A Dozen Ways to End a Necklace
You know the old saying, don't you? ''The best place to start is at the beginning.'' Well, sometimes those old sayings have it wrong. You don't want to start at the beginning--you want to start at the end and choose how you want to finish the necklace before you begin.
There are many ways to make necklaces, whether you're looking to put a pendant on a chain or want to know how to string beads. There aren't that many ways to finish jewelry--even a necklace without a clasp. Here are 12 fun ways to ''make an end of it'':
1. Don't end it!
The endless necklace slips over your head and has no visible beginning or ending. It's a timeless classic that's back in style!
2. Get knotty!
The adjustable knot video tutorial will show you step-by-step instructions for ending your latest creation with a little variety. This sliding knot jewelry technique is ideal for satin, leather and hemp cord necklaces.
3. Lariat
The lariat necklace is held together by a flexible element such as a drop or ring--you run one end of the necklace through the flexible element and drape, tie or loop it to hold in place. Lariat-style closures are great when you've chosen to make a tassel necklace! Use this tutorial to make an amazing Chain and Crystal Passions® pearl lariat necklace and rope in a little lariat magic into your life.
4. Bead tips will tip the scales
When you're stringing beads or pearls on a necklace with thread, bead tips are the answer! They conceal knots and make a strong attachment place for clasps. The bead tips video tutorial offers ''tips'' on using these handy little findings with style and flair.
5. Not with a knot but a crimper
For jewelry made with Accu-Flex® and other beading wires, the most secure option is crimps. Whether you choose crimp clasps, crimp beads, crimp tubes or crimp ends, you'll keep the ends looking neat and professional. The crimping tutorial and crimp ends tutorial show you how to end your projects in ways that won't crimp your style.
6. Screw it down Tite
Haven't you wished that you could have the durability of a crimp bead and the design flexibility of knotting? Screw-Tite Crimps™ findings give you that option. To change out a clasp or stationary component, simply loosen the screw, swap out the component and put the Screw-Tite back in place. This Screw-Tite video tutorial shows you how to tighten the screw--and prevent repetitive reconstruction.
7. One in a bullion, mon ami
Thread creates jewelry with great drape and flow, especially when making knotted pearl necklaces. To protect soft thread from the wear-and-tear of harder components such as clasps, it's French wire to the rescue! The French Wire video tutorial walks you through the steps of finishing a necklace in true European fashion.
8. On guard!
Put an additional level of protection to pieces created with Accu-Flex by adding Accu-Guards™ to your designs. Similar to French wire, Accu-Guards are pre-curved into a horseshoe shape. The Accu-Guards video tutorial show you how to make your jewelry eternally beautiful.
9. All in a-cord
Cord ends, cord coils and cord tips require only a little glue to become design elements that really ''stick.'' They can be used with single cords or with multi-cord designs. The Glue-in Style Cord Endings video tutorial gives you a quick primer on how to use these findings--and some unusual design applications for the techniques.
10. Cone together, right now
Available in multiple metals, finishes and decoration, cones are one way to bring multi-strand jewelry to a head! View this Cones video tutorial to see how to use these beautiful and convenient findings. Add a magnetic or toggle clasp for easy-open/easy-close jewelry!
11. Ring-a-ding-ding
Jump rings and split rings are jewelry-making's universal connectors. Use just the rings to connect multiple strands of chain or use them to gather together bead tips or other ends with loops. The Jump Ring and Split Ring video tutorial will show you how to use both of these ring types, and some specialty tools to make using them quick and easy.
12. Good-natured ribbon
Ribbon adds an elegant variation to beading and stringing. The Using Ribbon Ends video tutorial gives you the hands-on know-how to create jewelry using ribbon.
Whichever ending you choose, it'll be a happy ending for you.
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