How to Make Victorian Cameo Necklaces
During the Victorian era, cameos were a popular type of jewelry. Made of carved stone or shell, many Victorian cameos depicted maidens and flowers and were decidedly feminine accessories. They appeared on rings, bracelets and as pendants on necklaces. One of the most favored styles of necklace during the Victorian period was the choker---a strip of black ribbon or velvet worn snugly around the throat, although longer necklaces were also popular. Today, you can make a Victorian cameo adornment in the style of a choker or a longer necklace.
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Things You'll Need
- Black velvet ribbon
- Scissors
- Cameo pendant
- 2 fold-over crimp ends
- Pliers
- Necklace clasp
Instructions
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Wrap a piece of black velvet ribbon around your neck to determine the ideal length for your necklace. You may want a real Victorian-style choker that fits snugly around your throat, or a slightly longer Victorian necklace that rests near the collarbone.
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2
Cut the ribbon to the precise length you want your necklace to be using scissors. Remember that a clasp will add as much as an inch to your necklace.
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Slide the ribbon through the bail---or small ring---on top of a cameo pendant. Push the pendant along the ribbon so it hangs from the ribbon's center.
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Bend open the tiny metal clamps of a fold-over crimp end. Position the crimp end at one end of the velvet ribbon. Close the metal clamps securely over the end of the ribbon to hold it within the crimp end.
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Bend open the tiny metal clamps of a fold-over crimp end. Position the crimp end at the other end of the velvet ribbon. Close the metal clamps securely over the end of the ribbon to hold it within the crimp end.
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Open the small metal ring attached to one half of a jewelry clasp using pliers. Slip the closed metal ring of the crimp end onto the open metal ring of the jewelry clasp. Close the jewelry clasp's ring completely with pliers.
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Open the small metal ring attached to the other half of a jewelry clasp using pliers. Slip the closed metal ring of the other crimp end onto the open metal ring of the jewelry clasp. Close the jewelry clasp's ring completely with pliers. Use this process to create as many Victorian cameo necklaces as you desire.
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Tips & Warnings
Cameo pendants come in a variety of sizes, colors and styles. You may choose from a pink and white, a black and white or even a blue and white cameo. Choose the cameo pendant that most appeals to your taste.
You can find cameo pendants at bead stores, craft supply retailers, antique and thrift stores, flea markets and through online sellers.
Consider using plain black ribbon or black silk cord instead of black velvet ribbon to make your Victorian cameo necklace.
References
- Photo Credit Cameo image by Microdac from Fotolia.com
