Counterpoint

The identification of the beads starts from the bead in the centre, moving upwards, with measurement for some of the bigger beads, with metal beads named last.

Length: 57 cm (22.5") Weight: 53 gm
Black sardonyx with white stripes 8mm
Square tabular rutilated quartz in various colours, about 10 mm
Labradorite 7mm
Black onyx 8 mm
Short silver tubes
Gold filled crimp tubes
Silver toggle clasp
Silver Manik identity disc

I acquired some strings of old stock (i.e unsold stock) rutilated quartz in different shapes from Mr L some months back and particularly like these square tabular beads. So, I thought, why not design an entire necklace around these, as opposed to using them as 'supporting cast'? I like the challenge of using these beads which are smaller than what I usually like to work with.

I tried a few other varieties of beads - some rectangular mabe pearl shell beads, but they were big. The abalone shell ones didn't fit colour wise. Tabular beads can be challenging to pair with other beads, because they lie flat, so other beads can't be too 'raised'. Then I remembered these beautiful 8 mm black sardonyx with the white stripes and brought them in. At first it was a symmetrical design, but as it evolved, I found it more fun and livelier to make it asymmetrical - to a certain extent. There is an overall structure, but within the clusters, I switched the order of the differently coloured square beads around, and I also alternated between using the pale labradorite and the black onyx. There is also asymmetry in the order of the beads between one side and the other.

Given the graphic contrasts and the asymmetry, I am naming this necklace Counterpoint. This fits into my contemporary sculptural style family. While designed to be worn by anyone drawn to its lively contemporary feel, I can easily see it appealing to men who may like its clean, more architectural edge!

Some of you have previously asked me why not necklaces for men too? Well, this one is for you to think on