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I was leafing through a fashion magazine, and noticing the trend of stars and models wearing 3 or more necklaces, somewhat coordinated. "That's pretty cool," I thought, "But why not just make it as one necklace?" Of course, you and I have an advantage over the average movie star, we can actually design and make our own jewelry without having to call in a team of people! This particular necklace requires a bare minimum of supplies and tools.

As this is also a very trendy look, this could also be a cool project to do with your kids or grandkids on a holiday weekend.

For this delicate and easy necklace, you will need:

Supplies

• 3 x 24 inches of beading thread (i.e. Nymo) or Beadalon --something that is soft and supple and that you can knot.)
• 1 focal drop bead with a horizontal hole, i.e. pear drop or briolette (for the example, I used a simulated citrine, faceted pear drop.)
• Coordinated seedbeads (in this sample, Rosy Gold Iris Charlottes (faceted size 13/0s)) You could use anything up to a size 10/0 to get a similar look. (The higher the number, the smaller the bead, Size 10/0s and 11/0s are very similar, 13/0s are smaller, 15/0s seem very small until you are used to them.)
• Clasp
• 2 x split rings or soldered jumprings

Thread your focal drop bead to the center of one of the strands. Add your seedbeads on either side to the correct length. I made this necklace to have the longest strand as 18 inches, as I find this is a very popular and flattering length. Don't forget to allow for the length of the clasp as part of the over-all length.

You may have purchased your seedbeads "temporarily strung." Seedbeads are often sold in "hanks," strung on iffy-quality thread. The easiest way to use them is to transfer them directly from the thread they come on to your good beading thread. Do this by sliding your needle into the beads while they are still strung, and then off onto your own thread.

If your beads are very small, sometimes you may have trouble pulling the needle through with the thread in place. A handy pair of smooth, flat pliers can help you get a better grip to pull the needle through better.

Attach your split rings to the clasp, either by opening any jumprings that are attached to the clasp, or by opening the split ring.

If you need to open the split ring, you can use the very specialized split ring pliers.

Remember to open the jumprings by twisting to the side, instead of pulling straight open

Or, as split rings for jewelry are usually quite fine (thin), you can usually just use your second finger and thumbnail.

If you have beautifully manicured nails, you may want to slip something into the split ring instead, such as nail file, and twist it a little to open it! To just open it enough to get the clasp attached, and slide it onto the clasp or jumpring.

So, once you have the correct length strung, you are going to knot the beaded thread onto the split ring. Use a surgeon's knot for a nice, secure knot.

Attach the strand to the other side as well.

Tie on your third thread, and make this a little shorter still. Don't make it too short, as you do not want to make a choker.

Finish off by threading the loose end of threads down through a few beads for a tidy finish. A drop of glue or clear nail varnish on the knot will help keep it secure.

And there you have it, a light, airy look that can go from day to night and can be made in lots of colors to go with any outfit!