How to Make a Real Looking Egyptian Necklace
In ancient Egypt, royalty wore necklaces called broad collars. Each necklace was thick with several layers of gold and inlaid with gemstones from the area or imported from nearby countries. Excavation digs have found broad collars made with turquoise, lapis lazuli and carnelian surrounded by gold. Recreate traditional Egyptian broad collars — using gemstone and gold beads — but make the necklace smaller so it is not as heavy.
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Things You'll Need
- Craft thread
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Clasp
- Beading needle
- Gold rondelles
- Paper clips
- 2 gold spacer bars, 4-holed
- Lapis lazuli beads
- Carnelian beads
- Turquoise beads
- Craft glue
Instructions
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1
Cut two lengths of craft thread so they are each 40 inches long. Slip one length of the thread through the loop of one half of the clasp. Fold the thread in half with the clasp at the middle, so that you have two equal lengths. Repeat with the second length of thread, so that you have four equal lengths dangling from the clasp.
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2
Separate the thread into two groups of two strands and tie a knot as tight to the clasp loop as possible, using both groups of thread. This helps to hold the thread at the center while you bead.
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3
Thread two of the lengths of thread on the beading needle. String gold rondelles onto the string, passing both lengths through the rondelle. Continue to string rondelles until the beads reach 5 inches in length. Slip a paper clip over the thread just below the last rondelle. The paper clip keeps the beads from falling off.
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4
Repeat Step 3 with the other two lengths and more gold rondelles. Stop when the beads reach 5 inches in length.
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5
Remove the paper clip from the strings. Lay the strings out so they are parallel to each other and do not cross over each other. Slip the top string through the top loop of one gold spacer bead. The next string goes through the second loop, the third goes through the third loop and the last string goes through the bottom loop. Push the spacer bar as close to the beads as possible.
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6
Paper clip the bottom three strings, leaving the first string free. Thread the string on the needle and string lapis lazuli beads until you reach 8 inches from the spacer bead. Remove the needle and place a paper clip just behind the last bead.
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7
Remove the second string from the paper clip, but leave the other two strings on it. Thread the second string on the needle and string carnelian beads until you reach 8 inches from the spacer bar. Slip the string on the same paper clip as the lapis lazuli.
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8
Repeat with the next two strings. String turquoise beads on the third string and gold rondelles on the fourth string.
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9
Repeat Step 5 with the second spacer bar.
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10
Thread the first two strings on the needle and string rondelles until you reach 5 inches from the spacer bar. Place a paper clip at the end. Repeat with the other two strings.
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11
Slip two of the strings through the loop of the other half of the clasp. Tie a knot with the strings, but slip the end through the loop of the knot twice before tightening the knot. Repeat with the other two strings. Cut off any remaining string and place a dab of craft glue on each knot. The glue helps to keep the knots tied.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure to use a strong craft string that can support the weight of the necklace. Use craft wire, if desired, but make sure it is thin enough to fit two strings through the rondelles.
The size of the rondelles and beads depends on personal preference. Beads sized 3 mm to 6 mm will make a small necklace that is not heavy. Larger beads create a more traditional looking broad collar but will make the necklace heavier. The larger the bead, the higher the price and the fewer beads you get.
Gemstone beads come in several shapes, such as round, square or chips. Use any shape but make sure that all the beads are uniform in size and shape. Do not mix round and square beads or the design of the necklace will not work.
References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
