter with minimal jewelry making skills can quickly and easily make a turquoise bead and crystal rondell base necklace. These instructions can also be used to create three strands to fill in the ready made necklaces.
Supplies List
- Four strands of 4mm round turquoise beads. Beads are usually sold on temporary strands in lengths of fifteen inches. Purchasing four strands will create this look from scratch. If these instructions are being used to augment a readymade necklace, only purchase three strands.
- Base metal crystal rondells. Base metal is recommended since it will be extremely difficult to keep sterling silver rondells clean without damaging the turquoise. Additionally, they have the extra allure of being less expensive while looking great.
- Misc beading supplies. This necklace is strung using beading wire, a clasp and two crimp beads.
- Crimp pliers.
Instructions
- Don't cut a length of the beading wire. Slowly unwind it from the container as you string the beads. When satisfied with the length, cut the wire leaving about three inches on each end. The extra beading wire is used to connect the clasp with the crimp beads.
- String the beads alternating every few beads with a rondell. See Image One below. Turquoise doesn't have to be used. Image Two shows the same rondells interspaced with 3mm denim blue lapis lazuli.
- String enough gemstone beads and rondells to circle the neckline three or four times with some wiggle room so the clasp can easily be hooked when wearing the necklace.
- Finish the necklace by attaching the clasp to the wire using the crimp beads. Never used crimp beads and crimp pliers before? Check out this great tutorial.
- Wrap the necklace around the neck and fasten with the clasp.
Additional Notes:
If a starter necklace was purchased, adding this necklace to the starter necklace can complete the look. Wearing the two necklaces together is a layering basic. A subsequent article will address how to make or buy additional pendants to truly duplicate the Eva Mendes look.
All supplies used to make this necklace were purchased online at Fire Mountain Gems.
For experienced crafters, the instructions in this article can be modified using a multiple loop clasp.
