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Lace-like, scalloped-shaped necklaces, often worn in conjunction with wide chokers, were the height of fashion with the ladies, during the late 19th century through the early 20th century. Belle Époque is French for “Beautiful Era” and what a glorious time it was!

Fashions were elegant, using fine silks, beautiful embroidery and a lot of pearls. The designs for adornments were just as delicate and light in appearance, in order to compliment the diaphanous trimmings of contemporary dress.

Belle Époque is a necklace that has two main components making up its construction. The first component is the necklace itself, as it is created with the stitch I call “Lattice Weave”. This stitch is a combination of Netting and Right Angle Weave. I used Lattice Weave to create a flat, but scalloped necklace, filling the cells of the stitch with Fire Polish beads.

The second component is a series of teardrops shapes. Five to seven teardrops are constructed using a Brick stitch ladder variation that shows off the lovely shape of Czech glass teardrop beads. A Herringbone Stitch variation makes for a pleasing back to each of the shapes. The beaded teardrops are then embellished with a beaded pearl and Fire Polish bead center, using Peyote and Netting.

The two components come together, gracefully, using a discreet linking system. The necklace closes with a pair of beaded toggles, and a necklace connector, that adds a touch of the Lattice Weave at the back of the neck.

Skill level: Intermediate to advanced

On to Lattice Weave Parure...