Gaelic Rose Necklace Chainmaille Variation

I’ve had a few people ask about the statement necklace I’m wearing in my Finger & Hand Exercises for Crafters video:

To be honest, this is one of my favorite necklaces that I designed last year … and I’m glad it’s finally spring so I can put away the scarves and show this baby off!

The aluminum necklace is made of several units of Gaelic Rose, which was a project that first appeared in Wirework magazine, Fall 2014.  Once you know how to weave Gaelic Rose, making the necklace is a snap. Below is a project diagram and a full supply list, including ring size conversions.  I used aluminum and anodized aluminum rings from Blue Buddha Boutique to create this piece.

Supply List for Gaelic Rose necklace using aluminum and anodized aluminum jump rings:

8 Gaelic Roses:

• H16 aluminum- qty 8 – 16 SWG 3/16″ (4.8 mm)
• L16 anodized aluminum – qty 96 – 16 SWG 1/4″ (6.4 mm)
  • 32 black (for the innermost “swirl” – 4 rings on each rose)
  • 64 iridescent gunmetal
• SS14 aluminum – qty 8 – 14 SWG 3/4″ (19.1 mm)
• CC14 aluminum – qty 40 – 14 SWG 1/2″ (12.7 mm)
• T16 anodized aluminum – qty 32 – 16 SWG 3/8″ (9.5 mm)
  • iridescent gunmetal
• OPTIONAL – H16 anodized aluminum – qty 32 – 16 SWG 3/16″ (4.8 mm) – for the optional backing as explained in the designers tip in Wirework magazine
  • black (or iridescent gunmetal; these rings aren’t very visible from the front of the necklace)

Additional materials to join roses and complete the necklace:

• CC14 aluminum – qty 2 – 14 SWG 1/2″ (12.7 mm)
• F18* – qty 20 – 18 SWG 5/32″ (4.0 mm)
• OPTIONAL* – H18 aluminum or stainless steel – qty 1-12 – 18 SWG 3/16″ (4. 8 mm) – for the optional extender chain
• H16 anodized aluminum – qty 3 – 16 SWG 3/16″ (4.8 mm) – for the Möbius ball at the end of the necklace
• lobster claw clasp
• cable chain (you’ll likely need a minimum of 3″ (7.6 cm) to complete your chain

* You can use additional F18s (and/or the optional H18s) to create an adjustable extender chain like I did.

Follow the project instructions to make 8 Gaelic Roses. Join the roses with F18 rings and follow the diagram above to complete your necklace.

And then enjoy this statement piece!