Gemstone Lariat Necklace

Here is a version of a lariat necklace that features gorgeous freshwater pearl bead strands sprinkled with multi-colored gemstone beads. An ornate sterling silver toggle serves as the focal point.

I really love the poetic combination of the rich gemstones in this necklace design. The pearls add to the classic style that can be dressed up or down. The gemstone beads used include: amethyst, pink chalcedony, green chalcedony, apatite, pink topaz, prehnite, london blue topaz and lemon quartz.

Lariat necklaces are typically designed to be long and graceful. Since I used small rice pearls, I chose to make this necklace two strands so that it would a little more dramatic.

Materials
Ornate Sterling Silver Toggle

Freshwater Rice Pearls

FlexRite Beading Wire

Sterling Silver Crimps

26 gauge Sterling Silver Wire

3 Sterling Silver ball pins

Gemstone Beads include Amethyst Tear Drop Beads, Pink Chalcedony Briolette Beads, Green Chalcedony Briolette Beads, Blue Apatite Rondelle Beads, Pink Topaz Rondelle Beads, London Blue Topaz Briolette Beads, Lemon Quartz Twist Briolette Beads

Instructions
You will need one 36" strand and one 38" strand of Flex-Rite beading wire (I used medium weight, however, a few of the pearls and gemstones didn't fit. I prefer to use medium weight for the strength and am willing to sacrifice a few beads in the process. However, light weight beading wire will work fine.

String beads in the desired pattern onto the flexible bead wire. One end of each strand should be attached and crimped to the toggle ring. The other ends should be thread through the toggle ring. (See Photo A, below)

Next, wire wrap your choice of larger size gemstones (8mm or larger) onto ball pins to create dangling beads. The wire wrapping will create loops above the beads so that they can be attached to the ends of each strand. (See Photo B, below)

Start with the unfinished end of one strand, string on a crimp bead, thread the beading wire through beaded dangles and crimp. Repeat with the second strand.

Related Posts:

How to Wear a Lariat Necklace

Simple Lariat Necklace (design idea)