Put Together by a Committee Necklace

Usually, when you work on a committee you create a compromise, which may not be something you actually wanted when you started out. Not so with this necklace, although a "committee" of artisans is responsible for its creation. A stunning handmade clay bead, measuring about an inch and a third in diameter, is the attention-getting focal on this tribal style piece. Golds, greens, copper, and ivory create a complex and beautiful horizontal design on one side of the puffy lentil style bead, but just flip it over to discover rich purple, gold, and ivory coming together in a different and mesmerizing vertical pattern. The bead is secured on a handmade pin and bracketed by two unique solid bronze beads hand-cast by my friends from Scottsdale Bead Supply. I used a bronze Scottsdale Bead Supply bale to attach the focal to a necklace of artisan-made clay beads from Georgia at At Home in Taos, strung together with Czech glass trade beads and golden glass rondelles. The 20-inch necklace closes securely with a handmade brass hook and large vintage brass rings.  I'd say the committee completed their work admirably on this project!