Necklace Design Basics

Many of today’s costume necklaces reflect the wide variety of materials and styles available from a world market. The composition and craftsmanship of the designs can easily “make” an outfit by creating a focal point for the eye. Still, the most basic elements of a decorative necklace are what entice the eye and appeal to the wearer.

Wooden Bead Designs

Originally hand carved, these beads come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. Wooden designs are among the trendiest choices in materials, as they are “green.” This renewable material also comes in numerous shapes, sizes, and finishes. Likewise, costly wood such as mahogany and ebony are quite affordable in necklace form. Today’s wooden beads are crafted with laser precision and high tech finishes that make them beautiful as well as durable.

Shell Designs

Shell gives jewelry an exotic, yet casual look. Small cowries embedded into braided hemp or leather make necklaces relaxed, yet fashionable. Shells often are grouped into cascades for pendants or affixed using small loops as dangles. Oftentimes, this component comes from oceans and seas around the world, with particular areas specializing in certain types of shells.

Shell is also a valuable source material for other necklace components. Mother of pearl is carefully cut from mollusks; while abalone’s beautiful iridescent layer provides an ideal material for crafting a variety of shapes to give depth and dimension to necklaces. Coral makes for brilliant beading materials, and Puka shells from the Pacific look wonderful strung together.

Glass Bead Designs

Glass beads come from the world-over and their use dates back for centuries. Long strands of uniform, overlapping seed beads create a lush effect. Whether monochromatic or in a variety of colors, glass beads offer eye-catching results. Many artists today also opt for glass bead cascades in a variety of lengths and bead sizes for a fun and funky look.

Originally, glass beads were hand blown; although, many of today’s beads are manufactured for uniformity and accuracy. Italian Milliefiore beads make for colorful additions to today’s necklaces as well. Glass for this particular style of bead is folded to form ornate designs that add interest and catch the eye.

Metal Bead Designs

Metal beads date back centuries and were originally made from soft, pliable metals. Today, with the help of presses and molds, metal beads come in an array of sizes and styles. Because of the versatility of metal, it can be etched with designs by artisans, heat finished, acid washed, and brushed. Metal remains a favorite of jewelry craftsmen the world over.

Charms and pendants are most often metallic in origin and today's costume jewelry often utilizes such design elements as the focus or inspiration for the entire necklace. Soft metals and precious metals play an important role in the creation of charms and pendants.

Resin and Polymer Bead Designs

Today’s jewelry artists recognize the advantages of resin and polymer ornamentation on necklaces. The materials enable designers to utilize a wide variety of colors and textures while keeping designs light-weight and cost effective. Resin and polymer beads can be molded as well as carved, and often times, they mimic much more costly ornamentation at a fraction of the price.

Bone Bead Designs

Bone beads are made from animals such as sheep and cows. Sometimes these materials are bleached and dyed for interest and variety. Quality bone jewelry wears well and is long lasting. As a design material, craftsmen across the globe enjoy its ability to be carved into a variety of shapes. Bone is also a sustainable resource that gives an earthy quality to necklace designs.