Make a Statement

Wrap oval rings with bright thread and silver wire to create Claire Nigeon's stunning necklace

Claire Nigeon, MJ Designer

Try experimenting with different wrapping formations. You could also build up layers of coloured threads for an interesting look

Download the templates for this project here.

Necklace

1. Cut 80cm of 0.6mm wire and wrap one end at the top of a 45mm x 28mm ring. Wind the wire all the way around, leaving 1mm between each twist. When you arrive back at the top, ensure there are an even number of gaps (about 80) all the way around. If not, add in another twist then trim the wire and secure.
2. Working from a spool of navy thread, knot the end at the top. Wrap the thread in between the gaps around the ring, working from gap 1 to 40, then 40 to 2 and so on (Fig.1). Repeat so that there are two layers of thread. When you reach gap one again, tie off the thread and cut neatly. Repeat, wrapping the ring with turquoise thread just once (Fig.2) from top to bottom (not all the way round).
3. Flatten a bead cap and sew it onto the threads with navy thread. Stitch a 6mm turquoise bicone in the centre and silver seeds in the filigree gaps. Stitch a 6mm turquoise bicone underneath and a 4mm silver bead either side. Sew three seeds either side of the turquoise bicone, plus a clear 6mm bicone beneath.
4. Make up two 35mm x 20mm blue and turquoise rings in the same way as before, but use 70cm of 0.6mm wire and create 68 gaps around the edge. Wrap navy thread all the way around and follow Fig.3 for the turquoise thread. Stitch a bead cap within the ring, with a 4mm turquoise bicone in the centre and another underneath. Make up two more 35mm x 20mm rings, but wrap with 0.2mm silver wire instead of thread, then repeat for a 45mm x 28mm ring.
5. Sew a bead cap within the large silver ring with 0.2mm wire. Add a 6mm turquoise bicone in the centre, and a 6mm clear bicone underneath with two 4mm silver beads either side. On both sides of the ring, sew a 6mm turquoise bicone, a 6mm clear bicone and another 6mm turquoise bicone. Randomly stitch seed beads to complete. Lay out the bottom five rings as shown and stitch together with 0.2mm wire. Sew the large silver ring in the middle on top. Add a 6mm clear bicone between each of the five lower rings. Attach an 8mm jump ring to either side of the necklace.
6. Cut 8cm of 0.8mm wire and loop one end. Thread on seven silver fluted beads, cut so 1cm remains and loop the other end. Bend the wire slightly so that it arches and attach either side to the 8mm jump rings. Add a 5mm jump ring to each loop and secure 20cm of silver trace chain at either side. Attach a 5mm jump ring to both ends and a trigger clasp.