Naomi knows: Combining color with different metalsUse chain to design three necklaces with one color of beads
by Naomi Fujimoto
Published: September 9, 2011 This month, I'm sharing a few tips on how different metal finishes can completely change your jewelry design.
In honor of the Green Bay Packers' win last night over the Saints, I started with three strands of green beads — the same stone in different shapes. The Afghan jade beads aren't forest green like the Packers, but I loved the fresh color and thought it would work no matter what the season.
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1. Try an earthy necklace with coppery colors.
Yum: That's what I think of when I see the jade beads next to the buttery tones of this copper chain. The 16 mm rounds remind me of mint malted milk balls.
If you're more about nature and less about candy, maybe the colors will remind you of the changing shades of autumn leaves. Also, when the copper takes on a patina, it will still look gorgeous paired with the green.
To unify the design you could also add bicone crystals in crystal copper to match the chain.
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2. Mix green with gunmetal for an industrial look.
The 20 mm faceted jade beads have hints of grey that make them a great pairing with gunmetal chain and findings. Including crystals in black diamond would bring all of the elements together. (You could also use silver chain and flowers, but I liked how the gunmetal adds richness to the jade.)
One other option: To make a necklace that's perfect for spring or summer, try white chain with white alabaster bicones.
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3. Mix green with bright gold chain for a summery look.
Okay, so summer's just about over, but cheerful jewelry never goes out of style.
For a more dainty necklace, embellish puffed coin beads with fine-gauge gold rolo chain.
Try crystals in sunflower for a sunshine-y necklace, or use light Colorado topaz if you want the crystals and chain to match.
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For more tips and designs on working with metals, check out our November issue (on newsstands October 4).
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