(Components list at bottom of page)

by: Dwyn Tomlinson

This intense ruby butterfly is inspired by vintage Czech-made jewelry from the 50's. It features a wonderful Vintage Swarovski Rhinestone and Vintaj components and findings.

These large vintage stones are stunning - but can be a challenge to figure out how to attach to our jewelry. This is a nifty way to mount and use large stones. The technique is sometimes referred to as "caging" - as the idea is to bend an existing component into a "cage" to trap and securely hold the stone.

The cage holding the stone is then, in this case, wired onto another filigree piece - a butterfly, which is then attached with jumprings to the other components. You can use jumprings, or in this case, as the links in the chain are not soldered, you can just open a chain link and attach that way.

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Flip the caged stone over, and thread 2 short pieces of wire through a convenient loop and back. Now flip the caged stone back over, positioning it on the filigree backing, and thread the wire through whatever holes come up as convenient. Then cross the wires, and bring back through the holes again, back to the top. Twist the ends together close to the base, and wind the ends around close to the stone, trimming off the excess and tucking them in nice and tight and out of the way, into the crevice between the stone and the backing filigree.

The stone moves a little inside the cage. If you want it to be completely motionless - a dab of e6000 will stop it from moving. Try not to have too much glue squish out through the filigree - as it looks messy. (Which is why I elected to leave it off this project.) 

Components Clicking on components links will open a new window so that you don't lose this page.
		s21566 Chain - Small Etched Cable Chain - Natural Brass (1 foot) (about 8 inches)	Price: $ 7.32 per	In Stock
		s29477 Craft Wire - 26ga - Vintage Bronze (Parawire) (2 pieces, about 2 inches each. Plus for the crystals, about 18 inches.)	Price: $ 5.50 per	Sorry, Out of Stock
	Qty: 1	s14791 Hook and Eye Clasp - Swirl and Loop - Vintaj - Natural Brass	Price: $ 3.60 per	Sorry - this item is unavailable.
		s14868 Jump Rings Open - 5.25mm - Natural Brass (20)	Price: $ 4.00 per	Sorry - this item is unavailable.
	Qty: 1	s33467 Swarovski - Rhinestones - 13x18mm Stepped Rectangle Cut (4610) - Rose Stormy (Original is sold out - try this one instead)	Price: $ 12.65 per	Sorry - this item is unavailable.
	Qty: 10	277530110sia Swarovski Bead - 10mm Faceted Bicone (5301/5328) - Siam	Price: $ 0.99 per	Sorry - this item is unavailable.
	Qty: 1	s33470 Swarovski Fancy Rhinestones - 13x18mm Faceted Stepped Rectangle Cut (4610) - Crystal Summer Blush (Or try this one!)	Price: $ 12.65 per	Sorry - this item is unavailable.
	Qty: 1	s14856 Vintaj - Diamond Swirl Filigree/Wrap - Natural Brass (This is the component that holds the stone in place.)	Price: $ 7.20 per	Sorry - this item is unavailable.
	Qty: 1	s14885 Vintaj - 1.75in Filigree Butterfly - Natural Brass	Price: $ 10.80 per	In Stock