How My Necklace Was Made: A Story Behind One of My Most Spectacular Creations
Today, I want to share the journey of creating one of my most intricate and stunning necklaces. This piece features a selection of beautiful natural stones, framed with delicate lace-like soutache patterns, and crowned with a zircon ribbon collar.
The inspiration for this necklace came from an unexpected source—the Pantone Colors of the Year 2016: Rose Quartz and Serenity. These pastel hues posed a significant challenge for me as an artist. My previous works were filled with vibrant, contrasting colors, and I had never worked with such soft tones before. This project pushed me out of my comfort zone, but the final result exceeded my expectations. Even though I rarely use pastels, this necklace holds a special place in my collection.
From Vision to Creation...
Here’s how this necklace came to life:
Planning and Preparation
I meticulously sorted through my collection of gemstones and crystals, eventually narrowing down the choices to a few that perfectly matched my vision.
First Steps – Stitching the Main Elements
Once the materials and sketch were ready, I began stitching the main elements. Each gemstone was carefully encased in soutache cords, following a planned pattern. Precision at this stage was crucial—mistakes like visible glue or uneven stitching could compromise the entire design.
Pro tip: I use jeweler’s glue to secure each stone onto a backing material like felt or leather. This ensures stability and durability for everyday wear.
Building the Framework
After completing the individual elements, I connected them to form the necklace's "skeleton." This structural framework provided the foundation for adding decorative lace-like patterns that filled the spaces between the stones. Stability, cohesion, and aesthetics were the top priorities throughout this stage.
Adding the Collar
The collar was the final touch, tying the entire composition together. I crafted it from a zircon ribbon wrapped in soutache cords and attached it securely to the necklace. The adjustable closure, made with loops and beads, added both functionality and elegance.
The Final Result
After countless hours of work, the necklace was finally complete. The soft pastel hues combined with intricate soutache patterns created a statement piece that is as romantic as it is bold.
Take a look at the final creation here:
What Do You Think?
Now it’s your turn!
• Do you like pastel tones in jewelry, or do you prefer more vibrant colors?
• Would you wear such a bold and theatrical necklace?
• What are your thoughts on blending traditional soutache techniques with modern designs?
Thank you so much for reading! I hope this article inspires you to embrace creative challenges and try something new.
Warm regards,
Kasia Voitak 🌸