The Basics of Necklaces

Necklaces can be one of the most versatile jewelry pieces. They can elevate your most elegant evening gown or tie together a sleek pantsuit.

Although necklaces usually consist of a band, chain or cord that wraps around your neck they can also have attachments suspended or inset into the chain itself. These can include pendants, lockets, amulets and crosses.

Chain/cord

Chains are one of the most important parts of necklaces – they support and connect the pendants, charms and other ornaments that hang from the necklace. They also help to create a stylish, unique look.

There are many different types of chains and cords, each designed for a specific use. To choose the right cord for your jewelry-making project, you’ll need to consider how thick it is and what size beads or stones will fit in it.

Cable Chain – This style of chain has uniform links, either oval or round, that are interlocked together to form a continuous length. It is the most common type of chain used in jewellery.

Belcher or Rolo Chain – This chain is similar to a cable chain but has round links that are flat on the outside and rounded on the inside. This type of chain is incredibly versatile and can be worn on its own or stacked with other styles for added flair.

Box Chain – This chain style features small, smooth round wire links that are interlocked together to create a sophisticated appearance. This type of chain is usually used with smaller charms and can be found in a variety of finishes.

Figaro Chain – This chain design consists of two or three small circular links followed by an elongated oval link, and is often crafted in Italy. It is a popular choice for men because it can be personalised with crosses, medallions or other adornments.

Ball Chain – This is another common chain type that consists of small sheet metal balls, each identical in shape and size, connected together with short lengths of metal wire. It is typically used with modern charms, and is available in both ‘dot’ and ‘dot dash’ varieties.

Rondelles – These spacer beads are commonly used in bracelets and necklaces. They are round or cylindrical in shape, and are sometimes set with gemstones. They can be paired with primary beads or can stand alone as an accent piece on their own.

Chain ends are the final part of a necklace, which can be tied into an overhand knot or slip knot. Both of these methods are easy to do and are a great option for long necklaces.

Fastener

The fastener is the component that secures the parts of a necklace together. It is important to use the correct fastener for each design because it affects the look and function of your necklace as well as how securely it will stay on your neck.

Some of the more common types of fasteners include Necklaces bolts, screws, rivets and dowel pins. They are also classified by whether or not they are permanent or non-permanent.

Bolts are one of the most common fasteners because they can be easily shaped to fit a variety of different designs. They are typically made of metal, but they can be made from other materials as well.

Screws are another type of fastener that can be used in a variety of ways to affix two or more pieces of jewelry. They can be made from metal, plastic or a combination of the two. They are often threaded on the end, but can be drilled or tapped.

Slotted pins are another type of fastener that is popular in jewelry making because they can flex to fit into small holes then open back up to their relaxed diameter. This helps them stay in place and prevents them from moving around.

Some of the most popular types of clasps for necklaces include box and toggle clasps. The box clasp is wider than the toggle and works better for thick necklaces like Cuban link chains.

These clasps also have side safety clasps that click into place and give added security to the fastener. They can be a little more expensive than other types of clasps but they are more durable and can help keep your necklace from tangling when you wear multiple pieces of jewelry.

Magnetic clasps are also becoming increasingly popular because they are much easier to use than traditional fasteners. The clasps contain a magnet on both ends that snap together when placed near each other to close your chain.

This clasp is great for people with dexterity issues because it is easy to use and requires no special tools. It also makes it easy to change out your necklaces without losing any of your favorite pieces!

Embellishment

There are a variety of ways to embellish clothing and jewelry. Embroidery, applique and beadwork are all examples of fabric manipulation techniques that can add texture, color, pattern and design to a garment or piece of jewelry.

When choosing an embellishment for a piece of jewelry, you need to consider the style of the jewelry and the fabric that it is made of. Embellished jewelry can be a great way to add glamour and bling to any outfit.

For example, if you are wearing a necklace with pearls and gemstones, it is a great way to bring more color and shine to your outfit. You can also use rhinestones and crystals to add even more sparkle to your jewelry.

Another great option for adding a touch of sparkle to your jewelry is a silver or gold necklace. This type of jewelry is very durable and can last for a long time.

In addition to using beads and other embellishments, you can also add trim and piping. These are decorative details that can be sewn or glued to the bottom of a piece of jewelry.

To keep a necklace looking its best, make sure that it is clean and free of dirt and debris. Wash your embellished jewelry in warm water and a detergent that is safe for the materials it is made of.

You should not wring or stretch an embellished garment during the washing process because it could loosen the fine threads used to attach the beading. You should also avoid tumbling the jewelry in hot water because it could shrink the fabric or soften the adhesives that hold the beads in place.

If you don’t have a washer or dryer, you can soak your embellished jewelry in a tub of sudsy water for several minutes to gently remove light soiling. This method is especially good for beads that are very delicate or have a shiny finish.

Finally, be sure to store your jewelry in a dry place so that it doesn’t Necklaces get damaged from moisture or mildew. This will help to protect your jewelry from tarnish and keep it looking its best for a long time.

Pendant

Pendants are small ornaments or symbols that hang from necklaces, anklets, earrings, and bracelets. They can be made from precious metals or non-precious materials, such as glass beads or gemstones.

Pendants come in a variety of styles. Some are simple and have a single bail, while others are more ornate. Most pendants have a hook and eye clasp, although some are soldered to the chain.

There are a number of different types of pendants, including peg bails, tube bails, clip-on bails, and hidden bails. The most common type is a tube bail, which allows the chain to feed through the top of the pendant. Other options include bails that are attached to the bottom of the pendant, or ones that are glued into holes in inexpensive gemstones.

A pendant can be a simple, decorative piece or an elaborately embellished one that shows off a precious gem. It can also be a symbol of faith or love, or even a special memory.

Depending on your personal taste and style, pendants can help you stand out from the crowd. You can choose to wear them on an everyday basis, or use them to accent a more formal outfit.

It is important to select a pendant that is the right size for your neckline. A longer pendant, one that hits below the collar bone, is flattering to people of average or tall heights.

You can also consider whether a necklace will work well with other items in your wardrobe. For example, if you are wearing a dress that is shaped like a V-neckline, a shorter, angular pendant will work better.

If you are wearing a dress that is more fitted, a smaller, round pendant will look best. You can even try a few different pendants before you make a final decision on the right piece for you.

When selecting a pendant, make sure to match the color and type of metal. Mixing metals can create an unattractive effect, and may be a sign of poor craftsmanship.

Pendants can be an uplifting and positive addition to your jewelry collection. They are an ideal way to show off a beautiful piece of jewelry, and they can also be a great gift for someone you care about.