Beaded Chokers with Glass Pearls for Evening Wear

5 min read

Beaded chokers with glass pearls give evening wear a polished finish. A choker sits high on the neck and frames the face. Glass pearls catch the light without the cost of real pearls. The project takes about an hour and uses basic beading supplies. A finished choker looks elegant with a dress or a blouse.

Chokers suit beaders who want a quick project with a wearable result. The pattern repeats, so the work moves fast once you start. Glass pearls come in many colors and sizes, so you can match any outfit. A handmade choker also makes a thoughtful gift for a friend.

Choosing Beads and Findings

Use glass pearl beads in six or eight millimeter size for a classic choker. Smaller beads look delicate, while larger beads make a bolder statement.

You need

• a clasp
• two crimp beads
• beading wire
• wire cutters

A lobster clasp with an extension chain lets the wearer adjust the fit. Buy beads with even coating, since thin coating wears off quickly.

Measure the neck before you buy supplies. A choker should sit snugly without pressing. Add two centimeters for the clasp and the crimp beads. Hold the strand of beads against the neck to check the length before you cut the wire. A choker that fits well feels comfortable for hours.

Stringing the Choker

Cut a length of beading wire about ten centimeters longer than the finished choker. Thread a crimp bead onto the wire, then pass the wire through one half of the clasp and back through the crimp bead. Squeeze the crimp flat with pliers. This secures the clasp. String the glass pearls in your chosen pattern, keeping the tension even.

Check the length as you string by holding the wire against your neck. Add or remove beads until the length feels right. A choker with a single row of pearls looks classic. Two rows give a fuller look. Keep the bead spacing tight so the wire does not show between beads.

Closing the Choker

Thread a second crimp bead onto the wire after the last pearl. Pass the wire through the other half of the clasp and back through the crimp bead. Pull the wire snug, then squeeze the crimp flat. Trim the wire tail close to the crimp bead. The finished choker should close smoothly and sit evenly around the neck.

Test the clasp by opening and closing it several times. A clasp that sticks will frustrate the wearer. If the clasp feels loose, replace it before you call the choker done. Check that no wire ends poke out, since a sharp end can scratch the neck.

Styling and Care

Wear a pearl choker with a dress that has a simple neckline. A choker pairs well with off the shoulder tops and V neck dresses. Avoid wearing the choker with a high collar, since the layers will crowd each other. For a formal event, choose white or cream pearls. For a casual evening, try gray or blush pearls.

Mixing Pearls with Other Beads

Mixing glass pearls with crystal beads adds sparkle to a choker. Place one crystal bead between every third pearl for a subtle shimmer. Too many crystals overwhelm the pearls, while too few disappear. A ratio of one crystal to three pearls keeps the pearls in charge. Test the mix by laying the beads on the table before you string them.

Seed beads in a matching color fill the gaps between pearls and give the choker a denser look. A single seed bead between each pearl adds texture without changing the length much. Keep the seed beads small so they read as a detail, not a pattern. A choker with seed beads feels more handmade than a choker with pearls alone.

Try a choker with pearls in two shades

Try a choker with pearls in two shades, such as white and blush. Alternate the shades in a simple pattern. Two shades add depth without any extra beads. Hold the mixed strand against the outfit before you close it. A choker that matches the outfit feels like part of the look, not an afterthought.

For a bold evening choker, add a single pendant drop at the center. A small crystal or pearl drop hangs below the choker line and draws the eye. Attach the drop with a jump ring so it moves freely. A choker with a drop suits a plain neckline and a formal event.

Store pearl chokers flat in a soft pouch or a lined box. Hanging a choker stretches the wire and can distort the shape. Keep each choker in its own pouch so the beads do not scratch each other. A choker stored well keeps its shape and shine for years. Check the clasp before each wear to make sure it still closes firmly.

Try the choker on with the outfit before the event. A quick test shows whether the length and color work with the neckline. A choker that looks right at home will feel right all evening.

Store the choker flat in a soft pouch to keep the pearls from scratching. Wipe the pearls with a soft cloth after wearing to remove skin oils. Avoid spraying perfume directly on the beads, since alcohol can dull the coating. A beaded pearl choker made with care will look elegant for many evenings.

Questions this article did not answer? Chances are Metal Stamping Personalized Jewelry or one of the guides below covers it.

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