Irene Lovato Six Strand Multi-Colored Bead Necklace

Irene Lovato is the daughter of noted necklace maker Alice Lovato and sister of necklace maker Lupe Lovato. Most of her pieces are multi-strand and their magic is that they are rich with beads and have perfect sway. She almost always braids her beading strings to make a traditional finish which can be tied off at various lengths.

This six strand necklace is richly strung with a colorful mix of beads made from a variety of materials, including Kingman turquoise, red, orange & purple spiny oyster, lapis lazuli and wonderfully iridescent abalone. Fine-diameter heishi made from baby olive shell is incorporated in the strands as spacer beads between the larger, colorful beads and this makes the strands more supple in their movement. In traditional fashion, the braided beading string is simply tied off in a bow and no metal hardware is used as a catch. Length of the necklace cited below is the measured length at which it is tied in the photographs, but this necklace could be tied at any length from 20" to 34". A beautiful mix of color strung to yield six silky strands.

Usually such a necklace is tied off at a length which allows the wearer to slip it over the head without having to tie it each time to put it on or take it off. Surplus length to the beading string assures that this can be tied to a longer length that will surely fit over any head.

Materials: Abalone, lapis lazuli, Kingman turquoise, red, orange & purple spiny oyster, baby olive shell heishi

Multi-colored beads: 1/4" to 5/8" diameter

Length (as tied in photos): 25"