Alexandra’s Sautoir Instruction Sheet (downloadable)

(Note: This instruction sheet is a downloadable PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open it.)

The Imperial families of Russia were avid collectors of fine jewelry, objects d’art, furnishings and glass. Up until the Russian Revolution in 1917, the House of Fabergé, led by Karl Gustavovich Fabergé, was the primary jeweler to the Tsars. With the delivery of the first Imperial Easter Egg in 1885 to Alexander III, the House of Fabergé received its Imperial warrant. During the reign of Nicholas II, Fabergé’s commissions doubled as the new tsar wished to give an egg every year to his mother (Maria Feodorovna) and his wife, Empress Alexandra Feodorovna. As well as being masterpieces of elegance and refinement, the Imperial eggs were tours de force of technical virtuosity. The collection that ensued is amazing!

Alexandra’s Sautoir is my interpretation of the floral aspects of the Fabergé Eggs and the bejeweled flowers that were their specialty. A single dimensional stylized flower reigns supreme on a background of pearls. The necklace evokes the style of the early 1900’s pearl Sautoir necklaces, but with a contemporary look.

The flower center uses tubular Peyote stitch with increasing to create the flower center, the attaching area for the petals and the smoothly shaped back of the flower. Two drop Peyote stitched and color graded petals are attached to the center of the flower, delivering dimensional effects. The flower rests center front on a Right-Angle Weave necklace chain that ends in the front with two tassels and in the back with two buttons and a connector.

Skill level: Intermediate to advanced.

Techniques:
Peyote stitch, tubular and flat circular with increasing & decreasing
Two-drop Peyote stitch, flat with decreasing on the edge
Edge-stitching
Fringes
Right Angle Weave, flat

NOTE: This instruction sheet contains step-by-step instructions.

Materials List:
985-1200 Swarovski 3mm crystal pearls for the necklace straps,
buttons, tassels and closure. Samples used 985 pieces and
are 18.5” long. Plan on 39 pearls per extra inch of strap.

4 Swarovski 6mm crystal pearls for the buttons and tassels
2 Swarovski 8mm crystal pearls for the flower center and
the closure

5 grams 15° seed beads (A) for the flower center and stamens
3 grams 15° seed beads (B) for blending on the petals
5 grams 15° seed beads (C) for the main petal color
3 grams 15° seed beads (D) for the stamens or just the tips of
the stamens
1 gram 15° seed beads (E) for buttons and tassels
3 grams 11° seed beads (F) for the flower center and petal
connection
3 grams 11° seed beads (G) for connections, buttons and tassels
1 gram 11° seed beads (H) for the tips of the tassels
Nylon beading thread to match the flower center, petals and 3mm pearls
Microcrystalline wax (optional, but highly recommended)

Tools:
Size 12 beading needles (have a few as some pieces use double thread)
Small sharp scissors and a thread zapper (both are handy)
Awl (optional, but handy for starting the flower center)
Post-it notes or other way to mark rows in the instruction sheet
Beading surface of choice
Lighting and extension cord
Magnification