Creating A Wedding Cake Lampwork Necklace

Wedding cake lampwork necklaces are a beautiful and unique type of jewellery that can be made by hand. Lampwork glass beads are created by using a torch to melt glass and then shaping the pieces by hand with appropriate tools. The most popular material for these beads is borosilicate glass, also known as boro glass, which is a favourite among artisans.

To make a wedding cake lampwork necklace, you will need lampwork glass beads, jewellery findings (clasps, end pieces, jump rings, pins, etc.), charms or smaller beads, and a cord or chain for the necklace. The process involves measuring the cord to the desired length, usually around 19.5, and then using cord tips and jewellery pliers to connect the cord and clasps. Charms and beads can be added to pins, and then attached to the cord with jump rings. The beads can be arranged in any way the creator desires, and the pins are then wrapped into a loop with round needle-nose pliers. Finally, another jump ring and clasp are added to finish the necklace.

Choosing the right lampwork beads

Wedding cake lampwork beads are a type of lampwork bead made famous in Venice. They are made to look like little cakes with "icing" made from swirls, dots, flowers, and aventurine, which consists of metallic bits, usually copper, to give it sparkle.

When choosing lampwork beads for your wedding cake lampwork necklace, there are a few things to consider:

Colour

The first thing to consider is the colour of the beads. Wedding cake beads traditionally come in soft, romantic colours such as pink, blue, white, and green. You can choose beads in your favourite colour or colours that match your wedding theme. You can also opt for a multicoloured necklace with a mix of different-coloured beads.

Size

The size of the beads will also play a role in the overall look of your necklace. Wedding cake beads typically range from 6 to 14mm in size. Smaller beads will create a more delicate and subtle necklace, while larger beads will make a bolder statement. You can also mix and match different-sized beads to create a unique design.

Design

Wedding cake beads can feature various designs, from simple to intricate. They can be plain-coloured, clear, or opaque, or have more complex designs such as swirls, dots, or floral patterns. You can choose beads with a design that reflects your personal style or the theme of your wedding.

Finish

The finish of the beads can also vary. Some beads have a glossy finish, while others may have a matte or frosted finish. You can also find beads with gold or silver foil accents, adding a touch of elegance to your necklace.

Quality

When choosing lampwork beads, it's essential to consider their quality. Look for beads that are well-made and have a smooth surface. Beads that have been kiln-annealed are generally stronger and more resistant to breaking. If you're looking for high-quality beads, consider purchasing from individual lampwork artists, as they tend to create smaller quantities of unique beads.

Personal preference

Lastly, choose beads that you personally find beautiful and appealing. Creating your own wedding cake lampwork necklace is a creative process, and you should enjoy the beads you're working with. Trust your instincts and select beads that speak to you and fit your vision for the perfect wedding cake lampwork necklace.

Selecting the right necklace cord

The type of cord you select for your wedding cake lampwork necklace is important, as it will determine the overall look and feel of the finished piece. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right necklace cord:

Material

The material of the cord should complement the lampwork beads and other design elements. Common options include leather, waxed cotton, nylon, and fine types of cord for lightweight pendants. Leather cord, for example, can be a great choice for a bold and rustic look, while a fine chain may be more suitable for a delicate and elegant design.

Length

The length of the cord will determine the overall length of your necklace. It's important to consider the type of clasp you will be using, as well as the desired length of the finished piece. For a necklace with a clasp, you will typically need between 18 and 24 inches of cord. If you're creating an adjustable sliding knot necklace, follow the formula provided by Rena Klingenberg:

> This type of necklace is put on over the wearer’s head. So you’ll need a minimum of 24″ (61cm) of cord to fit over the head. 24″ (61cm) will result in a necklace that’s adjustable from about 12″ – 24″ (30.5cm – 61cm) length. If you want your finished necklace to be adjustable to a longer length than that, add the appropriate number of inches for that extra length. Then add 8″ (20.3cm) for the amount of cord needed for the sliding knots (each knot needs 4″, so 8″ will cover both knots). If you’ll be attaching your pendant with a lark’s head knot in the cord (as we’ll do below), add 2″ (5cm) of cord.

Colour

The colour of the cord should complement the colours of the lampwork beads and any other design elements. Consider whether you want the cord to blend in with the design or stand out as a contrasting feature.

Thickness

The thickness of the cord should be in proportion to the size and weight of the lampwork beads and other design elements. A thicker cord can provide a more secure base for heavier beads, while a thinner cord may be more suitable for a delicate design.

Softness and Flexibility

Consider the softness and flexibility of the cord, especially if you're using leather. Soaking the cord in vegetable oil or glycerine soap and water can help soften and straighten it. You can also try using a bone folder to run the leather between your thumb and achieve the desired looseness.

By taking these factors into account, you can select the right necklace cord that will enhance the beauty and wearability of your wedding cake lampwork necklace.

Attaching jump rings

Step 1: Choosing the Right Jump Rings

Before you begin, select the appropriate jump rings for your design. Consider the finish, shape, diameter, and weight of the jump rings. The diameter and thickness of the wire used to create the jump ring determine its weight. These factors will impact the strength of the jump ring, so choose accordingly based on the weight of the piece you are creating.

Step 2: Gathering Tools

You will need two pairs of flat nose pliers or snipe nose pliers (which are flat on the inside) to help you grip and manipulate the jump ring.

Step 3: Opening the Jump Ring

Hold the jump ring with one pair of pliers on one side and use the second pair to secure the other side. Gently twist the two halves of the jump ring to open it. It is important not to pull the ring apart, as this will weaken and distort the shape. Only open the ring wide enough to attach your chosen components, as opening it too much can damage the ring.

Step 4: Attaching Components

Once the jump ring is open, attach the desired chain, clasp, pendant, or other components.

Step 5: Closing the Jump Ring

To close the jump ring securely, grip it again with two pairs of pliers, one on each side of the loop. Gently twist the two sides back together until they are slightly beyond the closed position. Then, twist back towards the closed position until the ends of the opening are flush. This ensures a neat and secure finish, especially when using gold or silver jump rings.

Step 6: Soldering (Optional)

Depending on your design, you may choose to solder the jump ring closed for added security. Apply solder paste to the joint and use a fine flame to heat the solder evenly on both sides until it flows into the seam. Allow the piece to cool, then place it in a pickling solution to clean.

By following these steps, you can securely attach jump rings to create durable and professionally finished jewellery pieces.

Adding charms

Choosing Charms:

When selecting charms for your necklace, consider the overall theme or style you are going for. Charms can be a great way to incorporate your interests, hobbies, or special memories into your necklace. You can find charms in a variety of materials, such as metal, glass, or crystal, and in various shapes and sizes. You can also mix and match different types of charms to create a unique and eclectic look.

Attaching Charms:

Once you have selected your charms, you will need to attach them to your necklace. One way to do this is by using jump rings. Open the jump ring by twisting it open with your pliers, then slide on your charm and carefully twist the jump ring closed again. You can attach the jump ring to a link on your necklace chain, or you can attach it to a clasp or pin that you have added to your necklace specifically for this purpose.

Placement of Charms:

When adding charms to your necklace, consider the placement carefully. You can add charms to the clasp area of the necklace, dangle them from the chain, or even incorporate them into your bead design. If you are using larger or more intricate charms, you may want to place them at the centre of your necklace, or space them out evenly along the chain. Smaller, more delicate charms can be grouped together or used as accents throughout your design.

Combining with Beads:

If you are using lampwork beads in your necklace, you can coordinate your charm selection with the colours or themes of your beads. For example, if you have a particular colour of glass bead that you love, you could choose charms that complement that colour. Or, if your beads have a certain pattern or design, you could look for charms that echo that motif.

Finishing Touches:

Finally, when you have added all your charms and beads, take a step back and review your design. You may want to make some final adjustments to the placement of your charms, or add some additional beads or spacers to balance out the design. Remember to wear your necklace and see how it looks and feels when worn—you may want to make some final adjustments to the length or the placement of certain elements.

Finishing touches

Now that you've added your beads and charms, it's time to put the final touches on your wedding cake lampwork necklace! Here are some tips to ensure your necklace looks polished and elegant:

• Add a jump ring to your pendant: After you've created your beaded pendant, add a jump ring to the top of it. This will allow you to easily slide the pendant onto your necklace cord. You can use small or large jump rings, depending on the size of the hole in your pendant.
• Slide your pendant onto the necklace cord: Once the jump ring is attached, simply slide your pendant onto the cord. If you're using a larger jump ring, you can even make your necklace interchangeable by sliding on different pendants to match your outfit or mood.
• Attach the clasp: Finally, it's time to add the finishing touch – the clasp. Take the other end of your cord and attach a cord tip, just like you did in Step 2. Then, attach the clasp to the cord tip using a jump ring. You can choose any type of clasp you prefer, such as a lobster clasp or a magnetic clasp.
• Adjust the length: Before closing the clasp, make sure to adjust the length of your necklace. A standard length for a pendant necklace is 18 inches, but you can make it shorter or longer depending on your preference.
• Secure the clasp: Once you've adjusted the length, close the jump ring to secure the clasp in place. And that's it! You've now created your very own wedding cake lampwork necklace.

Feel free to experiment with different types of beads, charms, and colours to create a truly unique and personalized necklace. You can even make matching earrings or a bracelet to complete your wedding cake-inspired jewellery set.

Frequently asked questions