Five Strand Bridal Choker Instructions Designed by Cynthia Kimura
Choker necklaces can be tricky, especially when working with natural materials like pearls. We recommend you lay your pearls out and make sure you have good matches before you get started. All pearls vary in size a bit, so it is important to match the lengths of your strands as closely as possible. In this design we will not give you a count, just recommended lengths to follow. Another note: though you are welcome to change the clasp, there is a reason for the one we chose. The multi-strand end pieces will allow the choker to follow the line of the wearer's neck. If you use a less forgiving clasp (such as a tube clasp) it may not fit the neck correctly.
Step one: Cut 10 pieces of Soft Touch® jewelry wire to approximately 6 inches. Attach one to the sterling silver five strand link with plume design using a 2x2mm crimp tube. Cover the tube with a crimp cover. For detailed instructions on how to use a crimp tube, please visit the Handy Tips section of the Learning Center.
Step two: String approximately 4½ inches of 5.5-6mm white button pearls. Attach the other end of the wire to a silver antique pewter beaded 5-1 link with a crimp tube. Cover the tube with a sterling silver crimp cover.
Step three: Repeat with the other four strands. It is important that you are careful when attaching your wire so that you are not leaving too much wire exposed. Try to make them all very uniform. Repeat the process on the other side of the link. You should now have 5 strands completed on both sides of the center link.
Step four: On one end of the necklace, attach four sterling silver open jump rings. On the final jump ring attach a 13.1mm oval sterling trigger clasp.
Step five: On the other end of the necklace, use an oval jump ring to attach a 10½ inch length of chain. This chain is dual purpose; it serves as an extender to allow the choker to be worn by anyone. It also makes an elegant embellishment as it dangles down the back of the bride.
Step six: At the bottom of the chain attach three pearls by stringing them on 1 inch head pins and making simple loops. This classic and classy necklace will make any bride feel like a princess!
Approximate size: 11 inches with 11 inch extension
Tools Used: Nipper tool (TOOL-101) Crimper tool (TOOL-100) Ergonomic round nose pliers (TOOL-127) Chain nose pliers (TOOL-106) Soft Touch .019 medium 30ft (silver satin) (ST19-30CL)
List of Components: 5.5-6mm White Button Pearl (P-WHT6, qty 4 strands) Sterling silver five strand link with plume design (ISLX-0017, qty 1) Silver antique pewter beaded 5-1 link (SA-3056, qty 2) 13.1mm oval sterling silver trigger clasp (SS-CL16, qty 1) 060 round link chain (925CH42, qty 1 ft) 2x2mm sterling silver crimp tubes (SS-CRM2, qty 20) Sterling silver crimp cover (SS-CCOV01, qty 20) Sterling silver open jump ring (SS-OJR35-C, qty 5) 1-inch sterling silver 24 gauge head pin (SS-HP41, qty 3)
