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This collar is created by stringing a group of four beads strung off-center of each row along five layers. The last layer increases in bead size and gives it a bold finish. This innovative technique of netting combined with right-angle weave are the stitches used in this piece. The strands across each quartet set are small seed beads to give it a delicate style.
A bezel is created using circular chevron chain and flower petals are stitched from it using chevron chain. A deep set stone is secured with peyote and a stamen embellishes the center using chevron chain and 2mm Swarovski crystals. The crystals in this piece give it an extra dose of glamour.
Small bezeled stars arrayed on a fine beaded chain create a long luxurious necklace with lots of movement that is suggestive of the long svelte necklaces of the 1920s.
Right angle weave, herringbone, chevron chain and peyote stitches come together in this classic bracelet. It is easy to size for any wrist and has an easy to stitch lasso clasp using peyote. Due to a smart use of herringbone stitch, the sparkly bezels—suggestive of the traditional diamond setting for an engagement ring—sit high above the openwork band.
Go for Baroque is a modern rendition of a pendant necklace mimicking the extravagantly ornamental Baroque period in Italy in the 1700’s. The two bezels in this piece are Melanie’s innovative use of the classic chevron chain netting. Creating the two sizes of bezels is relatively quick because there is so much open work. It is a very sensible piece because it is enjoyable to bead and hangs comfortably, although ornately. There is bale on the backside of the pendant stitched in odd-count peyote stitch. This is a great piece to learn how to stitch two bezels that are quick and very forgiving in fitting in the stone.
Byzantine Jewels was inspired by the ancient jewelry made during the time of the Byzantine Empire. Through symmetry, harmony and brilliance of materials and colors, this era of art had splendid expressions reaching incomparable heights of beauty. It is a great era to study for inspiration on jewelry design and I love owning books I can read through at any time to get inspired from this era.
