I Told You I Couldn't Wait

I told you I couldn't wait to make the Murano bead I got last evening into a pendant.  It was one of the first things I thought about this morning.  I love getting up knowing I have a new project to tackle.  

This was one of my first attempts at making my own headpin.  None of the pre-made ones I own were long enough or strong enough to hold this beauty.  I twisted 21G square Sterling wire and heated the end until it made a ball.  Cleaning it without the "pickle" was a job, but the buffing wheel on my Dremmel worked just fine.   I wanted it twisted because it shows through the clear bead and adds a bit more sparkle.  As you know if you follow me I'm all for sparkle!

Just as I said yesterday, I just HAD to put Swarovski Crystals with this.  Sterling and Murano glass can't be mixed with just any old bead.  There are two 8mm Aurora Borealis Amethyst and two 6mm AB Jet.   I did have to use Silver plated beadcaps.  The style that would work doesn't come in Sterling, at least I've never found it yet.   The closest I've come are these that were advertised as "Sterling plated".  I think that is the same as Silver plated.  It just sounds better.  

The final touch was to hang the pendant on a velvet necklace.   I am so thrilled with how it turned out.  It's going to be hard to part with this one!