I fell in love with the J.Crew pearl cluster necklace when it came out. But then I looked at it in store.. and saw how huge it was. Although gorgeous on some, I thought it would be way too large on me.
So, I decided to make one myself. It was a little tricky at first. Figuring out the best way to get the pearls to cluster together and attached securely. I started out just using jump rings but because of the thin headpins, if I shook the necklace hard a pearl might launch across the room. I took the whole thing apart and started again, this time using split rings. I am very happy with the results. My 5yo dd was thrilled to be my shake tester. Not a single bead budged.
I used peach Swarovski crystal pearls and faceted rounds instead of the white plastic in the JC necklace. Here is a materials list for you crafty chics 
8, 10, and 12mm Swarovski pearls in peach
6mm Swarovski faceted round peach
3mm corrugated gold-plate rounds
headpins, split rings, and jumps rings, all gold-plate
7x5mm cable chain
oh my word you are talented! That’s beautiful
Very pretty.
Will you be selling these on Etsy?
Thank you so much ladies!
KBear- It is listed in my Etsy shop and the pearls are available in many colors
WOW. Seriously. It’s beautiful, great job!! So jealous of your talent
oh it’s so beautiful. I love your necklaces so much more than JCrew ones. If it were not that I am banned from shopping for financial reasons, I would have purchased half of your listing…
oh WOW. this necklace rocks!!!!!!
How much did it end up costing to make versus the one for sale at J.Crew? Yours in prettier than the one J.Crew offers!
This is beyond gorgeous…so much prettier than the J.Crew or Target version!
If you don’t mind tellling me, do you attach the headpins to the split rings by jewlery pliers and then attach the split rings to the chain? Thanks!
Also (same Anon here as above), check out Shipwreck beads…they don’t have quite as big a selection, but their prices seem to be cheaper!
Shannon — beautiful work! I like your version much better than J. Crew’s, which I think is over-the-top for ladies on the smallish side.
Julia & anon 1:37- Thank you so much!
Ginger-If you were to buy everything, it is about $50.
Anon- Yes, exactly
I have ordered from Shipwreck but I wasn't thrilled with the quality. They do not rate their stones and their online photos are very small. I hear they have an awesome brick&mortar though.
So pretty! Just came across your blog is great.
It’s beautiful! You definitely have an eye for jewelry!
Wow you are so talented, Shannon! It looks even better than the JC version.
So beautiful! I love that you added the faceted swarovskis too, just adds a little sparkle.
ah-mazing!! it really looks perfect, you are very talented
Was wondering, can you make an even smaller version? I am very small boned and I don’t like big or heavy jewelry so if I was to purchase one from you just wondering about an even smaller scale for me. Thank you.
J.
Thank you so much everyone!
Pink Maple- Welcome!
J-Absolutely. I used 8,10, and 12mm beads but we can use 4,6, and 8mm and/or make it less full
Shannon,
Thanks for the reply. That is good to know. Smaller mm and less full just might work. Will let you know what I decide.
J.
Absolutely GORGEOUS Shannon!
Your work is getting more and more exquisite. What a finess, you are making more and more complex designs. You defintely have a knack for these things!
Wow, you are doing an amazing job,and I agree that I prefer your pieces to the ones J.Crew offers. I am surprised that the cost of the supplies was so inexpensive – I would have thought the Swarovski pears would have cost a bit more (but I’m thrilled that they don’t!)
I’ve gotten so many compliments on the pearl necklace I beaded, and it’s so fun and rewarding to know and say I did it myself. I can’t wait to get some more supplies and tackle a more complicated project like those you are making! Thanks for inspiring me to explore this!
Alisha
You’re house will soon be taken over by beads just like mine HAHA!
looking for your Etsy shop and cant find it. Please let me know how to find it!
Thanks!
Looking on Etsy for your J Crew inspired pearl cluster necklace. Can you tell me where to find it.
Thanks!
L
Hi Lala,
You can find my jewelry on my website, http://www.dressingroomjewelry.com