When it comes to gemstones, Labradorite is our absolute favorite! Each bead is unique with a fiery shimmer that gives it a mystical quality. Labradorites come in gorgeous neutrals from light grays and blues to deep navys and greens. No wonder we have trays and trays of this gorgeous gemstone!
This Labradorite Gemstone and Copper Beaded Necklace is a simple bead-stringing project. But the combination of Labradorites, copper crystals, and rhinestone spacers takes it to a whole new level. Follow the steps and the beading pattern below to make a matching necklace for yourself. Or slide on the same beads and spacers in a new pattern to create your own individual look. You can’t go wrong when Labradorites are the star of the show!
How To Make This Labradorite Gemstone And Copper Beaded Necklace
Materials
29 Faceted coin gemstones, green Labradorite, 6mmx3mm
32 Faceted round crystals, copper/clear, 3mm
32 Faceted crystal rondelles, green, 2mm
14 Rhinestone spacers, copper, 4mmx2mm
60 Delica seed beads, black, size 15/0
2 Crimp beads, copper
2 Crimp bead covers, copper
2 Wire guardians, copper
1 Lobster clasp with ring, copper
Bead stringing wire, 19-strand, copper
Bead Bug (optional) or Masking Tape
Tools
Chain-nose pliers
Wire cutters
Steps
1. Cut a 20” piece of bead stringing wire and place the Bead Bug at one end of the wire to keep your beads from sliding off. If you don’t have a Bead Bug, you can fold a piece of masking tape over one end of the wire.
2. Start by stringing 1 green rondelle onto the bead stringing wire. Then string the beads onto the wire following this pattern: 2 seed beads + green rondelle + copper crystal + Labradorite coin + copper crystal + green rondelle + 2 seed beads + Labradorite coin
3. Repeat to string 3 more clusters of beads onto the wire following the pattern above.
4. To create the center section of the necklace, string the beads and rhinestone spacers onto the wire in this pattern: 2 seed beads + green rondelle + copper crystal + rhinestone spacer + Labradorite coin + rhinestone spacer + copper crystal + green rondelle + 2 seed beads + Labradorite coin
5. Repeat to string 6 more clusters of beads with rhinestone spacers onto the wire following the pattern above.
6. For the last section of beads, repeat the pattern in step 2 three times. Then slide on: 2 seed beads + green rondelle + copper crystal + Labradorite coin + copper crystal + green rondelle + 2 seed beads + 1 green rondelle
7. Slide a crimp bead onto that end of the wire. Feed the wire up, around, and through a wire guardian. (This is a “U” shaped finding that protects bead-stringing wire from wear and tear.)
8. Slide the loop or jump ring at the bottom of the lobster clasp onto the wire and nestle it into the “U” of the wire guardian. Feed the end of the wire back through the crimp bead, then flatten the crimp onto the wire using the chain-nose pliers. Trim the excess wire.
9. To finish the other end, slide the beads down toward the lobster-clasp end of the necklace. Slide a crimp bead onto the wire. Feed the wire up, around, and through a wire guardian. Slide the copper jump ring into the “U” of the wire guardian. Then feed the wire back through the crimp bead and pull the wire to remove any slack. Flatten the crimp bead onto the wire and trim the end.
11. Add a professional touch by sliding a crimp cover over each flattened crimp bead, gently pressing the crimp covers closed with chain-nose pliers.
Aren’t those gemstones pretty with the copper spacers and crystals? Sometimes it’s the bead combination that does all the work! Have you made any jewelry featuring Labradorite beads? Let us know what you created. We’d love hear about it!
Happy Crafting,
Jennifer & Kitty
I am super excited to make this necklace. There are some techniques I will learn from creating it. Thank you for your tutorial. I will send you pictures when I complete it.
Regards,
Ellen ….crafting in the time of Covid ?