This week I created an onyx and black glass choker. A client requested a choker that was black, shiny and had different types of beads with a large centerpiece. I love it when someone orders jewelry and suggests something vague enough to give me artistic license.
I bought some onyx shards, a faceted glass centerpiece and various size black glass beads. This is the first time that I used coated wire. Had to do so because everything needed to be black. I spent around 4 hours putting it together and then realized that the onyx made it very heavy. I also realized that the blackened chain that I had purchased was still too silvery as compared to the black of the choker. So, I used the black coated wire to create "chain" and interspersed beads between the knots. Also had to reposition the securing "chain" to the top of the choker so that it would sit straight up on the wearer's throat. See detail of "chain" in picture below.
It took me around 5 hours from beginning to end to make the choker. I learned the following: (1) Onyx is heavy :-) (2) to compensate for its heaviness, I had to secure the choker from the top and not from the sides as I had it originally (3) coated wire nicks easily and exposes the metal that is underneath if you are not careful!
All in all, I have to say that I am pleased with the wrapped wire technique. It was a great experience in learning that chokers should not be too heavy if they are to sit pretty on the wearer's neck...
