Click here to see the full-size image.

A snippet of wedding gown lace hung from a simple gold chain creates a delicate necklace, certain to become a cherished family heirloom. Personalize your jewelry even further by adding a pendant that's hand-stamped with a significant date of your choice.  As you pass it down through your family, each wearer can add their own pendant to truly make this an heirloom memory piece. Our custom pendant came from BragAboutIt on etsy.com.
 
You will need:
-1 metre  gold link chain (available at bead/jewelry supply stores)
-1 gold clasp
-2 gold jump rings
-Wire cutters
-Lace
-Fabric stiffener (equal parts white craft glue and water mixed in a non-reactive bowl)
-Scissors

Here's how to do it:
Step 1: Find and cut a piece of lace with a pleasing pattern. Immerse in fabric stiffener solution and lay out to dry in a sheet of waxed paper. Repeat if necessary to achieve desired stiffness (ours only required one coat).
 
Step 2: Decide how you would like the lace to sit on the necklace and attach 2 jump rings into the lace at appropriate intervals.
 
Step 3: Use wire cutters to snip the chain to your desired length and attach chain to jump rings already secured in the lace.

Optional: Snip the length of chain that runs behind your lace piece, or leave it.
 
Step 4: Attach 1 jump ring to each end of your chain and affix clasp to the jump rings. Enjoy wearing a moment of happy family history!

Get inspired with special tips, expert advice, recipes and crafts in our weddings feature.