Here is a slight twist on the traditional rosary. Instead of wire looped links it is all strung on Soft Flex jewelry wire. Simple to make, but precise in design, so follow the count on the instructions closely.
Step one: Begin with a sterling silver Virgin Mary rosary center. On one of the top loops, attach a 22 inch piece of Soft Flex jewelry wire with a 2x2mm sterling silver crimp tube. For detailed instructions on how to use a crimp tube, please visit the Handy Tips section of the Learning Center.
Step two: Start with a 3.5mm sterling silver spacer disc and alternate with 6mm Swarovski faceted round aqua beads. Continue this pattern until you have 10 rounds, finish with a silver spacer disc.
Step three: Add a 4mm sterling silver seamless round bead, and another 3.5mm spacer. Repeat two more times, then add an 8mm Swarovski round pearl in light blue. Follow that with the pattern of four spacers alternating with three round silver beads.
Step four: Repeat steps two and three, three more times. End with a one more pattern of the Swarovski rounds. You should have five sets of the Swarovski rounds and four pearls. Attach the end of the wire to the other top loop of the rosary center with a crimp tube and cover with a crimp cover.
TIP: do not string the beads too tight. Rosaries are often carried in the purse, pocket or wrapped around one’s hand. It is important to make sure they are flexible and secure.
Step five: Cut another length of Soft Flex about 6 inches long. Attach it to a sterling silver open jump ring using a 2x2mm crimp tube and cover with a sterling crimp cover. Attach that ring to the bottom loop of the rosary center. String a 3.5mm sterling silver spacer disc followed by a 4mm silver round and another spacer disc. Follow that with an 8mm Swarovski light blue pearl and a 4mm silver round bead. Add three 6mm Swarovski aqua rounds separated by 3.5mm sterling silver spacer discs. Follow with a spacer, silver round, spacer, then add an 8mm pearl. Finish with a spacer, silver round and a spacer. Attach the end of the wire to a sterling silver open jump ring and attach that ring to a cross pendant with a 2x2mm crimp tube. Cover the tube.
A bit of work for a wonderful, thoughtful gift. Remember, rosaries should be blessed by a priest, so if you are giving it as a gift, it is thoughtful to take care of this step for the recipient.
Approximate cost: Under $50.00 Approximate length: 19 inches around with 4 inch dangle
List of components:
8mm Swarovski pearl light blue (5810-BLULT8, qty 6)
6mm Swarovski faceted round aqua (5000-AQUA6, qty 53)
4mm sterling silver seamless round bead (SS-RND4, qty 28)
3.5mm sterling silver spacer disc (SS-DISC, qty 90)
Antique Pewter Crucifix (PW-CH0312, qty 1)
Virgin Mary rosary center (CHARM516, qty 1)
Sterling silver open jump ring (SS-OJR30-B, qty 2)
2x2mm sterling silver crimp tube (SS-CRM2, qty 4)
Sterling silver crimp cover (SS-CCOV01, qty 4)
Soft Flex jewelry wire (SF19-30CL)
Alternative components: Try using night blue Swarovski pearls with Montana rounds or bright gold pearls with light Colorado topaz rounds.
