Blushing Bride Bracelet Tutorial

Delicate-looking filigree bead caps give this memory-wire bracelet the crowning touch.

Created by: Rita Hutchinson

Designer Tips

Add bead caps to each end of (2) 8mm fine rocks tubes and string each on a headpin; trim and loop. For step-by-step looping instructions, see Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).
Add bead caps to each side of (2) crystal pearls and string each on a headpin; trim and loop.
Lay out desired pattern on bead mat. The pattern here adds bead caps to each crystal pearl and to the fine rocks tubes, but not to the crystal beads.
I leave the coil of memory wire intact and add beads without having to worry about them coming off the other side. String all beads in design, and then loop the free end, using heavy-duty round-nose pliers or memory wire bending pliers.
Move all the beads to the looped end, and trim excess wire to about 10-12mm. Use heavy duty cutters to trim memory wire, to prevent damaging your good cutters. Add second loop to bracelet.
Open loop at one end of bracelet and attach one pearl and one fine rocks dangle. Repeat on other side of bracelet. (Inset image shows looped dangles from a different angle.)

Suggested Supplies

Most Swarovski beads are now unavailable. However, Preciosa pearls are just as beautiful and durable, and you can substitute your favorite pink gemstones, pearls or faceted glass beads, for the Vintage Rose Swarovski crystal beads.
2 each #05-951-15-169 Swarovski 5951 Fine Rocks Tube, 15mm - Vintage Rose - (see 8mm pink substitutes)
2 each #05-951-08-169 Swarovski 5951 Fine Rocks Tube, 8mm - Vintage Rose
1 fifty-pack (use 35 beads) #05-810-08-227ST Swarovski 5810 Round Pearl Beads, 8mm - Creamrose
1 dozen (use 10 beads) #05-040-06-169 Swarovski 5040 Briolette Beads, (Rondelle) 6mm - Vintage Rose (see 6mm round substitutes or all pink rondelles)
1 hundred (use 4 pins) #37-099-10-3 Silver Plated Ball End Head Pin, Standard, 1"
1 gross (use 78 caps) #43-110-3 Silver Plated Bead Caps, Small, Filigree
1 oz (use about 2.5 coils) #61-167 22ga Beadalon Stainless Steel Memory Wire Coil, Anklet/ Lg Bracelet, 1oz