Illusion-style necklaces feature beads that seem to float on the neck. This is a popular design to use for pearls but any bead can be used. There are a variety of ways to make these necklaces, which you choose based on the look you want to achieve and the type of materials you're planning to use.

For a true illusion look, glue beads onto SuppleMax (http://www.beadalon.com/suppleMax.asp) transparent monofilament. Since the stringing material is nearly invisible, it really looks like the beads are floating. Decide how long you want the necklace to be, and then lay the stringing material on a bead board so you can attach evenly spaced beads. Place a drop of jeweler's cement where you want a bead to go, and then slide the bead onto the glue. This prevents any glue from showing on the stringing material.

For a dressier effect and a more upscale design, combine beads with metallic beading wire (http://www.beadalon.com/49strplated.asp). Choose the diameter of the wire based on the hole sizes of the beads, then use crimp beads to hold the beads in place evenly spaced on the wire. To make sure the spacing is even, slide a piece of rubber tubing over the wire before crimping. Remove the tubing to add a bead and crimp again. You can leave the crimp bead as-is, or you can add a crimp cover. Crimp covers are special beads that hide the crimp bead and add a more decorative look.

Bead Bumpers (http://www.beadalon.com/BeadBumpers.asp) can be used instead of crimps to hold beads in place in illusion designs. They have the added advantage of being movable, which adds versatility to illusion necklaces. You can wear the beads evenly spaced one day, and gathered in the center the next. (slide beads together on wire) For a very modern look, use Bead Bumpers and memory wire to make an illusion style choker.

Silk cord (http://www.beadalon.com/silkBead.asp) makes for a very relaxed looking illusion necklace. This type of necklace was made popular by the movie, Tin Cup, and it's easy to create your own version by knotting evenly spaced pearls or other beads along the length of the necklace. Silk cord is available in a variety of colors, so you're sure to find a color that will coordinate with your beads and outfit.

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