Nancy Soriano's newest book, "The Jewelry Recipe", breaks down super-chic accessories into easy-to-digest instructions. Here she shares her recipe for making this one-of-a-kind enamel necklace.
Vintage Pins Recipe 2: Enamel Bouquet Necklace
Materials:
- 6 vintage enameled flower pins (silver-dollar size or larger)
- 18-inch heavy-weight textured chain in an antique brass finish
- 1 large lobster clasp in an antique brass finish
- 2 large jump rings in an antique brass finish
- 6 clear plastic earring backs (optional)
Tools:
- Camera (optional)
- Round-nose and flat-nose pliers
Directions:
- Lay out the pins and organize a design. If desired, photograph the design as a reference.
- Attach the center pin first. Open the pin back, find the middle of the chain, and insert the pin through a link of chain. Attach the pin to the chain with the point of the pin going up. This will help prevent you from getting pricked by the tip. Close the pin to attach. (See page 12 for instructions on how to dull the end.) If you wish, use earring backs to cover the tips.
- Continue attaching the pins to the chain in the order chosen, building from the center of the design out. You may need to pin and unpin the flowers a few times as you figure out the best spacing.
- Securely attach the lobster clasp to one end of the chain using a jump ring (see page 13). Attach a jump ring to the other end of the chain to complete the clasping mechanism for this piece.
Notes:
Small plastic or metal earring backs can be used on the tips of the pin spokes for additional protection.
Having the edges of the flowers overlap one another not only looks pleasing but also helps to lock in the positioning of each flower, as they hold one another in place. Start with a larger pin as a focal point in the center and work out from there.
Available at Amazon.
Excerpted from "The Jewelry Recipe Book" by Nancy Soriano (Artisan Books). Copyright © 2015. Images by James Ransom
