DIY Network

Off the Cuff: Ivory Cuff by Melinda Farrell From "Jewelry Making" episode DJMK-512

Host Jackie Guerra is joined by jewelry designer Melinda Farrell, who creates an exotic cuff bracelet made of freshwater pearls, and gem nuggets.

Experience Level: Intermediate

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Guest Melinda Farrell joins show host Jackie Guerra to create this beautiful pearl and garnet cuff bracelet.

Materials --

Freshwater pearls 1-1/2 to 2" in length (double drilled)
24 ct. golden flow wire
Semi-precious nuggets drilled large enough to accommodate 2 lengths of flow wire
Hand-fashioned clasp
Gold or sterling crimp beads
G.S. Hypo Cement
Painter's tape

Tools --

Wire cutters (invest in a good pair)
Flat nose pliers
Round nose pliers
Double crimping tool
Jewelry tweezers
Small tape measure

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

Ivory Cuff by Melinda Farrell

1. On a non-slip beading square lay out freshwater pearls flat in a pattern that resembles a picket fence varying up the lengths (figure A). Remember to measure your wrist to include the dimension of your clasp.

2. Stretch out two pieces of golden flow wire and secure one end with a piece of painter's tape.

3. Thread the golden flow wire through the top row of drill holes in the pearls leaving a 2" tail which you will use to affix finding and then to tie and glue at the end.

4. Lay gem nuggets on either side of the pearls and then thread both tails of the golden flow wire through the single drill hole of the nugget (figure B).

5. For the ends of the bracelet, thread the two pieces of wire through a singular piece of gem nugget (figure C).Use a special size crimp bead that will take the double wire. Run the wire through the crimp around the clasp and then back up through the crimp. Make sure the thread is good and taut.

6. For a nice finished look, use a double crimping tool -- this makes a much smaller crimp end and has more of a polished feel. Make sure you reinforce the crimp bead by pinching it with flat nose pliers on both sides.

7. Take left over golden wire tail and knot behind the crimp bead and glue the knot with a tiny dab of epoxy (figure D).

RESOURCES :

Freshwater Pearls, Wire and Findings
Beads of Paradise
Phone: 818-907-7719
Website: www.beadsofparadise.com

Jewelry Tools and Equipment
Rio Grande
Toll-free: 800-545-6566
Website: www.riogrande.com

Melinda Farrell's Jewelry
Available from --
Late Bloomer Studio
Website: store.latebloomerboutique.com

GUESTS :

Melinda Ann Farrell
Jewelry Designer
We apologize no contact information is available.