Posted by
Anna Draeger · February 1, 2009 8:07 AM
Q I am making a necklace for my daughter's wedding, and I like the style of a Y-necklace. Although I like this style made with chain, I want to incorporate a lot of beads, so how do I accomplish this style using beading wire? -Patty LaBar
A Thanks for your question, Patty. Luckily I have an easy answer for you.
Y-necklace with a chain base.
The Y-necklace has become a classic style that is as versatile as it is
beautiful. A common and quick technique for this style is making the
base of the necklace out of chain. Simply cut chain to the
desired length, cut a short piece of chain, and attach the short piece
to the center link of the long chain, and you have the basic idea. Add
the clasp to the ends of the chain and embellish at will. I simply strung
3 mm bicone crystals on head pins, and attached them to the chain with
wrapped loops. A larger crystal embellished the bottom of the Y. I used relatively small beads, and only a few to make a casual necklace, but you could cover every link with a bead and make a show-stopper!
Y-necklace with a beading wire base.
To make a Y-necklace using beading wire, cut a piece of beading wire that is about 10 inches longer than your desired overall length. Center a focal bead or pendant on the wire. If using a focal bead, pick up a seed bead on one end, and go back through the focal bead. If using a pendant, string four or five seed beads on each end, keeping the beads at the center of the wire. Now, string about 2-3 inches of beads, crystals, or pearls over both ends. Bring the beads down to the focal bead or pendant, creating a straight line of beads. Split the wires apart, and string each half of the necklace using the desired beads. Finish by adding a clasp to the ends.
For either one of these styles, it will probably take you longer to pick out the beads than it will to actually make the necklace!
Anna Elizabeth Draeger
Associate Editor
Bead&Button magazine