What's a Lariat Necklace?

March 18, 2013

What's a Lariat Necklace?

Amazing fold or loop over style, valuable, collectable vintage Miriam Haskell in the old seed beads and vintage Russian Goldplated chain and findings.

Pictures speak a thousand words....so instead of saying too much, I'm gonna show you some photos:

Vintage goldtone lariat with hand-tied knot in the center.

I made this lariat back in the late 90s' ......of several lengths of chain in sections, interspersed with beaded sections and finials....It was made like a long, long, beaded/connected belt that you loop over, like a scarf, as high or as long as you want.

This lariat was found at the overstock.com website:

I thought it showed an interesting way of wearing the long beaded length of the necklace. Very attractive!

Here is a simple one with a toggle that I put together this afternoon as an example:

It's just a washer with patina.

Tip: you can patina the zinc washers at the hardware store, too, just use a Swellegant metal coating over them, then apply Tiffany Green patina.

http://www.bsueboutiques.com/mmp_swellegant_products.shtml

Many lariat necklaces are made with a specific tying, or looping method, in mind. They may have a unique focal or toggle through which you might want to pull the chain. Or, they could have a sliding clasp. Since they are in many cases, just a long length of beaded 'chain' or a combination of beaded and chain links (with no clasp), you really can tie or loop them however you like.

A simple knot in the front is a great way to go. Put the length around your neck and drape the ends across your chest. Then put both strands in one hand, making a loop with them. Now, pull the ends of necklace through this loop to knot in front.

The loop style is the way to go with extra long lariats. You can try it with jeans and leather or even a cocktail dress. Fold it in half, then wrap the folded necklace around your neck, pull the ends through---as high up or as low down as you think looks good for your outfit.

I did a little search on Etsy to see if other artists were using the lariat style, and many are!

http://www.etsy.com/browse/jewelry/necklaces/lariat

Maybe this page will provide you with even more inspiration from your fellow artists. Of course, my purpose in sharing this page is to get those ideas moving along, never to copy another artist's work.

It's so much more fun to come up with your own, anyway!

Our next challenge at the B'sue Boutiques Creative Group at Facebook will be to make lariat necklaces. That's what we will focus on in April. I can't wait to see all the new ideas! Why don't you come and join us? It's a fabulous group, great people, lots of networking and sharing. We have 935 amazing members so far, but what would make it better is if YOU would join us, too!

Consider this a personal invitation to come and be a part of the fun!