A Brooch to Necklace Story…

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. 

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.
 

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!

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.