How to Make Your Own English Tudor Jewelry

The women of the infamous Tudor family may be recognized just as much for their stylized and elaborate jewelry as for their scandalous exploits. The many wives of England's King Henry VIII are often depicted wearing highly costumed necklaces and earrings. Bone, mother of pearl and metal were used as the base, while jewels made of colorful glass completed the piece. Portraits of Anne Boleyn, King Henry's second wife, provide a visual example of the conventional type of jewelry worn by Tudor women, making it possible to recreate this piece today. Like Anne's "B," personalize with any letter you choose! - UKBead
Instructions
1. Cut silk thread to 30 inches. Tie a loose knot at the end of the thread and leave about 1/2-inch slack on the end. Thread the needle and pull about 5 inches of silk through the eye.
2. Slide gold crimping bead to the end of the thread so that it reaches the knot. Follow the crimping bead with one-half of the necklace clasp.
3. Thread the 100 pearl beads onto the silk string. Add the other half of the clasp and follow with the gold crimping bead on the end to complete the strand. Leave about 1/2-inch slack and cut excess thread.
4. Untie the knot at the end of the necklace. Run the excess thread around the crimping bead and through the second pearl. Pull the thread back through the first pearl, clasp and crimping bead. Secure the crimping bead around the silk thread with crimping pliers. Repeat on the opposite end of the necklace.
5. Cut 4 inches of beading wire. Wrap the beading wire around the silk strand in the center of necklace and the top of the metal letter. Circle the beading wire around the strand and preferred letter at least six times. Squeeze the beading wire with crimping pliers to secure it.
6. Cut 4 inches of beading wire. Slide the beading wire through the hole in the teardrop-shaped pearl. Leave only 4 cm slack on the end. Twist the wire around itself to hold the bead on the wire. Wrap the additional wire around the bottom of the letter and use the crimping pliers to secure. Cut any excess beading wire and repeat with the additional teardrop pearls.

View Shipping