what would you do with this blue topaz?

[peachfront]

I bought these Blue Topaz beads, assume they're treated but they were inexpensive and a nice color for my skin tones. The wire and spring rings are 14 kt gold-filled. Obviously, this is only part of a project. How would you finish it? I'm scratching my head.

I was thinking maybe making some gold seed beadish "danglers" to hang off the pendant-y part of the necklace. But how about the rest of the piece? What would you guys do?

I can't remember when I set the project aside, probably before Katrina, maybe before 911, because I have completely forgotten buying it or doing anything with it, other than a vague memory of I saw an expensive necklace like it that I was trying to copy. But I only remember the Blue Topaz tumbled oversize bead stones in the other piece, and that it was linked with wire links...in other words, I only remember what's right in front of me!

I envision wearing this myself, over a turtleneck sweater perchance, so it's OK that it's heavy and will also probably be a bit long, not choker-ish.

Any suggestions or criticisms welcome.

[tanyafrench]

Those stones are beautiful. I think I would prefer a Gold Pendant on the end. Course with the right color of seed beads you could do some bangles but could you find some smaller blue topaz to work in with the seed beads. Again to finish the top I would use a simple gold chain to attach your topaz drop to. I think it is beautiful. This is just my 2 cents, but I love your starting point on this. Can't wait to see what you do to finish it.

Tanya

[peachfront]

I have a 14kt gold lariat that I could place on the drop.

Don't think I have any 14 kt gold-filled chain strong enough to make the chain. Hmmm.

[drocknut]

I would take the bottom bead off the drop and use a headpin instead of loops, basically make that the end of the drop part of the necklace. Does that make sense? Since the focus is on the topaz, I'd shy away from too much added to it although breaking it up with gold filled balls or something in between the topaz beads might be good. Could you use gold-filled jump rings to form the top part of the chain? Or you could make a chain with gold filled beads and wire. I don't know that I'd use the lariat on it, but that's just my opinion. Looking forward to seeing what you do with this one.

[colliel82]

I can't tell how large the beads are, but if they are large enough I would remove the bottom bead and change it into a tassel using the gold seed beads as the 'dangle' part of the tassel with between 4-8 dangles. Then just use an appropriate size and length of chain to finish it as a necklace.

www.beadalon.com/bbj-602.asp

[tanyafrench]

That's a great idea Colliel82, but if you do that I would mix in some seed beads with the same blue color as the topaz, not many just about 1/4 of the beads randomly. That would look awesome.

Tanya

[TByrd]

If you are going to add beads at the bottom, you could make another strand of them and wrap it loosely around the upper portion of you necklace. Then finish it off with chain. Or you could take apart what you have and add another link between each nugget, either in just gold or in a complimentary color and finish with a chain tassel or a beaded tassel. It really depends if you want it to casual or formal, right now it looks like it is more casual or business casual then formal. I know that I would either add a crystal, to get the attention, or a lighter color, so that the Topaz stands out.

Hope that you can glean something out of this.

Good Luck, Tammy

[peachfront]

I really appreciate all of these thoughts and insights. It looks like my "glamour" days are done, so I am thinking now that I need a more casual/business casual look rather than a formal look. Especially since I am thinking of selling my "formal" clothes anyway. Still pondering this one...

[heatherrestes]

I love making jewelries with gemstone beads. I loved above and would love to make beautiful bracelet. I've gotten some beautiful blue topaz beads from here: www.houseofgems.com/blue-topaz-beads.aspx and would love to have more and share with you my necklaces and bracelets.

[gr]

As usual I'm late to the dance Lol
My two cents is this - I would use 2-3mm curb chain to finish to the clasp and use a dangler (lack of proper termonology) with a small piece of topaz on the end of it.
Then, I would use fine gold filled chain at 1 1/2" to 2'' as a tassel type finish at the bottom of the last stone.
Being an older thread, did you do anything with it yet ?

[peachfront]

No, I am very slow and somewhat timid to work on items, for fear of screwing them up. I visualized something like what you have described but I have not actually dared to do it. I have the fine 14 kt gold chain (and some 14 kt GF as well) and I have a 14 kt gold tassel. I am just afraid of putting it altogether and destroying the delicate gold with my clumsy fingers. An alternative plan is to earn some side money doing something else and get my local jeweler to do it...I used to have an item made every year but that's when I was working full time. So...I still have the "ingredients" but I just haven't cooked the stew. The wire in the beads as it stands is 14 kt GF but not soldered and I am just not confident of the entire project.

[gr]

Mary, what would it take to boost your confidience?
Then do that!
A thought. - get yourself some cheap material similiar to what you have there and practice with that to strengthen you confidience and then attack the nice one with your new knowledge. Good luck; you can do it!..........gary

[jason12x12]

i think i would take them off and add facets too them not cut them completely just flat lap em a little and redoo it in copper..'

[peachfront]

I might take your suggestion, Gary. I think if I do a less expensive project first, I won't be so worried of tackling the more expensive project.

Jason, I'm not a fan of copper with this stone, but you never know, since I'm still pondering!