The Y Necklace
"Y" necklaces are a timeless fashion statement. They are versatile adornments that complement a variety of styles and necklines. You'll be surprised at how fun and easy they are to create. Follow the steps below to create the demonstrated necklace made from Hill Tribes sterling silver components, earthy sodalite and elegant sea ''opal'' beads. The steps below explain how to duplicate this heirloom quality necklace finished with an asymmetrical "Y" tail. Or, create your own unique sequence. Either way, your necklace is sure to get "oohs and aahs" from all who see it.
Note: The sequence demonstrated will create a necklace that fits over a small adult head. For medium to large head circumferences, add more beads to the neck length or "Y" portion of the necklace. Be sure to measure the beaded strand over head before crimping.
Instructions
Step 1
Cut approximately 42 inches of tigertail beading wire.
Step 2
String one diamond-shaped sea ''opal'' glass bead onto the middle of the beading wire. This is the center bead at the neckline.
Step 3
String the following sequence of beads to one side of the sea glass bead, and then repeat the stringing sequence on the opposite side of the strand.
- Sodalite bead
- Sea ''opal'' bead
- Sterling silver overlapping round spacer
- Sodalite bead
- Sterling silver antiqued medium shell bead
- Sodalite bead
- Sea ''opal'' bead
- Sterling silver blade bead
- Sea ''opal'' bead
- Overlapping round spacer
- Sea ''opal'' bead
- Sodalite bead
- Sea ''opal'' bead
- Sodalite bead
- Sea ''opal'' bead
- Sterling silver spiral round bead
- Sea ''opal'' bead
- Sterling silver spiral round bead
- Sea ''opal'' bead
- Sodalite bead
- Sea ''opal'' bead
Step 4
String both ends of the beading wire through one sterling silver blade bead.
Step 5
String the sterling silver flat fish oval centerpiece bead over both strands of the beading wire.
Step 6
Separate the strands of the beading wire. Thread the following sequence on one strand of beading wire, and then repeat the sequence on the other side:
- Sterling Silver Melon Rolled Bead
- Sea ''opal'' bead
- Sodalite Bead
- Sterling Silver Fancy Triangle Spacer
- Sea ''opal'' bead
- Sterling Silver Fancy Triangle Spacer
Step 7
Add a sterling silver crimp tube and then the dagger dangle bead. Wrap the beading wire through the bail on the dagger dangle and back into the crimp tube. Pull the wire tight and use the crimping pliers to press and secure the crimp tube. Thread the wire end back through the sterling silver fancy triangle spacer and the sea opal bead and then clip the remaining wire off.
Step 8
Repeat Step 7 on the remaining wire tail.
Step 9
Add a sterling silver crimp tube to each end.
Step 10
String each tigertail end through a sterling silver dagger dangle component. Thread the ends through the crimp bead and triangular spacer(s).
Step 11
With one hand, take up any slack in the wire by pulling the end of the tigertail taut, using the flat-nose pliers. Hold tension on the wire with the pliers with one hand while squeezing the crimp tube in the innermost opening of the crimping pliers using your other hand. Turn the crimped tube sideways and fold by squeezing it in the outermost opening of the crimping pliers.
Step 12
Repeat this step with the other tail end and cut off excess tigertail with the flush-cutters. Cut as close to the spacer bead as possible, being careful not to cut into the main wire.
Have a question regarding this project? Email Customer Service.
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The pieces featured in the Gallery of Designs are copyrighted designs and are provided for inspiration only. We encourage you to substitute different colors, products and techniques to make the design your own.
All works of authorship (articles, videos, tutorials and other creative works) are from the Fire Mountain Gems and Beads® Collection, and permission to copy is granted for non-commercial educational purposes only. All other reproduction requires written permission. For more information, please email copyrightpermission@firemtn.com.