Multi-Strand Aqua Seed-Bead Necklace with Painted Ceramic Beads

• Multi-strand layered design
• 17 mm hand-painted ceramic focal beads
• Floral and abstract motifs
• Lightweight cascading drape

Each ceramic bead is hand-painted, so the placement and blend of colors and patterns varies slightly from one necklace to the next.

Multi-strand seed-bead necklaces build volume from very small parts. Dozens of fine glass strands are strung and knotted one at a time so the finished collar falls softly rather than sitting stiff against the body.

The three focal beads work in a different craft altogether. Fired ceramic beads are hand-painted with a fine brush, one layer of color at a time — the loose floral and abstract motifs echo the patterning found on Indian painted pottery and folk textiles.

Two techniques, one object: the shimmering, tangled body of the seed beads and a clear painted focal point, without a single precious material between them.

• Technique: Hand-painted ceramic beadwork and multi-strand glass seed-bead stringing

Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth and store flat or hanging so the strands don't tangle. Keep away from water, perfume and lotion, which can dull the glass and painted finish.