What if I say designing an earring around a Rivoli crystal is easy? Moreover, the round shape of Rivoli might even call for other shapes to play with! I am sure, that square, triangular or rectangular earring shapes are all familiar to you. So let’s explore, how can you design a lovely pair of earring around a 12 mm Rivoli crystal.
Earring Design Ideas for 12 mm Rivoli Crystal
What beads and crystals to use?
12 mm Rivoli as a focal point, is a primary element to start with. It is large enough to bezel around it, and it small enough to build an interesting composition around it without making an earring too bulky.
Seed beads such as Delica and other Japanese or Czech beads of size 11/0 and 15/0 are common for such projects. However, to make the design more interesting, try using shaped beads such as two-hole CzechMates Kheops Puka or Japanese Tila beads. They are a little smaller than 12 mm Rivoli and therefore, fit nicely for a “second place” accent in your design.
What beading techniques to use?
Peyote stitch
Peyote stitch is the best technique if you want to learn how to bezel around 12 mm Rivoli crystal!
If you need help starting, watch this free tutorial for 12mm Rivoli Peyote Bezel.
All other stitches are optional, and I may choose them depending on your design idea.
Picot Stitch
Picot stitch is suitable for finishing the project and adding the last row that looks more like a decoration. Also, it can be used as a transition from peyote to a netting stitch.
Netting stitch
Let’s say; you want to add larger seed beads, or bicones, or shaped beads that are slightly larger than seed beads you are already using for Rivoli bezel. Consider using netting stitch.
Creative stitch!
Wondering what kind of stitch it is? I’d say it is a stitch-on-call or the one that works! When I need to connect two beads, two beaded elements, or an element with other seed beads, I don’t think of a particular stitch. I think of how should this connection look. And then I bead. By trial and error, I design a connection that harmonizes the design.
Earring Design Ideas
Two-hole beads are great for quick earring projects. They add dimension; they add other geometrical elements to the usual round design, they call for symmetry as well as they can easily create a great asymmetrical composition.
Try these ideas for your earring project:
- Arrange four two-hole beads around the Rivoli crystal. You may create a square shape of an earring and peyote between the beads, or you may use a combination of stitches and keep the earring shape round.
- One two-hole bead is also an accent! Why not add it at the top of the bottom of your earring?
- Two two-hole beads arranged symmetrically (either top and bottom) or on the sides of the earring) might form an interesting design.
My Experiments
I always liked classical designs. My attempt to create a pair of earrings resembling a classic royal accessory resulted in Amazing Forest earrings. I used Japanese Tila beads as accents and a 12 mm Rivoli as a focal point.
When I wanted to design with Kheops Puca beads, I became more playful. Symmetry does not always mean that two elements of the same kind should be located on the opposite sides of a focal point. In my case, I wanted to make cat’s ears out of triangular Puca beads. Instead of continuing with a larger Rivoli for the body of the cat (too obvious solution), I placed my cat in a box. After all, most of the cats love to sit in boxes and bags.
If you are inspired by any of these ideas and create a pair of earrings using them, I’d be very curious to see it!
Until then,
Happy beading!
