(Components list at bottom of page)

by: Dwyn Tomlinson

This vintage/Czech inspired necklace features Vintage Swarovski Rhinestones and Vintaj components and findings.

These vintage stones are stunning - but can be a challenge to figure out what to do with, especially if you are not into making an elaborate seedbead bezel, a la Marg. For those of us who prefer to finish their project the day they start it, here is a nifty way to mount and use large stones. The technique is sometimes referred to as "caging" - as the idea is to bend an existing component into a "cage" to trap and securely hold the stone.

The cage holding the stone is then, in this case, wired onto another filigree piece, which is then attached with jumprings to the other components. You can use jumprings, or in this case, as the links in the chain are not soldered, you can just open a chain link and attach that way.

For the crystals on wire components - I actually used long headpins, with the end cut off - as the wire I had on hand was rather lighter than I wanted to use.

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Flip the caged stone over, and thread 2 short pieces of wire through a convenient loop and back. Now flip the caged stone back over, positioning it on the filigree backing, and thread the wire through whatever holes come up as convenient. Then cross the wires, and bring back through the holes again, back to the top. Twist the ends together close to the base, and wind the ends around close to the stone, trimming off the excess and tucking them in nice and tight and out of the way, into the crevice between the stone and the backing filigree.

The stone moves a little inside the cage. If you want it to be completely motionless - a dab of e6000 will stop it from moving. Try not to have too much glue squish out through the filigree - as it looks messy. (Which is why I elected to leave it off this project.) 

Components Clicking on components links will open a new window so that you don't lose this page.
		s21566 Chain - Small Etched Cable Chain - Natural Brass (1 foot) (about 14.5 inches)	Price: $ 7.32 per	In Stock
	Qty: 1	s14791 Hook and Eye Clasp - Swirl and Loop - Vintaj - Natural Brass	Price: $ 3.60 per	In Stock
		s14868 Jump Rings Open - 5.25mm - Natural Brass (20)	Price: $ 4.00 per	Sorry - this item is unavailable.
		s29477 ParaWire - 26ga Round Wire - Vintage Bronze (Spool) (4 pieces, about 2 inches each.)	Price: $ 5.50 per	In Stock
	Qty: 10	27753012415243 Swarovski Bead - 8mm Faceted Bicone (5301/5328) - Capri Blue	Price: $ 0.66 per	Sorry - this item is unavailable.
	Qty: 2	s18836 Swarovski Vintage Rhinestones - 18mm Rivoli Square (Article 4650) - Capri Blue	Price: $ 8.75 per	Sorry - this item is unavailable.
	Qty: 2	s14849 Vintaj - Deco Diamond Filigree/Wrap - Natural Brass	Price: $ 8.65 per	Sorry - this item is unavailable.
	Qty: 2	s14856 Vintaj - Diamond Swirl Filigree/Wrap - Natural Brass (This is the component that holds the stone in place.)	Price: $ 7.20 per	Sorry - this item is unavailable.
		s21574 Vintaj - 3in Headpin - Natural Brass (12)	Price: $ 4.27 per	Sorry - this item is unavailable.