Crystal Bead & Chain Lariat

Many of the Lariat style necklaces I’ve seen in the magazines are simple chains with a bead dangling from each end. The look is simple yet sleek and inspired my Crystal Bead & Chain Lariat design. Though I’ve created mine using gun metal chain and accented it with gold tone findings and crystals, you could make this using any type of chain and any number of beads to create a similar look.

You’ll need:

36 inches of chain
3 8mm clear Czech crystal beads
2 6mm frosted glass beads
2 11x5.5 Czech crystal teardrop beads
7 head pins
wire cutters
round nosed pliers
flat/bent nosed pliers
ruler

1. Cut the ends off of 5 of your eye pins, and use round nosed pliers to make a loop or curl on one end. Do not close the loop all the way yet.

2. Slip a crystal bead onto one of the pins, bend the pin over, and curl then curl the end (again not closing it).

3. Repeat step 2 for all the 8mm Czech crystal and frosted glass beads, and then set these aside.

4. Take one of your head pins that you haven’t cut the ends off of, and slip on one of the teardrop beads.

5. Bend and curl the ends of the head pin using round nosed pliers without closing the loop all the way.

6. Repeat steps 4 & 5 for your other teardrop bead, and again set these aside.

7. Now cut 6 pieces of chain 6 inches long each.

8. Add one of the teardrops onto the end of one of the pieces of chain, and use flat nosed pliers to close the loop.

9. At the other end of the chain, add one of the Czech crystals, and use flat nosed pliers to close the loop.

10. Add another piece of chain to the other end of the crystal bead, again closing the loop.

11. Continue this process of chain, bead, chain bead so that you alternate the crystal and frosted beads. Eventually, the order will be teardrop, Czech crystal, frosted, Czech crystal, frosted, Czech crystal, and teardrop.

Here is the Lariat pictured untied and tied. I like the contrast between the gold-tone and gun metal. I think it gives this an antique look.

All graphics created by Tammy Powley.