I love multistrand strung necklaces! I made all of these exactly the same way, varying bead choices to reflect different moods.
Each necklace has ten strands of the same length. Two of my examples have 15-inch strands. The trade bead necklace is made from 20-inch strands. Ten 20-inch strands of trade beads makes a heavy necklace, so the next time I will probably use shorter or fewer strands.
There is a mix of shapes and sizes. Each strand has small seed beads and larger beads strung on a strong nylon beading thread – you don’t want them to break! I staggered the larger beads so that large and small nest together.
The stringing material was joined and knotted at each end, secured with wire wraps, and hidden under a sterling silver or copper cone. Wrapped loops at the narrow ends of the cones secure the strands for chain and clasp.
First, a show-and-tell of multistrand necklaces, then, some step-by-step photos of how I did it.
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Peyote Tubes and Pearls
My first multistrand necklace features Peyote tube beaded beads (I couldn’t stop making them!), freshwater pearls, crystals and heishi spacers; sterling silver.
Aquaterra Jasper and Pearls
Aquaterra jasper, freshwater pearls, crystals and silver spacers evoke thoughts of earth and sea; sterling silver.
African Trade Beads
African trade beads create an explosion of color; copper. This is the heavy one!
Special Occasion Necklace
10 individually strung strands combine with sterling silver chain and findings to make this Special Occasion Necklace. I made it to wear at a wedding, but it would be lovely at any special occasion.
How to Make a Multistrand Necklace
The strands consist of size 15 seed beads and various sizes and shapes of freshwater pearls, lapis lazuli, amethyst, fluorite, and blue tiger eye strung on nylon beading thread. Neutral colored thread blends nicely with the varied stones.
I had fun gathering materials to coordinate with my dress – I had the seed beads and some of the stones in my stash, but, darn the bad luck, I had to shop for more purple strands. Fluorite and raw amethyst strands add lighter values in the purple color family. Their variation in color and texture make a more interesting piece.
Here are the first three strands of amethyst and fluorite, combining smooth, faceted, and rough textures. The range of light to dark is fun, too.
Here, I added two strands of lapis and faceted blue tiger eye.
A strand of matte lapis and four strands of white freshwater pearls of various shapes and sizes round out the collection. The 10 strands are ready to be combined into one necklace. I staggered the placement of the gemstones to distribute them evenly along the necklace.
Sterling silver cones hide the ends of the strands. Wire wrapped loops attach the strands to the chain. Add a simple sterling toggle clasp, and the necklace is ready to party!
See more of my jewelry designs and fiber art at Flying Goat Studio.
Browse through more jewelry projects and inspiration on Create Whimsy.