Almost everyone who picks up a Treasure Trove necklace for the first time has the same reaction — they can't believe it's handmade. This multistrand collar looks like it took years of experience and expert-level technique. It didn't. We created this design at The Bead Gallery over 15 years ago, and it remains one of our most popular projects because it's genuinely beginner-friendly while looking absolutely stunning.
The Treasure Trove was featured in the 10th Anniversary Collector's Issue of Bead Style magazine. We're still proud of that one.
How It Works
The necklace is built in three layers, and each layer uses the same simple technique — so once you've done the first one, you already know how to do the rest. The layers stack and twist together into a full, luxurious collar that drapes beautifully and, here's the key part, never untwists. It holds its shape because of how the layers interact, not because of any complicated clasp or wire work.
That's what makes this project special. You get a showpiece necklace that looks like a magazine cover piece — because it literally was one — using techniques that a first-time beader can handle.
Materials
The beauty of the Treasure Trove is that it works with almost any combination of beads. Seed beads, gemstone chips, pearls, crystals — you can match it to any style or outfit. Each layer is an opportunity to play with color and texture, so no two Treasure Trove necklaces look the same.
Come into the store and we'll help you pick out a combination that works for you. We've made hundreds of these over the years and we know which bead mixes create the best visual depth.
Get the Tutorial
We've got both a written guide and a video walkthrough so you can follow along at your own pace:
If you'd rather learn in person, ask about our classes. The Treasure Trove is one of those projects that's even more fun to make with other people — and you'll walk out wearing it.