I love this pretty chain, fabric, and pearl Lanvin Necklace but for $595 I thought I could definitely make my own! It comes in a few really pretty colors but I had a similar fabric in this nude-y fleshy tone that worked perfectly so I went with it. It’s not terribly difficult, but you will need a few jewelry-making skills/tricks to pull it off… but I’ll show you how!
I think my version is pretty close to the original and the best part is it was under $20! I had the pearls & fabric though. Still would have probably been about $20. I had to buy the jewelry supplies {about $3.99 each, and not the tools} and only used a few of each.
Here’s What You’ll Need…
* Silk, sheer, or nylon fabric, anything with a pretty drape {I used a vintage slip that had a layer of nylon/satin and a layer of sheer mesh}
* Flat oval links ox silver chain {Also found at JoAnn’s}
* Loose Faux pearls {mine were left over from the MJ Trim Challenge}
* Tarnished silver metal head pins
* Tarnished silver metal oval jump rings {comes w/3 sizes, I used the smallest}
* Tarnished silver metal lobster clsaps {or not. It’s a long chain, you don’t need a clasp}
* 3 different Beading pliers {5 pack, 8.99 – the exact ones I use, got mine from JoAnn’s}
* Scissors
* Wire cutters
Steps…
* Cut fabric strips. They don’t have to be perfect, but they do need to have smooth edges. Since I didn’t have a luxurious fabric like silk, I used sheer and opaque pieces together to add some texture & variation. I also used the sheer to create one long ribbon-like strip. You may choose whatever colors you like.
* Decide how long you want your chain. Using your pliers, pull apart a metal link to remove excess linkage. If the chain is long enough to fit over your head, you don’t need a clasp. If you want a shorter chain, slip the loop of the clasp onto the open chain link & pinch it shut. You won’t need the other part of the lobster clasp because you can use the actual chain.
* Weave your long ribbon-like piece through part of the chain and tie the ends in loose knots.
Creating Drop Pearls…
1. String a pearl on a head pin
2. Bend the top w/round nose pliers
3. Snip the end off with wire cutters
4. Close the wire with pliers creating a circle/loop.
Creating Drop Pearls with Fabric…
* String pearl on head pin, weave opaque fabric onto pin and push it down
* …add sheer layer on top. {to some but not all} You need to weave the fabric so it cinches up over the pearl instead of lying completely over it
* Follow the steps above to finish {bend head pin, snip off excess, pinch into small loop/circle}
* Using a jump ring, add a single loose pearl to the top {circle/loop you just created} and pinch closed. Leave some as single pearls, some as one pearl with fabric, and some with fabric and two pearls.
* Using the jump rings, attach your pearls to your chain. Follow the design in this tutorial {of the Lanvin piece} or create your very own!
And… Voila!
* I made some earrings too with a little chain, earring hooks, and the same pearl/fabric technique!
Have Fun!
* Find all my DIYs here
Anonymous
as usual… your diy is awesome… I think I’ll try something similar…
thanks a million
Wida
Thanks for making this tutorial. I really enjoy coming to this site. You’re so inspirational 🙂
Wida
http://www.missingamsie.blogspot.com
Fashion Agony
Very inspiring! Thanks for sharing!
xoxo
http://fashionagony.blogspot.com/
Katie
Beautiful – and so creative!
Little Rus
Amazing! Thanks for the inspiration. x
véčko
love it!!
*amanda*
This is so pretty, perfect for Spring — that I want to arrive a.s.a.p. — and the pictures of it are spot on and just what we need to see to Maeg this neckie-lace. *yay*. xoxoxo
sternchenslove
That´s a great idea! It looks great for spring. I hope more ideas are coming!
Rachael
That’s a great idea, your necklace looks better than the Lanvin one actually!
Jennifer Belle
thats gorgeous!
Morgan
Lovely… just lovely. And LOVE your title for this post. Cracks me up. 🙂
Aylin.
oh my god really great 😀 i love ur blog <3
Behind the Lashes
Lovely Maegan!!! I think I even like yours more lol
Shabna
This is amazing! I have to try it x
Love. Run. Wine.
Amazing! I’m definitely trying this out, thanks a lot! 🙂
Tammy Robinson
So cute! I may try to make one myself.
CessOviedo
Loved it! … This is so easy to make, and looks so pretty,Can’t wait to see you wearing it.
http://blog.cessoviedo.com
jayme
love it! great job!
Couture Carrie
Awesome tutorial, darling!
Loving both the necklace and the earrings!
xoxox,
CC
modanista junkie
AMAAAAAAYYYYZING!!!
xoxo,
melrod
jamie.
love it!! you inspire some of my tutorials =)
somedreamingstate.com
Anonymous
Awesome. They have a lot of nerve charging $595.00 for that.
Danielle
Wow! So impressed. Your necklace is beautiful!
kissonthechic
this is amazing! I have an event coming up and am planning on wearing a nude dress with cream lace detail and have been stuck about how to accessorise it – this would go perfectly! thanks 🙂
http://kiss-on-the-chic.blogspot.com
Huda
love it, if only I could make it instead of buying these simple jewelry.
Zoe, All for Style
Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE the necklace but omg… those earrings are TO DIE FOR… beautiful! So talented 🙂
silvergirl
Fantastic DIY
Am thinking I am going to have to give this a try!
Thanks for sharing
drollgirl
um, you made this for me, right? YOU DID. GIVE IT TO ME ON THURSDAY. hurry!
I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!
josephine
you are a diy genius
Team Romey
love this diy! now how much money did you save buy making your own??
love ariel @
amromey.blogspot.com
Mary Ann
Great tutorial Maegan!!
Vanessa
Awesome tutorial…
Anonymous
next “Maeg-it Yourself” tutorial, tom binns’ shoe necklace?: http://avarady.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/girlthing1-540×540.jpg
Tiffany - I am Style-ish
gorgeous. thank you for always sharing these amazing DIYs with us. I’m putting this on my “to do” list!
...love Maegan
OMG ANON!!!! That shoe necklace is to die. I’d have to really be on the hunt for some Barbie shoes! I love it!
vixi
LOVE!!!
karlieanne
Ahhh you are amazing! Great necklace and I love the title “Maeg-it” – perfect.
And I like the web design. Not sure how new it is, because I’ve been gone for awhile but guess who’s back, back again?
Cupcake
K that is some seriously beautiful diy!! Bravo! Really you could sell that stuff.
Cupcake
...with ♥, SB.
not only perfect, but I bet you look amazing wearing it~!
Beverly @ FlamingoToes.com
I saw this over at Copycat Crafts – and had to come over and tell you how much I love it!! The necklace is gorgeous! Thanks for he tutorial!
Grace
this is beautiful! i absolutely love it.
so clever, i can’t wait to make.
xo
grace
stripesandsequins.com
ps-check out the dannijo inspired chain necklace on my blog! xo
Trina
Wow, yours looks the exact same as the inspiration necklace! I love the one in teal as well. Must make one! Thanks so much for the tutorial!
Anonymous
All your blog is awsome! I love your style and this inspiration you give. I’m so glad I’ve found this site in the Net 🙂 I visit it regularly 🙂
Greetings from Poland 🙂
Monika
Emily
I love the necklace and have i materials to try it out myself but how long did you u make ur own necklace?
WobiSobi
Just found your Blog. Ok, You~ are amazing. I am sure you hear that everyday, but I just have to say it. Love all your tutorials.
Anne