Geometric Gemstone and Pearl Knot Necklace

Combine the elegance of pearls with the glamour of gemstones in these free bead necklace patterns from Tammy Powley. The Geometric Gemstone and Pearl Knot Necklace is a great way to practice knotting.

This project is an excert from The Complete Photo Guide to Jewelry Making by Tammy Powley.

Materials:

• Three 10-mm coin-shaped pearl beads
• Two 10-mm square-shaped pearl beads
• Twelve 4-mm light blue Czech fire-polished crystal beads
• Six 6-mm lapis lazuli gemstone beads
• Two sterling silver bead tips
• Scissors
• One number 3 dark blue
• Silk beading thread with attached needle
• One 10-mm square-shaped sterling silver toggle clasp
• Glue
• Awl
• Chain-nose pliers
• Ruler
   

Instructions:

1. Begin the necklace by attaching a bead tip to one end of the beading thread.
    
2. Use chain-nose pliers to attach one side of the toggle clasp to the hook on the bead tip.
   
   
    
3. With a ruler, measure down 5" (12.7 cm) from the bead tip, and tie an overhand knot in the thread.
    
4. String on beads in the following pattern: one crystal bead,one lapis bead, one crystal bead, one coin pearl, one crystal bead, one lapis bead, one crystal bead, and one square pearl.
    
5. Repeat this bead pattern one time.
    
6. String on beads in the follow pattern: one crystal bead,one lapis bead, one crystal bead, one coin pearl, one crystal bead, one lapis bead, and one crystal bead.
    
7. Start forming a loose overhand knot, and insert an awl through it.
    
8. Continue to hold the awl through the knot and, with the other hand, pull the thread so that the knot tightens a little around the awl and then push the knot up against the previously strung bead.
    
9. While pulling the awl out of the knot, use your fingers to push the knot up against the bead.
   
   
    
10. Measure 5" (12.7 cm) from the last knot just made, and attached a bead tip.
     
11. Use chain-nose pliers to attach the other side of the toggle clasp to the hook on the bead tip.