Here is a guide to how to make Briolette Flower Pendants. I use both semi-precious and glass briolette beads and a variety of smaller beads for the center of the flower.  For the wire-wrapped portion, I use 22 ga. dead soft sterling silver wire.  To sew the smaller beads into the center, I use .010 or .014 SoftFlex beading wire.

1. This flower is made with 5 blue sodalite flat faceted briolette beads 18 x 12 mm, and several 3 mm mother of pearl round beads. I use sterling silver 22 ga. dead soft round wire.

2. String the 5 briolette beads onto the wire and leave about 1 1/2 inches on the end.

 

4. Make a single wrap and cross the long end of the wire over the front of the flower. Wrap the wire around (across) the back of the bead. 

5. This is the back view of the flower. On the back side of the flower, the wire will cross the briolette bead and make a pentagon shape when finished (see below).

6. This is the front view of the flower, after all of the briolettes have been wrapped. The wire will be in the shape of a star. To make the bail with the wire, make a simple wrapped loop that is large enough to accomodate your cord or chain.

7. This is the view of the back side of the pendant after the wrapped loop has been made. With the fine SoftFlex beading wire, tie a surgeon's knot on the front side, leaving about a 2 - 21/2 inch tail. Feed the tail back through to the back side.

8. Sew the small beads on to the wire. I sew about 3 beads on at a time, but you could do more or less based on your preference.  I also wrap the SoftFlex around the wires an extra time occasionally to keep the beads from moving around.

9. Sew on as many beads as you like. For a different look, you could sew on one large bead, or just a few medium sized beads. When you are finished with this process, wrap the wire a couple more times and feed through to the back side.

10. To complete the process, tie another surgeon's knot. I usually do this twice to make sure my knots are secure and the beads aren't going anywhere.

11. For added security, I add a drop of Hypo-cement. Let it dry and clip the leftover wire.

12. Completed Sodalite & MOP briolette flower pendant.

To purchase one of my Briolette Flower Necklaces, you can find them for sale in my Etsy Shop.  

Finished Flowers

I use leather or rubber cord & sterling silver snake chains for the necklace.  I like the look of the leather/rubber cord the best.