Double Strand Illusion Necklace and Earrings

If you're on a budget for your wedding, create your own jewelry to match any gown! DIY jewelry crafts don't get much better that this Double Strand Illusion Necklace and Earrings set. The pretty design makes this a real stand-out. Use glass beads and wire to complete this project, which is actually so easy and fun. Free beading projects are a fun way to save money and get excited about an exciting event. If you're feeling ambitious, make a set for yourself and then one for each of your bridesmaids - it's a great gift and will surely show your appreciation for their time and commitment to your big day.

Materials:

Necklace:

Beadalon 49 Strand bead stringing wire, .018” diameter
Silver lobster clasp and tag
Two 1.5mm silver crimp tubes
Twenty-eight 1.3mm silver crimp beads
Fourteen 4mm pearls
Seven 6mm pearls
Seven 6mm faceted glass beads
Beadalon Wire Nipper
Beadalon Crimp Tool

Earrings:

Four 4mm pearls
Two 6mm pearls
Two 6mm faceted glass beads
Four 2" silver head pins
Two silver ear wires
Beadalon® Round Nose Pliers

Instructions:

Necklace:

Cut three 17" lengths of Beadalon 49. Hold the strands together and string a crimp tube 1/2" from the end. String the Beadalon 49 through half of the clasp and back into the crimp tube to form a loop. Use crimping pliers to crimp the crimp tube.
On one strand, leave 1", then string a crimp bead. Crimp it. String a 4mm pearl, a faceted glass bead, a 4mm pearl and another crimp bead. Crimp it. Leave 1 3/4" and string a crimp bead onto the wire. Crimp it. String a 6mm pearl and another crimp bead. Crimp it. String a total of seven alternating beaded sections, leaving 1 3/4" between each section.
On the remaining strand, leave 1 3/4", then string a crimp bead. Crimp it. a 6mm pearl and another crimp bead. Crimp it. Leave 1 3/4" and string a crimp bead onto the wire. Crimp it. String a 4mm pearl, a faceted glass bead, a 4mm pearl and another crimp bead. Crimp it. Crimp it. String a total of seven alternating beaded sections, leaving 1 3/4" between each section.
Hold the Beadalon 49 strands together. String a crimp tube 1/2" from the end. String the Beadalon 49 through half of the clasp and back into the crimp tube to form a loop. Use crimping pliers to crimp the crimp tube.

Earrings:

String a 4mm pearl, a faceted glass bead and a 4mm pearl onto a head pin. Use round nose pliers to make a loop above the top bead.
Wrap the extra wire around the base of the loop. Attach the loop to the lower loop on an ear wire.
String a 6mm pearl onto a head pin. Make a wrapped loop above the top bead and attach it to the lower loop on an ear wire.

Note:

Use faux or freshwater pearls in ivory or white, then add faceted glass beads in the same color as the gown. For bridal gowns, use clear facted beads. Follow the instructions on the crimper tool package to crimp the crimp beads or tubes.