Clearly Helena: Swarovski Neon - Wire Crochet Necklace and Earrings Set

Swarovski Neon - Wire Crochet Necklace & Earrings

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This Swarovski Neon Wire Crochet Jewelry Set almost took as long to edit and write up as it did to make it! As you can see, there is a preponderance of iimages to illustrate the making of this piece.

I was in a wire + crochet mood that night. And the Neon Crystals released by Swarovski in 2012 had been intriguing me for a very long time. So the time came to put them together.

It all started with the fascination with the very bright Swarovski Neon Crystal Pearls.

Swarovski Neon Crystal Pearls

This wire corchet set was created some time in June 2012 so you won't be surprise to hear that the details of how this was put together is not as clear as it was 6 months ago.

Some DIY Work Notes: WIRE CROCHET NECKLACE

draft drawing of dangles

Sorry about the rough images but it should still give you an idea of what I am talking about.

Dangles

29 x Swawrovski 4mm Pearls (Neon Orange)
28 x Swarovski 4mm XILION
29 x 4mm closed jump rings

Wire wrap loops for each to make dangles. Note that the pearls are made longer by attaching each to a closed jump ring. Use closed jump rings so that there is no change that the thread will come out of the rings during wear.

Wire Wrapped Swarovski Crystal & Pearl dangles

Pre-String on Required Beads Before Crocheting

Next thread on a number of crystal beads onto main work thread. (Mine is on a cone).

I used 4mm Swarovski 5328 XILION bicone crystals in the following colours:

4 x Jonquil
6 x Sunflower
5 x Topax

The placement and the quantity is random.

Crochet with Wire and Thread

Start crocheting with the following. Begin at the top of the front necklace piece. Cast on 17 stiches.

Crochet Hook: 1.75mm
Fine Wire (2.5mm)
Viscose yarn (from Germany)

Rough Notes on Crochet Rows

Tip

Pull the yarn tight after each bead otherwise the yarn will become slack from the combo crocheting with the wire.

I know this image is terribly hard to read so I will try my best to explain it.

Note: as you work this, crochet in the pre-strung beads randomly.

The image shows that there are 3 rows (work in single crochet [sc]).

Row 1 (top of center front piece of necklace) is worked over 17 stitches.

Row 2 has 34 stitches (sc twice into each previous stitch).

Row 3 - ad had row. Crochet in the dangles, starting with the longer pearl dangles and alternate with a bicone crystal dangle. The larger images in the thumbnail gallery will be more help as a guide.

close up of finished wire crochet necklace - underside

Cut off the fine wire after the front piece is completed. But do not cut off the yarn.

Necklace Cord

The necklace cord is crochet to double over.

Starting with where you finished the front piece, still using the working yarn, make a crochet cord long enough to fit nicely around the neck when doubled over.

Once you are happy with the length, finish off.

Join the end of the cord to the other side of the front piece.

Adjust the yarn when doubled over and mark off the center to match the center of the front piece.

Neatly and carefully sew the cord together, starting at the end where you want the loop (for the button clasp). Note that this is normally on the right hand side when worn (for most right handed people).

Leave enough space in the loop for the button you will use and then start sewing the cords together.

When you have sewn the cord into a double cord, attach your button to the end opposite the loop.

Here I have chosen to use a sparklySwarovski 3015 Rivoli Button 23mm to carry the brilliance of the sparkle to the very end!

Swarovski Neon - Wire Crochet Necklace & Earrings

Swarovski Neon - Wire Crochet Necklace

Some DIY Work Notes: WIRE CROCHET EARRINGS

The wire crochet earrings is made with the same "logic"; with some minor differences.

The crystal beads are make longer this time round (i.e. wire wrapped loops attached to closed jump rings) and the pearls do not have the additional jump rings.

Swarovski 4mm XILION bicone crystals:

3 x Jonquil
4 x Sunflower
2 x Topaz

for each side of the earring.

rough sketch - finished earrings

Sorry, this is the best I can do with this image at this late stage.

Finish off the earrings by sewing the 2 ends together. However, when you sew on the topping button (again, using the Swarovski Rivoli Sew-on Button), make sure that you put a closed jump ring (about 6mm) between the button and the earring base.

This jump ring is used later to attach to the ear wire.