A Brooch to Necklace Story…

Brooch to necklace 2 (Small) 

Once upon a time, the same lovely lady that asked me to make the charm bracelet in the last post had the idea to take old brooches of her mother's and make necklaces for her four daughters for Christmas gifts.  Can I tell you how much I love a challenge like this!?  She invited me over and I was so lucky to have the opportunity to search through her collection of whimsies and wearables to pick my focal pieces.  Three jewelry boxes later…this is the first subject-a beautiful brooch from carved jade and brass. 

Brooch to necklace 1 (Small)

The challenge was how to keep it a brooch, but stay strong as a pendant–so worried it would come un-latched!  I used a heavy jump ring to connect it to the brass chain at the top.  Then, in order to keep it securely latched, I used a rubber earring back that was snug against the catch.
 
Brooch to necklace 3 (Small)

Brass chain by Vintaj which matched the brass on the brooch perfectly, a few Czech glass beads, Swarovski crystals and some faceted pieces of jade left over from a project in my book (and don't you just love it when you can use the beads that you only have 3 of?!?) Voila!

Brooch to necklace 4 (Small)

All of my pieces have a clasp embellishment.  I think it's a fun little unexpected surprise….especially if you are standing in line behind me with my short hair—gives you something to look at, right?!?

The End.  
 
 

Comments

  1. So pretty! This inspires me to take some of my gran’s brooches and see what I can do. I have a lovely watch that was formerly a necklace I think I could do something with…

  2. Hi Candie ~ This is my first visit to your blog. I’m here because I just posted a review of your book, Metalworking 101 for Beaders, on my blog.
    http://beadlust.blogspot.com/2010/05/metal-beads-great-combo-giveaway.html
    Thanks so much for writing the book we all need! I gave it Five Stars ++++
    Robin Atkins

  3. This is kind of an old school piece but I like it! Thanks for sharing this to us!

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