Jewelry making progress...

Now that I am in Intermediate Jewelry-making class, I decided that my first project would be a necklace for my Poison Ivy costume. Two of our projects have to combine a handmade chain and a handmade bezel, so I decided to combine the two in this one project.

I purchased a large Aventurine cabochon from Fire Mountain Gems, which will be the focal point of the jewelry piece. I used fold forming to make an interesting texture, and cut the shape out to my specifications. I also taught myself how to do a Byzantine chain using my friend Lily's book. It's actually quite addictive, and I am already over halfway done with making my chain. My nails were getting really messed up from opening and closing jump rings, but then I purchased one of those jump ring openers, which helped tremendously.

I hope to finish this project by the end of next week, but we will see! I still have to finish the bezel cup and then solder it to my fold formed piece. Here is a preview of the stone placement...

SO excited!